World famous actor Mickey Rourke has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past few years under the tutelage of Scott “Einstein” Epstein, a black belt under Eddie Bravo of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.
Rourke is 66 years old and according To Epstein, he is a 10th planet blue belt!
He started his acting career as a heartthrob in 80s and early 90s flicks including 9 and a half weeks, Barfly, Angel Heart and others.
Rourke stated about his Jiu-Jitsu training:
Training jiu jitsu and mma here in Beverly hills at 10th Planet West La with Scott “Einstein” Epstein is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only am I learning how to defend myself, but I am getting a great fat burning and muscle building workout too. It’s way better than going to the gym. Scott’s attention to detail and making sure that you really understand what you are doing is amazing. Not only that but everybody else from the other instructorss to all of the students are super friendly and welcoming. This truly is my second home when I’m not filming. Don’t be surprised id you see me doing some of my own stunts soon! LOL.
Even though he was awarded a blue belt in 10P Jiu-Jitsu, Rourke is very humble about his grappling abilities as you can see from what he said about rolling with BJJ legend Rigan Machado:
In 1991 he legt acting to pursue professional boxing for a time. His career lasted 3 years. Rourke’s amateur boxing record was 27 wins and 3 losses.
Much of Rourke’s acting acclaim later in his career came from the movie Wrestler that bears resemblance to his boxing carer – both him and his character have had the same walk out song, Guns and Roses Sweet Child of Mine.
Rourke was undefeated in eight fights, with six wins (four by knockout) and two draws. Rourke briefly returned to the boxing ring and fought 29-year-old Elliot Seymour in Moscow, Russia in 2014. He won via 2nd round knock out. The opponent has later come out and stated that he threw the fight and was paid to take a dive in the second round.
