Tom Hardy first discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 while visiting a boxing gym in West London, according to coach Carlos Santos.

Santos was teaching a grappling class when Hardy noticed students training in gis across the room.
Although the actor had previously starred in the MMA-themed film Warrior, Santos initially hesitated to let him fully train because of concerns surrounding his knee.

Santos instead suggested an introductory class, and Hardy returned the following day to begin training.
Here is what he had to say in an interview with MMA Fighting:

He will never stop doing Jiu-Jitsu anymore.
Jiu-jitsu is in his blood, in his soul, in his heart.

According to Santos, Hardy quickly became obsessed with the sport and began training extensively:

He’s a great champion. He’s very special. He really loves jiu-jitsu.
It’s so nice to see someone dedicate like that to the art.

Santos, a black belt under Roger Gracie, also explained that Hardy prefers to train like a regular student despite his celebrity status:

He wants to enjoy the art like a normal person.
He always does group classes too. I admire that about him.

Famous people usually want private classes.
He did that at first so he could understand the art, but then he asked to be on the group class too.

Hardy has continued training while filming movies as well:

His stuntman trains jiu-jitsu because of him. They practice together when they’re filming.

I’m very happy and honored to train him.
He really is expanding the art. He loves the culture.

 

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