OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Henry Cavill, the actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel, has shared his passion for jiu-jitsu, highlighting how the martial art has captured his interest beyond his Hollywood career. In a candid interview, Cavill spoke about his love for the sport and the privilege of training under UFC legend Roger Gracie, calling it “extraordinary” and a deeply intellectual experience.

While Cavill’s career has been marked by numerous blockbuster roles, from Mission: Impossible – Fallout to his return as Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, he has maintained a quiet but intense dedication to jiu-jitsu. In a six-year-old interview during the promotional phase for Mission Impossible: Fallout, Cavill opened up about how he became immersed in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the profound impact it had on him.

For Cavill, jiu-jitsu isn’t just about physical strength or combat—it’s about strategy, intelligence, and mental agility. He explained that “jiu-jitsu is a thinking sport,” noting that the art requires constant mental engagement, making it unique among other martial arts. “It forces you to start thinking,” Cavill said, emphasizing that the challenge of problem-solving in real-time is one of the key aspects that attracted him to jiu-jitsu. As a fighter, you’re always in a state of calculation, anticipating moves, responding to pressure, and adapting strategies.

One of the highlights of Cavill’s jiu-jitsu journey has been his training under Roger Gracie, a legendary figure in the world of mixed martial arts and one of the most respected names in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Cavill expressed how special it was to learn from such a distinguished professor, sharing that it’s “an absolute privilege” to train with someone of Gracie’s caliber.

Through his training, Cavill found that jiu-jitsu not only pushed him physically but also mentally. The combination of challenging techniques and strategic depth made it an incredibly rewarding experience for the actor. “It’s extraordinary how much it gasses you straight away,” Cavill added, underscoring the physical toll that comes with training but also the mental focus required in each session.

As Cavill continues to balance his acting career with his passion for martial arts, it’s clear that his love for jiu-jitsu remains a constant in his life. For fans and fellow martial artists alike, it’s refreshing to see such a high-profile actor openly discuss the mental rigor and intellectual challenge of the sport. For Cavill, it’s not just about fighting—it’s about thinking, learning, and constantly evolving.\

In his own words, “That’s what I like about jiu-jitsu the most—it is a thinking sport.” It’s this combination of strategy, intellect, and physical endurance that has made jiu-jitsu an integral part of Cavill’s life, and it’s a passion that continues to shape both his body and mind.