10 Best Performances In Martial Arts TV Shows

The best martial arts TV shows all feature their version of high-octane action sequences, fighting choreography, and commanding performances from their leads that combine together to create a compelling series. The star doesn’t just need to give a compelling performance with his dialogue but also demonstrate legitimate martial arts skills and the physicality needed to pull off the sequences. The best shows will seamlessly combine all the elements to create an entertaining series that doesn’t really focus too much on the narrative or the action but creates a balance of both.

In a genre with many iconic performances, from David Carradine’s breakthrough role in Kung Fu way back in 1972 to William Zabka’s dynamic return to the iconic Karate Kid franchise in Cobra Kai, the stars continually provide an authentic and intense portrayal of martial arts. Whether it’s as a kung fu master, a martial arts icon, or someone just at the beginning of their journey, the roles all play a crucial element in the series. The actors must rely on their skills, training, and choreography to produce the best and most iconic performances of their careers.

10 Kevin Cheng – Ip Man (2013)

As Ip Man

Fan Xiaotian’s Ip Man sees Kevin Cheng take on the role of the legendary Chinese martial arts grandmaster who taught many students the art of Wing Chun, most famously, Bruce Lee. The series is set in the early 20th Century and romanticizes the life of the icon, showing his journey into martial arts and his personal and business struggles.

For a biographical series focused on realism, it should be noted that the real-life Ip Man’s sons, Ip Chun and Ip Ching, were tasked as martial arts consultants for the series, which adds a genuine quality to the action. Cheng gives the performance of his career, with impeccable Wing Chun techniques and a ruthless physicality that also defined the real Ip Man’s combat style. Though the show has flown under the radar, overshadowed by some bigger budget films about Ip Man, Cheng’s performance alone is enough to watch it.

9 Finn Jones – Iron Fist (2017-2018)

As Danny Rand/Iron Fist

Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and thus continuing the story from other franchise films and series, Iron Fist tells the story of Danny Rand (Finn Jones). Rand had been presumed dead after disappearing for 15 years, after spending his time as a Buddhist monk, learning martial arts, kung fu, and his ability to call upon the ‘Iron Fist’, a mythical power he can summon. He returns home to New York to discover his family’s business has been taken over by Harold Meachum, and he has to choose between family loyalties and his role as the Iron Fist.

In his breakout role, Jones had to prepare for a performance like never before, stating that he studied kung fu, wushu, and tai chi, along with extensive weight training and meditation practices. It’s this attention to detail that helped him perform as ably as he did, completing complex fighting scenes with close-quarter kung fu techniques. His character has a complex and layered nature, requiring a unique combination of skills, personality, and mysticism that Jones delivers to mostly universal acclaim.

8 Iko Uwais – Wu Assassins (2019)

As Kai Jin

In the American supernatural action series Wu Assassins, Iko Uwais stars as Kai Jin, a young Chinatown chef in San Francisco who gets involved in the Chinese Triad’s pursuit of deadly ancient powers. Kai learns he is the 1000th and final ‘Wu Assassin’ who have a lifelong duty to kill the five Wu Warlords. He is given a magical amulet that has the skill and power of 1000 monks that helps him enhance his powers and martial arts skills.

The series was given a follow-up sequel in the form of the 2022 American supernatural action thriller film,
Fistful of Vengeance
, directed by Roel Reiné.

Uwais, best known for his roles in The Raid series, brings a unique skill set to the table for his starring role as Kai. As well as acting, he has credits for stunt work and fight choreography, which helps elevate his role to new heights with his increased athleticism and understanding of fight scenes from both sides of the camera. It’s that added realism and authenticity that makes his portrayal stand out so much, bringing his character to life with exquisite skills and brutal power.

7 Danny Chan – The Legend Of Bruce Lee (2008)

As Bruce Lee

The Legend of Bruce Lee is a Chinese biographical series about the life and times of the ultimate icon in martial arts cinema, Bruce Lee. Danny Chan portrays the titular character in this 50-episode saga that pays tribute to all aspects of the legend’s life and career. Broken into seven distinct parts, it follows Lee’s early years in Hong Kong, his training and rise to martial arts master, his turn into a Hollywood superstar, and his untimely death at the age of just 32.

The Legend of Bruce Lee
is the most-watched Chinese television drama series of all time, as of 2017 (400 million viewers).

As well as developing the skills and mannerisms needed to accurately portray Bruce Lee, it also helps that Chan bears a remarkably striking resemblance to the martial arts icon. It’s clear that Chan put in a monumental amount of work in order to replicate Bruce Lee’s style so accurately, from legendary moments like his ‘one inch punch’ and his explosive Hollywood fight scenes, Chan nails every sequence. His charisma and natural similarities help make this Chan’s most confident and acclaimed performance of his career.

6 Wataru Ichinose – Sanctuary (2023-Present)

As Kiyoshi Oze/Enno

In a slightly different take on the martial arts genre that has definitely flown under the radar is the Japanese drama Sanctuary. It follows the story of Kiyoshi Oze (Wataru Ichinose), an outspoken and volatile young delinquent who, in order to make ends meet for himself and his family, decides to enter into the brutal world of professional sumo wrestling. Ichinose’s performance is incredibly gripping as a young man struggling with his own demons while trying to perform at the highest level of a sport he knows nothing about.

His portrayal of Kiyoshi Oze is graphic and unflinching, as he captures the raw struggles of a wayward youth who is trying to find themselves. Far from the typical acting role, it is one that he had to prepare for, both in terms of body composition and frame as well as learning the intricate and devastating art of Sumo. His dedication to the process is evident in all his fight scenes as he has mastered the nuance of the sport, and the show brings a spotlight to a martial art that is so revered but also so overlooked in terms of media coverage.

5 Charlie Cox – Daredevil (2015-2018)

As Matt Murdock/Daredevil

Charlie Cox stars as Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, in this Netflix series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It tells the story of Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights crime in the court of law during the day, but then turns into a superhero vigilante by night. It should be noted that while he is technically a superhero, he doesn’t possess any extraordinary abilities apart from heightened senses that can help him ‘see’ as he is using his martial arts skills to defeat the criminal underworld of Hell’s Kitchen.

Cox had to undergo extensive physical and skill-based training to effectively play the part of Daredevil. He trained in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu as well as worked on his physical condition in order to complete the fight sequences and bring the physicality needed to the character. The show has many incredible fights, particularly the ‘phone booth’ style one-take hallway sequences that have become a trademark of the show. Cox’s innate ability to portray a masked vigilante able to mercilessly beat his enemies while also displaying vulnerable moments makes it one of his finest ever performances.

4 David Carradine – Kung Fu (1972-1975)

As Kwai Chang Caine

In a series that, in no small part, helped introduce and educate a widespread mainstream audience about martial arts, David Carradine stars as Kwai Chang Caine. Caine is the orphaned son of an American father and Chinese mother, who trains at a Shaolin Monastery, where he grows up to become a Shaolin priest and martial arts expert. He then travels across the American West to find his half-brother, while also using his martial arts skills to dish out justice and protection when he sees fit.

The series’ phrases and aphorisms are adapted or directly from the Tao Te Ching, a book of ancient Taoist philosophy written by Lao-tzu.

It can’t be understated how influential this show was at the time, and it’s possible some other shows on this list may not have been developed if not for the trailblazing work of Carradine. His calm persona and incredible martial arts ability quickly made him an icon in this 62-episode-long drama. While not as physical as some of the others, Carradine made sure every movement had a purpose, effortlessly displaying his skill on larger opponents, and he laid the groundwork for more modern martial arts work in Western film and television.

3 Andrew Koji – Warrior (2019-2023)

As Ah Sahm

Based on an original concept and treatment by martial arts icon Bruce Lee, Warrior is set during the Tong Wars of 1870s San Francisco and follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji). Sahm is a Chinese immigrant and martial arts prodigy who gets drawn into the criminal underbelly and brutal gangland scene in hopes of finding his sister, who has gone missing since they arrived in the area.

Koji dropped out of university at age 19 to focus full-time on acting and martial arts, studying and competing in various taekwondo tournaments, while also learning Shaolin kung fu at his local Shaolin Temple. It’s this background that helps Koji perform his incredible fight scenes and stunts that blend authentic martial arts with gritty street brawls. His commitment to his role and the fluidity and genuine ability on display create a masterpiece of martial arts media that has made him one to watch going forward.

2 William Zabka – Cobra Kai (2018-2025)

As Johnny Lawrence

In Robert Mark Kamen’s series sequel to the original The Karate Kid franchise, William Zabka reprises his role as the iconic bully and antagonist to star Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence. His portrayal in this latest installment is a fascinating character study, showing his journey from high school bully to depressed, absent father to eventual mentor and sensei to the new Cobra Kai dojo.

Zabka’s portrayal of the grown-up bully is both heart-wrenching and comical, with many bittersweet moments throughout the series. With six seasons and 55 episodes, his character arc and life story are able to be fully developed, showing growth and maturity throughout the series. The fight sequences and action are all more realistic and unpolished compared to the film, and Zabka’s performance, as well as the respect and homage paid to the original, is what makes this one of the most popular series of all time.

1 Daniel Wu – Into The Badlands (2015-2019)

As Sunny

Into the Badlands is a post-apocalyptic drama series that stars Daniel Wu as Sunny, a highly skilled and trained ‘clipper’ who is a loyal fighter and servant to the Badlands’ most powerful baron, Quinn. The series is set five hundred years in the future, in states between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River that have developed a feudal society where monopolies, divisions, and labor roles are all managed to maintain some form of order.

Having developed an interest in martial arts when he first saw Jet Li in The Shaolin Temple, Wu began training in the martial art wushu at age 11. Wu’s early martial arts background gave him the ability to perform the stunts needed to solidify his portrayal as the most feared assassin in the Badlands. The series has an action-heavy narrative blended with stylized choreography and beautiful visuals, which help make it a must-watch show, and Wu’s intricate fight scenes and perfect delivery in both acting and martial arts make it the best performance in a martial arts series to date.