Jet Li Reveals the Key to Mastering Self-Defense
Jet Li Reveals the True Secret of Self-Defense and Talks About His Acting Journey
Martial arts legend Jet Li recently sat down for a revealing conversation where he discussed his approach to self-defense, his rigorous acting preparation, and his journey in Hollywood. Known for his lightning-fast moves and disciplined training, Li surprised many by sharing that the key to self-defense isn’t just physical technique—it’s attitude.
The Power of a Smile in Self-Defense
When asked about his “secret” to self-defense, many expected a discussion on fighting techniques. However, Li shared a deeper perspective, explaining that self-defense is more about mindset than combat skills. His advice? A simple smile. “When you hurt people, they will seek revenge, and the cycle never stops,” he said. Instead, he believes in diffusing conflicts with positivity, making people happy rather than engaging in violence.
Mastering the Drunken Style of Fighting
Li also touched on the unique “Drunken Style” of martial arts, a technique that mimics the unpredictable, swaying movements of an intoxicated person. Despite its appearance, practitioners maintain complete mental clarity, using fluid motions to evade attacks while confusing opponents. Demonstrating the style humorously, he showcased how unpredictability in movement can be an advantage in a fight.
The Challenges of Hollywood Action Scenes
Reflecting on his Hollywood experience, Li shared anecdotes about working on Lethal Weapon 4 with Mel Gibson. On his first day on set, he moved so fast during a fight scene that Gibson could barely follow his attacks. The director even had to remind him, “Jet, you can do everything, but don’t hurt Mel!”
Beyond the fight choreography, Li also revealed a personal quirk—his dislike of people touching his hair during fight scenes. “You can beat me up, you can kill me, but don’t touch my hair,” he joked.
Transforming for His Role in Unleashed
Li also opened up about his emotionally intense role in Unleashed, where he played a man trained as a human attack dog. To fully immerse himself in the character, Li worked with an acting coach and even avoided thinking about his own identity. The process was so draining that he took a full year off from acting after the film wrapped.
From China to the White House
Li’s career has taken him from Beijing to Hollywood, but one of his most fascinating early experiences was performing at the White House in 1974 during President Nixon’s administration. At a time when U.S.-China relations were tense, Li recalled hearing rumors that his hotel room had been bugged. As a test, he jokingly spoke to the mirror, requesting chocolates and bananas. The next morning, he found that everything he had mentioned had been delivered to his room—a humorous but telling experience about international surveillance during the Cold War.
Staying in Peak Condition at 42
Despite being in his 40s at the time of the interview, Li maintained an impressive level of physical fitness. His secret? Meditation and badminton. While unconventional compared to traditional martial arts training, Li explained that badminton helps with agility, hand-eye coordination, and keeping the body active.
A Legend On and Off the Screen
Jet Li’s combination of wisdom, humor, and unparalleled martial arts skill has made him a beloved figure in action cinema. Whether he’s discussing the philosophy behind self-defense, his experiences working with Hollywood stars, or his personal journey, one thing remains clear—Jet Li is much more than just a martial artist. He’s a storyteller, a philosopher, and a true cinematic icon.
