From Screen to Mat: ‘The Last of Us’ Star Bella Ramsey Shows Off Impressive Jiu-Jitsu Skills on Jonathan Ross Show

HBO’s hit show “The Last of Us” has been captivating audiences worldwide, but fans of both the apocalyptic drama and martial arts got an unexpected treat when star Bella Ramsey demonstrated some serious jiu-jitsu moves during their recent appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.

If you thought Ramsey was just acting tough as the survivor Ellie in the post-apocalyptic thriller, think again. The 20-year-old actor proved they’ve got legitimate martial arts chops when they broke down some basic jiu-jitsu techniques for a visibly impressed Jonathan Ross.

When Hollywood Meets the Mats: Ramsey’s Surprising BJJ Journey

During the light-hearted segment, Ramsey explained how they’ve been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for several months now, describing it as “the perfect outlet for both physical training and mental discipline” during their demanding filming schedule.

“It’s actually been incredibly helpful for stunt work,” Ramsey explained while demonstrating a basic guard position. “There’s something about knowing how to control your body and someone else’s that translates perfectly to screen fighting.”

The audience erupted in applause when Ramsey smoothly demonstrated a technical sweep, carefully explaining the mechanics to Ross, who jokingly asked if he should be worried about his safety during the interview.

Pascal and Ramsey: The Jiu-Jitsu Connection

Perhaps even more interesting for MMA fans was Ramsey’s revelation about their “The Last of Us” co-star Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel in the series.

“Pedro actually introduced me to jiu-jitsu,” Ramsey shared. “He’s been training for years to prepare for various roles. Between takes, we’d sometimes talk about techniques or show each other moves we’d been working on.”

This isn’t Pascal’s first connection to martial arts. The actor previously trained extensively for his role in “The Mandalorian” and has spoken in past interviews about his appreciation for combat sports.

According to Ramsey, Pascal has achieved his blue belt and regularly trains when his filming schedule allows. “He’s genuinely passionate about it,” Ramsey added. “It’s not just for show or for roles.”

Hollywood’s Growing BJJ Community

Ramsey and Pascal join a growing list of Hollywood stars embracing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including:

Why BJJ Appeals to Actors

I’ve noticed this trend of actors gravitating toward jiu-jitsu for years now, and there are some clear reasons why. The discipline offers practical benefits for performers who need to master complex physical movements and maintain peak fitness for demanding roles.

“It’s like playing chess with your body,” Ramsey explained. “You’re constantly thinking several moves ahead while being completely present in the moment. That mental discipline is incredibly valuable when you’re performing emotionally intense scenes for hours on end.”

For performers who often play tough or action-oriented characters, there’s also something authentic about actually possessing real combat skills rather than just pretending. Fans can often tell the difference between actors who truly understand fighting movements versus those who are just going through choreographed motions.

Will We See More BJJ in “The Last of Us” Season 2?

When Ross asked if any of their jiu-jitsu training might make it into future episodes of “The Last of Us,” Ramsey played coy but didn’t rule it out.

“I can’t reveal too much about Season 2, but I will say that Ellie needs to become increasingly capable of defending herself in that world. The skills I’m developing aren’t just for fun—they inform how I approach physical scenes and fight choreography.”

For MMA fans who are also viewers of the show, this crossover between one of HBO’s biggest hits and the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu represents an exciting collision of entertainment and martial arts worlds.

Whether you’re a grappler who appreciates seeing proper technique showcased on mainstream television or just a fan of the show curious about the actors’ off-screen lives, Ramsey’s demonstration was a reminder that the discipline and mindset of martial arts continues to influence entertainment in meaningful ways.

Want to Follow Ramsey’s BJJ Journey?

While Ramsey doesn’t post extensively about their training online, they mentioned during the interview that they occasionally share training highlights through their social media channels. For fans interested in both “The Last of Us” and martial arts, it might be worth keeping an eye on their profiles for more glimpses into their jiu-jitsu progress.

Have you noticed other celebrities embracing Brazilian jiu-jitsu or other martial arts? Let us know in the comments!