Bella Ramsey Shows Off Impressive Jiu-Jitsu Skills on Jonathan Ross Show – Why MMA Fans Should Take Notice

Hollywood stars taking up martial arts isn’t new, but when “The Last of Us” star Bella Ramsey hits a live TV takedown while rocking a suit, the MMA world should definitely pay attention.

Last weekend, Ramsey appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show and gave viewers way more than the typical celebrity chat when they demonstrated some serious jiu-jitsu skills that would make even seasoned grapplers nod in approval.

From Zombie Apocalypse to BJJ Enthusiast

I’ve seen plenty of celebrities claim they “train” for movie roles, but Ramsey’s technique looked legit. The 20-year-old actor, who plays Ellie in HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us,” didn’t just talk about training – they showed it by executing a perfect takedown on host Jonathan Ross.

Wearing formal attire that would normally restrict movement, Ramsey smoothly demonstrated a fundamental hip toss that sent Ross (who volunteered as the practice dummy) to the floor with surprising control.

Insert image of Bella Ramsey demonstrating the takedown on Jonathan Ross here

When Hollywood Gets Martial Arts Right

Unlike many actors who learn just enough martial arts to fake it on camera, Ramsey appears to have genuine grappling fundamentals. Their stance, grip, and hip positioning during the demonstration showed more than just a week of crash-course training.

What impressed me most was Ramsey’s obvious understanding of control throughout the move. They didn’t just throw Ross; they controlled his descent with proper technique – something that takes consistent training to develop.

The Pedro Pascal Connection

During the show, Ramsey also chatted about their “Last of Us” co-star Pedro Pascal, revealing their tight off-screen relationship. This got me wondering – could Pascal be training in martial arts too? His “Mandalorian” fighting scenes certainly suggest some background training.

With more Hollywood A-listers embracing combat sports (from Tom Hardy’s BJJ competitions to Halle Berry’s extensive MMA training for “Bruised”), we’re seeing a generation of actors who aren’t just playing fighters but becoming legitimate martial artists.

Why This Matters for MMA Culture

When mainstream stars like Ramsey showcase legitimate martial arts skills on prime-time television, it helps normalize combat sports for wider audiences. This cultural crossover has been tremendous for growing interest in MMA beyond its traditional fan base.

What’s particularly cool is seeing young stars embrace the technical aspects of jiu-jitsu rather than just the flashy striking that dominated older action films. This reflects the evolution of martial arts knowledge among the general public – something we can thank the growth of MMA for.

Celebrities Who’ve Shown Serious Combat Sports Dedication

Could Ramsey’s Training Be for a Future Role?

While Ramsey didn’t specify how long they’ve been training, their comfort level suggests it’s not just a recent hobby. Could this hint at an upcoming action role that requires more physical performance? Or is Ramsey simply among the growing number of celebrities finding genuine passion in martial arts training?

Either way, as someone who’s covered MMA for years, I always appreciate seeing proper technique displayed rather than the exaggerated movie versions of martial arts that dominated previous decades.

Want to Train Like Bella?

If Ramsey’s demonstration sparked your interest in trying jiu-jitsu, you’re in luck – Brevard County has several excellent BJJ and MMA training facilities. The growing popularity of grappling arts means classes are more accessible than ever, with options for complete beginners through advanced practitioners.

Unlike the zombie apocalypse training Ellie might need, real jiu-jitsu offers practical self-defense skills while providing an incredible workout that builds both physical strength and mental focus.

The Bottom Line

While Bella Ramsey might be better known for fighting fictional zombies, their real-world martial arts skills deserve respect. In an entertainment landscape still filled with questionable fight choreography, it’s refreshing to see a young star put in the actual mat time to develop legitimate technique.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Ramsey competing in a celebrity BJJ tournament next – I’d certainly tune in to watch that.

Have you tried jiu-jitsu or been inspired by a celebrity to start martial arts training? Drop a comment below about your experience!