Best known for seamlessly blending Hollywood action with genuine martial arts experience, Michael Jai White is a versatile actor. He is one of the few actors who have mastered martial arts in real life as well as on screen.

In a video posted by @welcometotheculture on Instagram, White broke down one of his most effective techniques: the sidekick.

“See, if I’m fighting you, it’s just basically there. My chamber is here. Everything’s moving forward. I trained it to be this close. So, even in punching range, I’m basically able to do that. It’s going straight at you. How do you get away from that? If you’re in that trajectory, you’re kind of sc*****, right?” White explained.

White demonstrated how he takes a small step with his lead leg sideways while rotating his hip, but keeping his shoulder straight, before delivering a kick. This small step makes his body a smaller target, gets him in line for the sidekick, and confuses the opponent, all in one. 

White also demonstrated the aspect of the sidekick when the distance is too much between the fighters. However, a slight skip forward, executed perfectly, is all it takes to land a powerful side kick to the chest.

The legend delivered a very powerful message to viewers here. He reminded fans that fighting is not simply about speed or strength; there are other important aspects to it. Strategy, timing, and precision are just as important as having power.

Of course, mastering these took White decades of unrelentless practice.

Michael Jai White’s Journey Into Martial Arts

White was never introduced or pushed into the world of martial arts by his family or friends. It was a journey of self-exploration. As per an interview with Coach, White recalled how he had to learn martial arts at the age of 7 as a form of self-defence.

“I was an insecure kid growing up in a harsh environment. Martial arts was my armor,” he recalled.

It’s interesting to note that not even his own mother knew that White was attending martial arts classes in secrecy. In fact, his mother was opposed to him learning the art, thinking it would do more harm than good.

“She thought I would use it to fight and get in trouble, so she didn’t let me go.”

However, none of this discouraged White, who continued the journey on his own. By the time he was 13, he was powerful, skilled, and could easily take down older boys.

When asked what his secret was to being so agile and moving swiftly, even with his massive physique, he revealed his simple secret. 

“I’ve always worked on explosiveness. I have never wanted to sacrifice speed during my reps”.

White’s journey proves that sometimes, the greatest passions are born out of a compulsion to stay safe or protect others.

Have you ever taken martial arts classes, or would you be interested in training like Michael Jai White?

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Written by

Avantika Das