Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and MMA coach Dave Camarillo recently opened up about training Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in an interview on Eddie Bravo’s “Look Into It” podcast.
Camarillo revealed he’s been training Zuckerberg for about a year and a half, describing the tech billionaire as “fully invested” and “a beast” when it comes to his jiu-jitsu training.
“He shows up like Keanu Reeves. Like, I’m here to do a job. I’m all in,” Camarillo said of Zuckerberg’s dedication.
The connection came through Camarillo’s work training special operations forces. A contact from that world connected him with Zuckerberg in 2022 after Camarillo had lost his BJJ school due to the pandemic.
Camarillo says they bring in high-level training partners for Zuckerberg, including UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. He describes the training as a “developmental process of sharing information, gaining information and all of us getting better.”
While reluctant to share too many details, Camarillo did confirm Zuckerberg trains “a lot” and is serious about potentially competing in MMA one day. “He loves the sport…and he wants to compete with people who are serious,” Camarillo said.
The BJJ black belt seems impressed by Zuckerberg’s commitment and attitude, saying “he’s the real deal” and that training him has been an amazing experience that has reinvigorated Camarillo’s own passion for martial arts.
BJJ Black Belt Dave Camarillo says 14 month stint on John Wick Movie the Hardest thing he’s ever done
Renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Dave Camarillo recently opened up about his experience working on the blockbuster action film John Wick: Chapter 4. In an interview with Eddie Bravo, Camarillo revealed he spent 14 months as part of the core stunt team for the movie, calling it “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Camarillo, who has trained special operations forces and high-profile clients like Mark Zuckerberg, said he was brought onto the John Wick project after losing his jiu-jitsu school during the pandemic. He ended up moving to Los Angeles and becoming one of Keanu Reeves’ main trainers for the film.
“I was on that movie for 14 months, like from start to finish,” Camarillo said. He described grueling 12-hour days, six days a week preparing fight choreography and stunts.
As part of the core stunt team, Camarillo said he “got killed like 13 times total” in various background roles throughout the movie. He noted the intensity required for fight scenes, saying “You need to die, and I’m saying this over and over again, the most violent death you can think of.”
Camarillo praised Reeves’ dedication, saying the actor trains for six months before filming “worse than a fight camp” to embody the John Wick character.
“I was on that movie for 14 months, like from start to finish,” Camarillo said. “It was without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, by far.”
As part of the core stunt team, Camarillo helped choreograph and perform many of the film’s complex action sequences. He described 12-hour days spent meticulously planning and rehearsing fights to ensure they looked realistic while keeping the actors safe.
“You have to come in and hit Keanu and make it look like you’re trying to kill him, but you can’t touch him,” Camarillo explained. “Because if he goes down, then the production goes down. You’re petting a cobra.”
The process involved constant innovation to create dynamic, believable combat that pushed boundaries. Camarillo drew on his extensive martial arts background, including jiu-jitsu and judo, to develop unique moves and transitions.
“We’re all contributing,” he said of the stunt team’s collaborative approach. “I was doing a curriculum before we left for Germany.”
Camarillo also served as one of Keanu Reeves’ main trainers, working closely with the star for months to prepare him physically and technically for the demanding role.
While challenging, Camarillo called the experience “amazing” and said it opened up new career opportunities after the pandemic had forced him to close his jiu-jitsu academy. For martial arts fans, his behind-the-scenes insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the intense preparation behind John Wick’s renowned action sequences.
Ana de Armas trained Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing for John Wick spin off, Ballerina
Ana de Armas is elevating her action star status with her preparation for the upcoming “John Wick” spin-off, Ballerina. Known for her performances in Knives Out and No Time to Die, de Armas has undergone extensive training in Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing for her role as Eve Macarro, an orphan-turned-assassin. The film, set between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, follows Eve’s journey of revenge against those who destroyed her family, guided by Winston Scott (Ian McShane). The trailer teases high-energy action, including a flamethrower sequence, while showcasing de Armas’s dedication to the intense physicality required for the role. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film also features returning stars like Keanu Reeves and the late Lance Reddick. Despite initial plans for a 2024 release, Ballerina has been postponed to June 6, 2025.
