Keith Jardine, a celebrated former competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, also participated in some stunt performances for the movie John Wick. ‘The Dean of Mean’ recently spoke about some of his time working on set and the rapport he developed with Keanu Reeves, the actor who played the primary role, even before cameras started rolling. It is also interesting to note that Reeves had previously trained in the art of jiu-jitsu with world-renowned expert Jean Jacques Machado.
When questioned about any direct jiu jitsu training undertaken with Keanu Reeves and whether they ever participated in any sparring sessions together on the mats, Jardine stated [as reported by Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Yes. No, not at all. I encountered Keanu [Reeves], he’s always been a follower of the UFC. I met him at, I can’t recall which specific event, but I was present at a fight and he was also watching the same fight. That’s where I first met him, and it was a great experience. He subsequently remembered me on set. But prior to filming, I’m certain he trained. Because he dedicated himself to intense training in preparation for this role. For several months prior to the commencement of filming, he underwent training with the team at 87Eleven.”
“However, on set, it’s important to recognize that the entire film, much like a movie I once worked on where the narrative revolved around Brendan Fehr and he appeared in virtually every scene, similarly, John Wick is present in every scene and he’s in a constant state of duress, physically. He consistently exerts himself, performing his role with complete commitment. He delivers his performance with unwavering dedication and pace, then essentially crawls back to his chair and lets out an exhausted sigh, as he sits down. They then proceed to reposition the cameras or perform any necessary adjustments, until he is able to summon the energy to rise and resume his role.”
“So, no [laughs], we did not engage in any grappling. We refrained from any activities of that nature. However, I found his work ethic to be remarkably impressive. His optimism and enthusiasm were constantly on display, as he persistently recommitted to his role without complaint, without requesting time for respite or requesting to retreat to his trailer for a brief period of recuperation, despite his evident need for it.”
Despite this, Keith Jardine is pursued by a former WWE personality and current film performer interested in grappling with him.
Just because Keanu Reeves didn’t engage in grappling with the individual who once defeated Chuck Liddell, it doesn’t preclude the possibility of other prominent figures in Hollywood desiring that particular experience, as Jardine humorously noted:
“I’ve previously collaborated with Batista. He has expressed interest in engaging me in grappling sessions. However, we have never managed to arrange such a session. But he is undoubtedly willing and enthusiastic, that individual.”
