Jun’ichi Okada and Hiroshi Tamaki brought their Netflix fame to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s European Championship in 2026.
The two Japanese actors star on the hit show The Last Samurai Standing.
“I work as an actor in Japan, but I’m challenging Europe.”
Okada said before his contest.
The 45 year old entered the Masters 3 black belt division. Okada, who got his black belt in October 2024, trains under Tomoyuki Hashimoto at CARPE DIEM gym.
“I work as an actor in Japan, and within that, I do a lot of action work. I think about how I can apply Brazilian jiu jitsu while practicing.”
The actor’s path to jiu jitsu came through boxing.
“I did boxing for 15 years and wanted to try a different sport.”
He said.
“When I wanted to become an actor, I encountered jiu jitsu. As Okada also says, there are parts that can be used as an actor, and I want to master jiu jitsu as well, so I’m enjoying it.”
For both competitors, the European Championship represents more than just medals. The intensity of high level competition offers something unique to seasoned performers.
“This heat is what makes this place special.”
Tamaki noted.
“Even as you get older, this is a sport you can continue to do. We’re competing in the Masters division but we have this experience and we can compete while colliding with everyone, really competing in technique. In that sense, I think this is a very meaningful event.”
Okada added:
“Having a place to challenge yourself while continuing is a really good thing. By continuing to practice with big competitions as a goal, I think your technique will improve even more. Once every few years, I want to create this kind of goal and try.”
The cultural connection between their acting work and martial arts training runs deep for both performers. Okada has extensively researched traditional Japanese body mechanics, which informs both his jiu jitsu practice and his frequent samurai roles.
“I’m really researching how to use the Japanese body, which I also use in action. I have many samurai roles, so please check out The Last Samurai Standing that we’re appearing in on Netflix.”
He said.
“Because I have many samurai roles, the origin of Brazilian jiu jitsu is in Japanese jiu jitsu. I’m researching and exploring that body usage to be able to use it properly.”
Despite earning his black belt, Okada maintains a student mindset.
“I’m still a purple belt, and I want to pursue it more and eventually become a black belt, of course.”
Tamaki said, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the art.
“But really, the most enjoyable part is that it’s a sport you can continue even as you age. I want many people to know that this is a healthy and enjoyable sport.”
Both actors encouraged viewers to watch their Netflix series, which has gained international attention. The show combines elements of traditional samurai culture with contemporary storytelling, allowing them to showcase the physical skills they’ve developed through years of martial arts training.
Jun’ichi Okada and Hiroshi Tamaki join the ranks of high profile individuals who still compete in public BJJ tournaments alongside Tom Hardy, Mark Zuckerberg and many others.
