10 Martial Arts Movie Heroes Based On Real-Life People, Including Ip Man (2025)

Countless incredible martial arts movies have heroes based on real historical figures. As the stories of notable martial artists were intrinsically linked with real history, long-standing myths, and iconic folk legends, it’s no surprise that many real-life people find their way into action-packed martial arts movies. One notable example was Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Yip Man in the Ip Man franchise, but there have been several more acclaimed instances of this across the length and breadth of martial arts cinema.

Some of the greatest martial arts movies ever made use real people as the basis for their stories. Classics of 1970s kung fu cinema have taken the iconic stories of Shaolin monks and blessed audiences with incredible, often heavily altered, representations of real stories. This historical context can add extra depth to martial movies, as the social and political circumstances of the eras they represent become even more resonant through the use of real people with fascinating legacies.

10 Frank Dux

Bloodsport (1989)

Newt Arnold’s martial arts movie Bloodsport felt like the stuff of pure fiction, although viewers may be shocked to learn that Frank Dux, the fighter played by Jean Claude Van Damme, was a real person. Bloodsport told the story of Dux, a United States Army Captain and ninjutsu practitioner, participating in an illegal full-contact martial arts tournament named Kumite in Hong Kong. With intense fight sequences that took bloody battles to their absolute extreme, the fact that Bloodsport claimed to have its origins in truth made it all the more shocking.

The story goes that Bloodsport co-writer Sheldon Lettich knew the real Dux and had listened to many of his outrageous stories, many of which he says later proved to be false (via Asian Movie Pulse.) However, these stories sparked Lettich’s imagination enough to write the movie’s script. Bloodsport became a hit at the box office, kickstarted Van Damme’s career, and has maintained a cult following. The Bloodsport series continued with sequels focusing on other fictional characters, and the real Frank Dux even told his version of his life story in the 1996 memoir The Secret Man.

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Bloodsport

r

Sport

Action

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in the martial arts movie Bloodsport as a fictional version of the real-life Frank Dux, a U.S. Army officer who participated in a secret underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Directed by Newt Arnold, the 1988 action film helped establish Van Damme as a Hollywood star.

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*Availability in US

Director

Newt Arnold

Release Date

February 26, 1988

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distributor(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Writers

Sheldon Lettich

Cast

Jean Claude Van Damme , Leah Ayres , Forest Whitaker , Donald Gibb , Roy Chiao

Runtime

92minutes

Budget

$1.5 million

9 Zhang Sanfeng

Tai Chi Master (1993)

Jet Li portrayed the real man Zhang Sanfeng in Tai Chi Master, a legendary Chinese Taoist believed to have invented tai chi. Zhang’s life has become intrinsically linked with myth, as although he was believed to have existed, it’s also said that he achieved immortality (via Pure Insight) in his pursuit of martial arts and spiritual greatness. Tai Chi Master explored Zhang’s life growing up in a Shaolin Temple and participation in an ongoing conflict with the government.

While Tai Chi Master likely fictionalized much of Zhang’s story, it was the thrilling onscreen pairing of Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh that made this depiction truly worthwhile. With a mix of martial arts and comedy, Tai Chi Master showcased the legacy of its protagonist while also carving out an intensely entertaining Wuxia movie. As a mythic figure with endless portrayal potential, Tai Chi Master was just one version of the legendary life of Zhang Sanfeng.

8 San Te

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin was a defining film by Shaw Brothers Productions that starred Gordon Liu as a highly fictionalized version of the real monk San Te. Liu’s acclaimed performance showcased this legendary Shaolin martial arts disciple who trained under the general Chi Shan. As one of the most acclaimed kung fu movies of all time, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin was the start of a trilogy that continued to tell stories based around the Shaolin temple in Return to the 36th Chamber and Disciples of the 36th Chamber.

San Te lived in the early 18th century, and although his true history remains mysterious, his martial arts skills were impactful enough that he’s remained an important figure in Shaolin history. While The 36th Chamber of Shaolin was the most famous depiction of San Te’s story, he’s also appeared in countless other kung fu films. Another memorable San Te appearance was in Sammo Hung’s directorial debut, The Iron Fisted Monk.

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

R

Action

Adventure

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin follows Lui, a young man who escapes a Manchu attack and seeks martial arts training to avenge his fallen comrades. Set against the backdrop of anti-Ching resistance, Lui's journey leads him to the Shaolin Monastery, where he undergoes rigorous training.

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Director

Lau Kar-leung

Release Date

February 2, 1978

Writers

Ni Kuang

Cast

Gordon Liu Chia-hui , Lo Lieh , John Cheung Ng-Long , Wilson Tong , Wa Lun , Hon Kwok-Choi , Lau Kar-Wing , Wai Wang , Chen Szu-Chia , Wong Ching-Ho , Woo Wang-Daat , Lee Hoi-Sang , Keung Hon , Hao Li-Jen , Shum Lo , Lui Tat , Chan Shen , Chiang Nan , Aai Dung-Gwa , Yuen Siu-Tien , Wang Han-Chen , Peter Chan Lung , Henry Yu Yang , Ng Hong-Sang , Norman Chui Siu-Keung

Character(s)

Liu Yu-de / Monk San Ta , General Tien Ta , Lord Cheng , Lord Tang San-yao , Liu Yu-de's Classmate , Lin Zhen , General Yin , Teacher Ho , Yien Pin, Teacher Ho's Assistant , Liu Yu-de's Father , Shaolin Abbot , Shaolin Justice Officer , Abbot in Charge of Cleanliness , Abbot in Charge of Top Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Dining Hall , Abbot in Charge of Arm Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Wrist Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Eye Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Head Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Boxing Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Leg Chamber , Abbot in Charge of Staff Chamber / Soldier , Hung Hsi-kuan, San Ta's Student , Tung Qian-jin, San Ta's Student , Lu Ah-cai, San Ta's Student

Runtime

115 minutes

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65GQtH6pzTY

7 Zhao Zilong

Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon (2008)

Zhao Zilong was a military general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period of China who was involved in major battles during the 220s AD. As a prominent figure in Chinese and Japanese popular culture, Zhao has been depicted in many movies, most notably by Andy Lau in Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon. This version of Zhao’s story was partially based on the 14th-century Chinese classical novel of the same and tied together the historical records, general perceptions, and legendary status of his life.

Lau captured the essence of General Zhao with his portrayal of the impact of the Northern Expeditions. However, the real historical record of Zhao Zilong, also known as Zhao Yun, remains unclear. Much of his legacy has been influenced by the vast assortment of art, literature, and fictional retellings that have been shared over the past several centuries.

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Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon

R

Action

History

Drama

Director

Daniel Lee

Release Date

April 3, 2008

Writers

Daniel Lee , Chi Keung Fung , Lau Ho-leung

Cast

Andy Lau Tak-Wah , Sammo Hung , Maggie Q , Damian Lau Chung-Yan , Ti Lung , Elliot Ngok , Andy On , Yu Rongguang , Chen Zhihui , Vanness Wu , Du Yiheng , Ji Chunhua , Timmy Hung , Jiang Hongbo , Wang Hongtao , Ding Haifeng , Pu Cunxin , Zhao Erkang , Bai Jing

Character(s)

Zhao Zilong , Luo Ping-An , Cao Ying , Cao Cao , Guan Yu , Liu Bei , Dan Zhi , Han De , Zhang Fei , Zhao Bao , Deputy General of the Vanguard , General of the Vanguard , Han Yin , Ruan Er , Huang Zhong , Zhang Bao , Zhuge Liang , Ruan's Father , Mrs. Mi

Runtime

101 Minutes

Main Genre

Action

6 Bruce Lee

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)

While it is practically certain that any martial arts movie lover will be well aware that Bruce Lee was a real person, since his death in 1973, his legacy has grown so great that he is a martial arts movie hero in his own right. From biopic portrayals in films like Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story to even showing up in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Lee has become a true movie legend whose iconic persona will live on in martial arts cinema for generations to come.

While Lee’s movies like The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, and Enter the Dragon are undisputed classics, actors have also portrayed Lee in modern films like the Ip Man series and the Chinese TV show The Legend of Bruce Lee. With an impact that far exceeded his five leading roles in feature-length Hong Kong martial arts films, it’s astounding that Lee’s legacy today has become as enshrined with myth that he's as notable as any other historical figures or Shaolin monk across martial arts cinema.

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Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story

PG-13

Drama

History

Action

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story is a biographical film depicting Bruce Lee's journey from martial arts training in childhood to establishing a kung-fu school in the United States. The film portrays his discovery by Hollywood and his rapid ascent to stardom as a charismatic action hero.

Director

Rob Cohen

Release Date

May 7, 1993

Writers

Edward Khmara

Cast

Jason Scott Lee , Lauren Holly , Robert Wagner , Michael Learned , Nancy Kwan , Lim Kay Tong , Ric Young , Wang Luoyong , Sterling Macer Jr. , Sven-Ole Thorsen , Ong Soo Han , Eric Bruskotter , Aki Aleong , Chao Li Chi , Sam Hau , Iain M. Parker , Michelle Tennant , Clyde Kusatsu , Alicia Tao , Go Shut-Fung , Chan Tat-Kwong , John Lacy , Harry Stanback , Michael Cudlitz , Forry Smith

Character(s)

Bruce Lee , Linda Lee , Bill Krieger , Vivian Emery , Gussie Yang , Philip Tan , Bruce's Father , Yip Man , Jerome Sprout , The Demon , Luke Sun , Joe Henderson , Principal Elder , Elder , Young Bruce , Brandon Lee , Shannon Lee , History Teacher , April Chun , Chef , Nunnemacher , Benny Sayles , Tad Overton , Green Hornet

Runtime

119 minutes

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnLr9UyK7VQ

5 Wong Kei-ying

Iron Monkey (1993)

While the story of the Chinese folk hero Wong Kei-Ying has often been overshadowed by the looming legacy of his far more frequently depicted son Wong Fei-hung, there have been occasional movies that focus primarily on the older Wong. One prime example of this was Iron Monkey, starring Donnie Yen, which told a fictionalized story of the father and son's encounter with the masked martial artist known as Iron Monkey. This unique take on well-known historical characters was made for thrilling viewing and even achieved wide release in the United States, a rare feat for a Hong Kong martial arts movie.

The real Wong Kei-ying was an important Hung Ga martial arts practitioner and helped open the doors for his son’s astounding legacy. With portrayals in many movies such as the Shaw Brothers Challenge of the Masters and in the Jackie Chan movie Drunken Master, the importance of the father's influence on the son has not been underrated in Hong Kong cinema.

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Iron Monkey

PG-13

Action

Crime

Drama

Iron Monkey is a Hong Kong martial arts film set in a corrupt Chinese village, where a masked bandit known as Iron Monkey robs the rich to aid the poor. The story unfolds as a traveling physician is coerced by the local governor into capturing the elusive bandit.

Director

Yuen Woo-ping

Release Date

September 3, 1993

Writers

Elsa Tang Bik-Yin , Tsui Hark

Cast

Donnie Yen , Yu Rongguang

Character(s)

Wong Kei-ying , Dr. Yang / Iron Monkey , Miss Orchid / Miss Ho , Wong Fei-hung , Wonder Palm Monk Hin Hung , Governor Cheng Pak Fong , Master Fox , Monk Hin Hung's Disciple , One of the Bad Monks , Governor's Favourite Mistress , Governor's Advisor , Fat rich patient , Chief of Thieves' Gang , Member of thieves' Gang , Constable , Member of thieves' Gang / Constable , Uncredited

Runtime

90 Mins

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj-MbKZliwo

4 Huo Yuanjia

Fearless (2006)

Huo Yuanjia was a member of the Chin Woo Athletic Association martial arts school in Shanghai and a heroic figure in the fight for Chinese sovereignty during the early 20th century. As a representation of the dignity of the Chinese people in the face of foreign aggression, it’s no surprise that Huo’s story has been featured several times in various film and television productions. While Huo acted as a mentor for Bruce Lee’s character in Fist of Fury, he’s also been the protagonist in many more productions.

The most famous version of Huo’s life story was in Fearless, the kung fu hit starring Jet Li. This story of Chinese pride and nationalism saw Huo stand up for the Chinese people while their culture was being attacked by Western imperialists and told the final years of the Qing dynasty before the birth of the Republic of China. As a defining figure in modern Chinese history, Li’s portrayal of Huo was both acclaimed and criticized as Yuanji’s descendants filed a lawsuit against the movie (via Variety) for perceived historical inaccuracies.

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Fearless

PG-13

Drama

Action

This biopic chronicles the life of Chinese martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who rises from personal tragedy and the despair of defeat to inspire his nation. Battling foreign challengers to restore pride, Huo becomes a symbol of Chinese resilience and spirit.

Director

Ronny Yu

Release Date

January 26, 2006

Writers

Chi-long To , Chris Chow

Cast

Jet Li , Sun Li , Dong Yong

Runtime

103 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

3 Ma Yongzhen

Boxer from Shantung (1972)

Boxer from Shantung was a martial arts film about Ma Yongzhen, a Hui Chinese martial artist who lived during the late Qing dynasty. By taking the real-life circumstances of this well-known fighter, Boxer from Shantung was able to represent the challenges of everyday people as Ma Yongzhen sought fortune in Shanghai and quickly became embroiled in a world of corruption and gang warfare. With plenty of adversaries at hand, Ma Yongzhen was forced to use his fighting skills to protect himself from this newfound cutthroat existence.

As a successful combination of kung fu gangster genres, this depiction of Ma Yongzhen’s story showed how real people’s histories could be used to tell an epic rags-to-riches tale set during the early 20th century. In many ways, Boxer from Shantung was like an Eastern equivalent to Scarface, as the aspirational goals of its character soon turned sour as crime and corruption took hold. As a Shaw Brothers classic, Boxer from Shantung was the most powerful depiction of Ma Yongzhen’s story ever told.

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Boxer from Shantung

Unrated

Action

Crime

Drama

Director

Chang Cheh

Release Date

February 11, 1972

Writers

Ni Kuang

Cast

Chen Kuan-Tai , Ching Li , Cheng Kang-Yeh , David Chiang Da-Wei , Chiang Nan , Fung Ngai , Ku Feng , Tin Ching , Wong Ching , Mario Milano , Chan Ho , Lee Man-Tai , Lu Wei , Shum Lo , Leung Seung-Wan , Wang Chung , Wang Kuang-Yu , Fung Hak-On , Tang Tak-Cheung , Yen Shi-Kwan , Huang Pei-Chih , Hsu Hsia , Wong Mei , Ling Hon , Wong Shu-Tong

Character(s)

Ma Yung Chen , Chin Lin Chi , Hsiao Chiang Bei , Tan Sze , Boss Yang , Fang Ah Gen , Chang Chin Fa , Li Caishun , Lu Pu , Russian Muscleman , Chin Lin Chi's Uncle , Innkeeper , Horse Carriage Maker , Tea House Owner , One of Ma's Men , One of Tan Si's Men , Tan Si's Coachman / Yang's Thug , Russian Muscleman Challenger

Runtime

134 minutes

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2EkPjlP_GQ

2 Wong Fei-hung

Drunken Master (1978)

Wong Fei-hung was a Chinese martial artist and folk hero whose life story has become the stuff of Chinese legend and whose legacy served as the basis for countless movies. Actors who have portrayed Wong include Gordon Liu, Jackie Chan, Kwan Tak-hing, Jet Li, Vincent Zhao, and Sammo Hung. Chan’s breakout role in Drunken Master from 1978 was famously based on the legend of Wong Fei-hung, as his expertise in Hung Ga martial arts was paired with Chan’s unique slapstick comedy style of martial arts moviemaking.

Over 100 films and television series featuring Wong have been produced, such as Challenge of the Masters with Gordon Liu and Last Hero in China starring Jet Li. Hong Kong actor Kwan Tak-hing starred as Wong in over 70 films and became so associated with the real man that he gained the nickname, Master Wong. As a truly legendary figure, the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall was even built in Foshan in 2000 to honor his legacy.

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Drunken Master

PG-13

Action

Comedy

Martial Arts

Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.

Director

Yuen Woo-ping

Release Date

October 5, 1978

Studio(s)

Golden Harvest Company , Seasonal Film Corporation

Distributor(s)

New World Pictures

Writers

Siao Lung , Ng See-yuen

Cast

Jackie Chan , Yuen Siu-tien , Hwang Jang-lee , Dean Shek , Lam Kau , Fung King-man

Character(s)

Wong Fei-hung , Beggar So , Yim Tit-sam , Wong Kei-ying , Fei-Hung's Aunt , Professor Kai-Hsien , Da Kuai-Dai , Ying's Student , Chen Kuo-Wei , Li Wan-Hao , Jerry Li , Iron Head Rat , King of Sticks Hsu Ching Tien , Gorilla , Hung's cousin , Master Chao , Restaurant boss's son , Buck-Toothed Waiter , Waiter , Man with Bucket of Greens

Runtime

110 Minutes

Sequel(s)

Drunken Master 2 , Drunken Master 3

Main Genre

Action

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ifduma1EBo

1 Yip Man

Ip Man (2008)

Donnie Yen’s portrayal of the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, also known as Yip Man, throughout the Ip Man franchise has turned the character into a modern martial arts movie legend. However, Ip Man was also a real person who trained in the art of Wing Chun from a young age and, after becoming a master, took on students, the most famous of whom was none other than Bruce Lee. Ip Man’s real-life struggles during the Second Sino-Japanese War were explored in the first movie, while later entries fleshed out his life in teaching Hong Kong and personal challenges.

While the epic villain fights seen across the Ip Man franchise may have taken some liberties with the truth, by all accounts, the real Ip was a master of martial arts, as seen by the timeless cinematic skill of his most famous student. Yip has also been portrayed in other movies such as Bruce Lee: The Man, The Myth, or Wong Kar-wai's The Grandmaster, starring Tony Leung. While Yen has been most commonly associated with playing Ip, his legacy was far more wide-reaching than just the Ip Man franchise.

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Ip Man

R

Action

Drama

Biography

Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film depicts Ip Man's efforts to protect his community and preserve his martial arts traditions despite the atrocities of war.

Director

Wilson Yip

Release Date

December 12, 2008

Writers

Edmond Wong

Cast

Donnie Yen , Simon Yam , Siu-Wong Fan , Hiroyuki Ikeuchi

Runtime

106 Minutes

Main Genre

Action

Sources: Asian Movie Pulse, Pure Insight, Variety