Unleashing the Hidden Skills: Discover Which 9 Power Rangers Actors are Real-Life Martial Artists!

Not only are the Power Rangers known for their impressive martial arts skills, but some of the actors who portrayed them were already trained in martial arts prior to taking on their roles. These actors not only played Power Rangers, but also had expertise in various forms of martial arts before joining the franchise. As a result, they are both martial artists on-screen and off-screen.

The Power Rangers franchise was first introduced in 1993 with the debut of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The series follows a group of powerful teenagers who are mentored by the wizard Zordon. With the help of training and powerful machines called Zords, these teens are able to transform into the Power Rangers. Their primary adversary is the villain Rita Repulsa. Since its inception, the Power Rangers have been featured in numerous television series and movies that continue to be produced today. The franchise is based on the Japanese show, Super Sentai.

9 Johnny Yong Bosch

8 Austin St. John

Johnny Yong Bosch, an actor and martial artist, joined the Power Rangers franchise in 1994, taking on the role of Adam Park, the Black Power Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Despite being the second actor to portray the Black Ranger, Bosch stayed with the franchise until 1997. Alongside his portrayal of the Black Ranger, Bosch also appeared in Power Rangers: The Movie and later became the Green Power Ranger in Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo. Prior to his time as a Power Ranger, Bosch dedicated his childhood to studying martial arts. Inspired by icons such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, he took it upon himself to self-teach martial arts. Eventually, he pursued formal training and even achieved success in various martial arts competitions.

Austin St. John first portrayed the iconic character of Jason Lee Scott, also known as the Red Power Ranger, in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers back in 1993. Although he departed from the series in 1994 due to behind-the-scenes issues, St. John made subsequent appearances, notably in Power Rangers Zeo as a recurring character. He also guest-starred in select episodes of both Power Rangers Wild Force and Power Rangers Beast Morphers. Similar to his on-screen persona, St. John's upbringing involved a deep involvement in martial arts, with his father serving as his instructor. He has achieved impressive rankings in various disciplines, holding a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a first-degree black belt in Judo, and a first-degree black belt in Kenpo.

7 Blake Foster

Though Blake Foster began his acting career as the Huggies baby in 1986, he truly made a name for himself in 1997 when he took on the role of Justin Stewart, the Blue Turbo Ranger, in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie. He later appeared in both Power Rangers Turbo and Power Rangers In Space television series. Despite being only 12 years old when he joined the Power Rangers franchise, Foster had already acquired martial arts training and earned a black belt in karate in 1996.

6 Naomi Scott

Surprisingly, actor Naomi Scott possesses a black belt in karate, which she acquired during her youth. In the 2017 film Power Rangers, Scott portrayed Kimberly Hart, the Pink Power Ranger. Despite her limited appearances in the franchise, her martial arts background undoubtedly enhanced her portrayal of the character. Notably, Scott has attributed her black belt to greatly aiding her performances in films such as Power Rangers and Charlie's Angels.

5 Steve Cardenas

Steve Cardenas' introduction to Power Rangers occurred when he took on the role of Rocky DeSantos, the Red Power Ranger, in the second season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. In 1994, Cardenas stepped in as the replacement for Austin St. John, who had originally portrayed the Red Ranger but departed from the show. Following his stint as the Red Ranger, Cardenas continued his journey as the Blue Power Ranger in Power Rangers Zeo before ultimately bidding farewell to his Power Rangers career in Power Rangers Turbo. However, Cardenas made a memorable comeback in the 25th anniversary episode of Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, reprising his beloved role. Beyond his on-screen accomplishments, Cardenas has been practicing martial arts since the age of 12 and has attained impressive rankings, including a fifth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

4 Jason David Frank

Jason David Frank, famous for his roles as the Green Ranger and White Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, later took on the character of the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Zeo. Originally intended to depart after 14 episodes, Frank's portrayal of Tommy Oliver was so adored that he remained a part of the series. Although Frank and the rest of the original cast eventually left during Power Rangers Turbo, he made a comeback as Tommy Oliver in five different Power Rangers editions. Starting his martial arts journey at the age of 4, Frank's dedication led him to become a mixed martial arts fighter and the creator of his own martial arts style called Toso Kune Do.

3 Thuy Trang

Yet another original cast member, Thuy Trang successfully brought the character of Trini Kwan to life as the Yellow Power Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Trang's portrayal spanned a significant period, encompassing 80 episodes, which consisted of the entire first season and part of the second. Throughout her time on Power Rangers, Trang skillfully executed her own stunts, showcasing her dedication and commitment to the role. Additionally, she further honed her martial arts prowess by training alongside the esteemed Jason David Frank. Trang's passion for martial arts initially took root when she relocated to the United States in 1980, where she diligently studied Shaolin Kung Fu, ultimately attaining a black belt.

2 Walter Emanuel Jones

Walter Emanuel Jones, the final original Power Rangers actor with martial arts training, portrayed Zack Taylor, the Black Power Ranger, in the first and part of the second season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Though he later returned to the franchise, Jones did not reprise his role as Zack Taylor. Instead, he lent his voice to villains in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy and Power Rangers Wild Force. Prior to his involvement with Power Rangers, Jones honed his martial arts skills through training in Taekwondo, Karate, Hakido, and Hop Kido.

1 Ludi Lin

Walter Jones did not return as Zack Taylor in the Power Rangers franchise, but in 2017, Ludi Lin took over the role in Power Rangers. This marked Lin's debut in a prominent Hollywood role and paved the way for his subsequent appearances in Aquaman and Mortal Kombat. Lin commenced his martial arts training after completing high school, focusing on Muay Thai in Thailand, jiu-jitsu, and Olympic-style wrestling. By assuming the persona of the Black Power Ranger, Lin reintroduced Zack Taylor to the Power Rangers franchise.