Fox Sports interviews David Mamet about the movie Redbelt

Fox Sports recently stopped by the Street Sports Gym to interview David Mamet and to gather some footage of Renato, Rico Chiapparelli, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and others as they prepare for the film.

RedBelt Jiu Jitsu Training

Chiwetel Ejiofor will be playing the lead role in Redbelt. His character, Mike Terry, is a jiu-jitsu instructor who has avoided the underworld of no-holds-barred fighting in favor of teaching his students the noble art of self-defense.

You may already know Chiwetel Ejiofor from previous roles in films such as "Children of Men", "Four Brothers" and "Dirty Pretty Things". Not only is Chiwetel a fantastic dramatic actor, but he's also a strong athlete and a quick learner as well. Renato Magno and John Machado have been putting him through his paces at the Street Sports gym in Santa Monica, CA.

Included below are some behind the scenes photos of Chiwetel learning Jiu-Jitsu in preparation for his on screen fights. Chiwetel did not have any prior experience with grappling or jiu-jitsu, but he did get to wear one of Renato's black belts in order to help him get into character. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy for the rest of us?

Click on the images for a larger version.


Renato choking John as Chiwetel looks on.



Chiwetel practicing a choke on John Machado.


Chiwetel and John Machado from the knees.


Chiwetel going for a body triangle on Renato Magno.


Chiwetel practicing a lapel choke on John Machado.



Renato Magno showing Chiwetel a choke from the back.

Announcing Redbelt the Movie

Production for the movie Redbelt has been started. The film is the first major motion picture centered around jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts and is being written and directed by Academy award nominee David Mamet. The film is being financed and distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.

Renato Magno will be acting as the Jiu-Jitsu consultant for the film. In addition to Renato, an all-star cast of martial artists has been assembled to act in or choreograph fight scenes for the movie.

Keep reading this blog (or better yet, subscribe!) for more information and behind the scenes info on Redbelt the movie.