On The Set of Redbelt The Movie

We recently got a hold of some photos taken while we filmed some of the fight scenes for the movie Redbelt and decided to post a few.

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Frank Trigg tapes Rico Chiapparelli as Renato Magno Preps



Renato getting in character for fight scene.



Renato in his Corner with El Mariachi and David Mamet



The Pre-Fight Ritual



Renato Magno vs Rico Chiapparelli fight scene



Renato, Randy Couture, and Rodrigo Santoro on the commentators set



Renato overseeing fight rehearsals



The actors go over the Redbelt Script



Chiwitel Ejiofor, Alice Braga and Renato Magno



David Mamet and Renato Magno



Renato Magno keeping Chiwitel in character

Redbelt Photos: Renato Magno

Renato was recently photographed in full fight gear for his scenes in the movie Redbelt. Click on the image for the large version.

More Redbelt Training Pictures

Here are some more behind the scenes training pictures at the Street Sports Jiu Jitsu Academy.

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The guys with the Redbelt script.


Chiwetel practicing an armbar on Renato.


Chiwetel practicing his guard on John Machado.


A determined Chiwetel working some standup.


Chiwetel working the mitts with Jesse.


Chiwetel mount work on John Machado.


Renato Magno helping Chiwetel with the mount.

The UFC and NBC Visit Street Sports

NBC Sports recently visited the Street Sports Gym in Santa Monica, CA to chat with some of the stars of Redbelt and film some of the fight choregraphy. Interestingly, David Mamet reveals that he had previously discussed making the film with Mel Gibson.

LA Times Article on Redbelt

The LA Times recently ran a brief article about the movie Redbelt in which they point out the irony of an intellectual filmmaker like David Mamet acting as the catalyst that caused big Hollywood to recognize MMA and Jiu Jitsu as mainstream entertainment.

Photo Courtesy of LA Times and Sony Pictures Classics.

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.