Jiu-Jitsu has been featured In recent episodes of HBO’s hit series The Last of Us Season 2. Bella Ramsey, the actress portraying Ellie on screen dedicated two months to intensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training so that Ellie’s fight scenes would ring true—showcasing armbars, triangle chokes, and even the less commonly seen omoplata submission. The added realism signals the show’s commitment to authentic physicality, as Ramsey’s regimen mirrors the Gracie approach of street-applicable, energy-efficient techniques. Ramsey’s disciplined preparation not only elevates the character’s believability but also shines a spotlight on BJJ’s effectiveness in on-screen storytelling.
Bella Ramsey’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey
Bella Ramsey explained in an iHeart Radio interview that they “did a lot of training” including two months of proper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before filming began. Ramsey embraced both technique, drills, and live rolls, recognizing that “you don’t have to be big or tall for jiu-jitsu”—a core Gracie principle ensuring any practitioner can control a larger opponent.
On-Screen Submissions: Armbar, Triangle Choke & Omoplata
Viewers first saw Ramsey lock in a textbook armbar—a move designed to hyperextend the elbow and force submission. Shortly after, Ellie transitions into a triangle choke, encircling the attacker’s neck and arm with her legs to cut off blood flow. The most surprising moment arrives when Ramsey fluidly weaves into an omoplata—a shoulder lock that’s seldom depicted on television due to its complexity. These sequences look like they are lifted right out of our Master Cycle curriculum. Its a great visualization of how precise technique and leverage can subdue an assailant without strikes.
Impact on Fans & the BJJ Community
Reddit’s r/BJJ forum erupted in excitement, with practitioners praising the accurate portrayal of transitions and submissions. We certainly hope that Ramsey’s performance will inspire newcomers in Tampa to explore BJJ. If you decide to do so at Gracie Martial Arts Tampa you will love our cooperative learning environment, and will build reflexes that will come in handy in the heat of a fight. Broader media representation of martial arts helps dispel misconceptions and highlights the art’s practical self-defense value.
Why This Matters: Gracie Martial Arts Tampa
By showcasing authentic BJJ in a major show, The Last of Us creates a powerful opportunity for viewers who want to learn more. At Gracie Martial Arts Tampa, our Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle programs mirror the training Ramsey underwent—focusing on essential techniques, safe sparring etiquette, and real-world applicability. Prospective students clicking through this post can find trial-class information, program details, and community testimonials.
Whether you’re inspired by Ellie’s grit or simply curious about learning an effective self-defense art, now is the perfect time to step onto the mats. Book your free trial today and discover firsthand how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your confidence, fitness, and readiness for any challenge.
