The Art of Many Disciplines: Lessons from Martial Artist and Actor AJ North
Welcome to the dojo!
This week, I had the chance to sit down with AJ North, an exceptional actor, martial artist, stunt performer and action director, and who’s worked across Marvel, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and more.
AJ is someone who’s lived many lives. Professional fighter, performer, coach, creator, and yet everything ties together through martial arts.
Here are some of the key lessons he shared with me:
Martial Arts as Artistry
AJ doesn’t see himself as a “jack of all trades.” Instead, he sees acting, stunts, coaching, choreography, and martial arts as different paints on one canvas. Each skill strengthens the other, making him a better overall artist.
Lesson: Don’t box yourself in. Your side skills may actually elevate your main craft.
Fear, Trust & Performance
AJ competed in MMA at a high level. He felt the same nerves and anxiety that he feels when he walks into a big audition or film set. Fear never disappears, he just learnt to manage it. Whether stepping into a cage, auditioning for a role, or pulling off a dangerous stunt, it’s all about trusting yourself and your training.
Lesson: Pressure is inevitable. What matters is how you manage it.
The Setback that Taught Resilience
At 33, AJ rushed through a warm-up in order to catch up to the session he was late for. Unfortunately for him, that decision led to him slipping a disc in his back. It could have ended his career. Instead, he rebuilt himself through rehab, mobility work, and persistence.
Lesson: Adversity is temporary. Every setback is an invitation to come back stronger.
Martial Arts and Acting And Where They Meet
For AJ, martial arts isn’t just physical, it’s mental. The discipline, awareness, and more importantly, the ability to control fear directly fuels his acting and stunt work.
Lesson: Skills cross-pollinate. What you learn in one domain can sharpen you in another.
Final Takeaway
AJ’s journey is a reminder that martial arts isn’t just about fighting, it’s about managing fear, bouncing back from setbacks, building artistry and learning values and lessons that you can take with you across every aspect of your life.
If you want to hear the full conversation (including AJ’s biggest martial arts influences, his take on rejection in acting, and why “Best of the Best” might be the greatest martial arts film ever made), check out the full podcast episode here or on Spotify.
Until then, keep fighting to flourish. Oss.
Cover photo: @hettiepearsonphotography @take3.studios