Chiba, a star of martial arts cinema in his native Japan, made his name by landing heart-stopping punches and stabbing fictional foes in the throats with only his fingers. His fighting style earned him famous admirersChiba, born Sadaho Maeda, got his start in martial arts by training with Mas Oyama, considered a master of karate. He wouldn't show off his martial arts skills onscreen until 1973, in the film "Karate Kiba." In "True Romance," Christian Slater's Clarence Worley calls Chiba "bar none, the greatest actor working in martial arts movies today." The action star of "The Matrix" and "John Wick" told a Japanese media outlet that Chiba was one of the greatest actors of martial arts cinema.

Source: CNN August 19, 2021 19:30 UTC