Tom Hardy takes down opponent after surprise entry in martial arts contest

Footage has emerged of the actor Tom Hardy taking down an opponent in a martial arts championship before going on to win gold. Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► The video shows the star, dressed in blue robes, grappling with fellow fighter Gavin Marsh at the 2022 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open Championship in a Milton Keynes school hall. Hardy, who holds a high-level blue belt in the sport, hooked his arm around his opponent’s neck, and within just 20 seconds he was declared the winner by submission before going on to become champion of his section. Organisers knew the star would be coming a few weeks earlier but kept it to themselves to prevent masses of people turning up and distracting him ‘Really nice guy’: Tom Hardy surprises competitors with entry and victory in martial arts contest ► The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► Sign up to the Guardian’s free new daily newsletter, First Edition ► Website ► Facebook ► Twitter ► Instagram ► The Guardian on YouTube: The Guardian ► Guardian Australia ► Guardian Football ► Guardian Sport ► Guardian Live ► #TomHardy #BrazilianJiuJitsu #MartialArts #MiltonKeynes #GavinMarsh #Actor #Sport