HE HUSTLES

Known for his infectious laugh and million - dollar smile, J Wells Jr is a SAG Award - winning stunt performer and actor. Recognized with the stunt ensemble for the critically acclaimed film, Black Panther, her reprised his stunt role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as a member of the Jabari Tribe

J received his 4th degree black belit in karate in Okinawa and holds the Guinness World Record as a participant in the largest gathering of karate practicioners to perform a kata at one time His martial arts background has uniquely prepared him for additional stunt work on the small screen including performances in Tyler Perry's Sistas and All the Queen's Men

A Les Brown trained motivational speaker; J inspires audiences by sharing his story of overcoming bullying as well as his journey in entertainment Aside from his stunt work, he is an accomplished actor He has lit up the big and small screens via roles in Step Up: High Water on Starz, Fatal Attraction on TV One, Atlanta Justice on Investigation Discovery and the short film Thirty with Karon Riley. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, when his schedule permits, J teaches

@theregoesJ

JWellsJr.com self - defense workshops for women and is a personal trainer

When did you discover your interest in Martial Arts? and why?

My interest started when I was very young I met a cousin at a family reunion, and he was a martial artist He was practicing with a pair of Nunchaku, and he absolutely fascinated me Also, I was shy and timid as a child I didn't know how to stand up for myself and was bullied This further reinforced my interest in martial arts.

How did you shift over into acting and becoming a stunt master?

Well, I have always been an artist, whether that be in acting or martial arts When I wasn't at the dojo training, I would be on stage rehearsing for a play. My two passions didn't come together until I got my first major opportunity to be a stunt performer on Black Panther. From there it just clicked for me that I can act and do stunts So martial arts lead me to the point I'm at now Follow your passion