TLDR
- Ashton Kutcher demonstrated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on January 12, 2026
- The actor recently earned his black belt after 15 years of training under Rigan Machado
- Kutcher used a sweep technique to flip Fallon onto the ground using only his legs
- Fallon asked for the demonstration and later said ‘I give up’ after being flipped
- The host then successfully performed the move himself, flipping Kutcher in return
Sources: Jits Magazine | Bloody Elbow | Marca
Ashton Kutcher demonstrated his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills by flipping Jimmy Fallon during an appearance on The Tonight Show on Monday, January 12, 2026. The actor recently earned his black belt after 15 years of training under Rigan Machado.
The demonstration began when Fallon asked Kutcher if he could show him a jiu-jitsu move. Kutcher quickly agreed and directed the host to a mat that had been laid out on the studio floor.
The Sweep Technique
Kutcher explained that most fights go to the ground within seconds. He then instructed Fallon to push him down and attack him.
Fallon fell into what Kutcher called a trap. The actor wrapped his legs around Fallon’s sides and pulled his body and arms into a grapple.
“I’m instantly good here, right?” Kutcher said as the audience cheered. “So now you think you’re in control, right?”
Kutcher then demonstrated a simple sweep technique. Using only his legs, he slowly lifted Fallon up and over, flopping the host onto the ground.
After the first flip, Kutcher asked if Fallon was okay. The host simply responded, “I give up. I give up.”
Before attempting a second move, Kutcher had Fallon adjust his position to avoid falling off the mat. “I’m already hurt,” Fallon said.
Fallon’s Turn to Practice
Kutcher gave Fallon the opportunity to try the move himself. The host successfully performed the sweep, flipping Kutcher onto his back.
“Oww!” Kutcher exclaimed as he fell dramatically. Fallon cheered in celebration, announcing that Kutcher had tapped out.
Kutcher earned his black belt after dedicating 15 years to training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He studied under Rigan Machado, a renowned instructor in the martial art.
The demonstration showcased Kutcher’s grappling skills and knowledge of ground fighting techniques. The segment combined entertainment with an educational look at basic jiu-jitsu moves.
Fallon appeared genuinely surprised by the physical nature of the demonstration. He was visibly dazed after being flipped but continued with the segment.
The appearance came shortly after Kutcher achieved his black belt status. A black belt represents the highest level of expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and typically requires many years of dedicated practice.
Photographs from the episode show both Kutcher and Fallon on the mat during the demonstration. The images were taken by photographer Todd Owyoung for NBC.
The clip from Monday’s episode has been shared across entertainment news outlets. It highlights Kutcher’s commitment to the martial art over more than a decade of training.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. Practitioners learn to control opponents through grappling rather than striking.
The Tonight Show episode aired on January 12, 2026, with the demonstration occurring during Kutcher’s interview segment with Fallon.
