Zhang Jin

Zhang Jin, born on November 8, 1974, is from Chongqing, Sichuan. He practiced martial arts from a young age, beginning his training at the age of 9, and was selected for the Sichuan Youth Martial Arts Team at age 11. During his youth, he won numerous national martial arts competitions, including national championships in Chen-style Tai Chi and Tai Chi sword. In 1993, he won gold medals in Bagua Zhang, spear, and sword at the 7th National Games. Two years later, in 1995, he was awarded the honor of National Martial Arts Elite Athlete, becoming an outstanding representative in the martial arts community. In 1997, he earned a silver medal at the 8th National Games.

In 1998, Zhang Jin retired from the sports team, giving up the opportunity to become a coach, and joined Yuan Heping's Yuan Family Group, beginning his work as a martial arts choreographer and stunt performer. The following year, he first performed as a stunt double in the TV drama "New Shaolin Temple," then in the costume martial arts series "Xiao Li Fei Dao," he served as a stunt double for actor Jiao Enjun, showcasing his excellent martial skills. Director Yuan Heping recognized his exceptional abilities and invited him to participate in the filming of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," where he was a stunt double for Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh, and also instructed Zhang Ziyi’s martial arts scenes. He also taught Chow Yun-fat Tai Chi. Gradually, Zhang Jin transitioned into a martial arts stunt coordinator, contributing to many international and Chinese films with martial arts choreography and stunt work.

Starting in 2000, Zhang Jin began appearing in television dramas, playing various roles and gradually pursuing an acting career. In 2002, he served as the exclusive stunt double for Donnie Yen in Zhang Yimou’s film "Hero," also guiding key fight scenes. In 2003, he worked as a martial arts choreographer on Hollywood action comedies "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Blade," marking his official entry into international film collaborations. In 2004, he played Lin Zhen Sheng, the martial arts sect leader, in the costume action film "Invincible Hero." He also portrayed a young boy in series such as "Shui Yue Dong Tian" and "Ling Jing Chuan Qi," and participated in numerous TV dramas. In 2005, he once again took on roles as a martial arts stunt coordinator.

In 2008, Zhang Jin starred in the kung fu action film "Kung Fu Youth," showcasing both his acting skills and martial arts prowess. In 2009, he starred in the film "The Warlord’s World Cup," playing a disappointed football player; the film received the Golden Angel Award at the China-US Film Festival. In 2010, he participated in various productions including the urban romance film "Love Repair Station" and the revolutionary drama "Red Army of the Seventh Route." During this period, he was also active on stage and in musical theater.

In 2013, Zhang Jin gained widespread recognition for his role as Master Ma San in Wong Kar-wai’s "The Grandmaster," winning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards. His outstanding performances in multiple significant films further established his reputation in the industry. In 2014, he starred in the film "Macau Storm," playing the bodyguard and assassin Ghost Eye. That same year, he received the Best Supporting Actor award at the 32nd Popular Film Hundred Flowers Awards.

In recent years, Zhang Jin has continued to participate in movies and variety shows, using his extensive performing arts experience to portray a diverse array of characters. He has received numerous awards and nominations, becoming one of the prominent actors in Chinese-language cinema. His career encompasses not only martial arts choreography but also leading acting and directing, demonstrating his multifaceted talents.