- 3 minutes ago
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Many martial artists know Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz from their years on the sport karate tournament circuit. Long before they were doing action for major productions, they were competitors who understood the countless hours of training, discipline, and perseverance it takes to excel.
Today, they're making an impact in a different arena—Hollywood.
The husband-and-wife team, founders of Action! Stunts, have earned an Emmy nomination for their work on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, one of the most-watched live television events in the world. For martial artists, it's another reminder that the lessons learned in the dojo can open doors far beyond competition.
What makes their story especially meaningful, however, isn't just the nomination itself. It's the opportunities they're creating for others.
Through Action! Stunts, Justin and Jewelianna have dedicated themselves to helping martial artists break into the entertainment industry. Their students don't just learn choreography and camera awareness—they gain firsthand experience navigating the professional world of stunt work.
As a result of the Super Bowl production, four martial artists who trained with Action! Stunts earned their SAG-AFTRA eligibility, an important milestone that allows performers to pursue larger opportunities in film and television.
For many martial artists, the path after tournament competition isn't always clear. Some become instructors. Others open schools or continue competing. Justin and Jewelianna have shown there's another avenue—one where years spent refining timing, precision, athleticism, and performance become valuable assets in front of the camera.
Their success didn't happen overnight. It was built on the same qualities that define great martial artists: consistency, adaptability, professionalism, and a willingness to keep learning. Those traits have helped them transition from successful competitors to respected stunt professionals working on high-profile productions.
Perhaps that's the most inspiring part of their journey. As their own careers continue to grow, they're intentionally bringing other martial artists with them. Every new production becomes another chance to introduce talented practitioners to the film industry and help them gain the experience needed to build lasting careers.
For anyone who has ever wondered where martial arts can take them beyond the dojo, Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz are helping answer that question—one production at a time.
Congratulations to Justin, Jewelianna, and the entire Action! Stunts family on this well-deserved recognition.
We look forward to seeing where their journey—and the careers they're helping launch—goes next.
Stay tuned for their next event announcements—spots fill up quickly! Follow @martial.smart on Instagram for updates and be sure to sign up early.
