The Spinning Tarzan Jiu Jitsu scene from The Rundown (2003) is a standout moment in this action-comedy film directed by Peter Berg and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Seann William Scott. This clip takes place deep in the Brazilian jungle, where Johnson’s character, Beck, a retrieval expert sent to bring back Scott’s character, Travis, finds himself embroiled in a series of unexpected fights with local rebels.
In this scene, Beck and Travis are captured by a band of rebels led by the charismatic and skilled fighter Manito, portrayed by Ernie Reyes Jr., a martial arts expert. Beck, who typically prefers to avoid violence unless absolutely necessary, finds himself in a situation where he has to defend himself against a group of agile, acrobatic rebels. What makes this fight memorable is its blend of intense action and humor, with the rebels using the jungle environment to their advantage in creative ways.
The “Spinning Tarzan Jiu Jitsu” comes into play when the rebels, particularly Manito, use the trees and vines of the jungle as tools in their combat style. They swing from vines like Tarzan, spinning through the air and launching themselves at Beck, adding a dynamic and visually striking element to the fight choreography. Manito’s skillful use of Jiu Jitsu techniques—combined with the acrobatics of swinging from trees—creates an intense yet fluid battle that keeps the audience engaged.
The fight choreography is a mix of martial arts, acrobatics, and physical comedy. Beck, being much larger and physically stronger than his opponents, struggles to keep up with their speed and agility. The contrast between his brute strength and the rebels’ nimbleness adds to the humor, as Beck is continuously taken by surprise by their unpredictable moves. However, despite his initial struggles, Beck’s resilience and combat skills come into play as he eventually manages to gain the upper hand.
What makes this scene so enjoyable is the way it balances action and humor. The absurdity of fighting against opponents swinging from vines, combined with Beck’s exasperation and determination, creates a lighthearted yet thrilling sequence. The use of Jiu Jitsu and the jungle environment adds a unique twist to what could have been a standard brawl, making this one of the more memorable fight scenes in The Rundown.
