WATCH: Actor Idris Elba Transform Into Kickboxer

British actor Idris Elba surprised the world last year when he made his professional kickboxing debut. The 44-year-old took up martial arts as a personal challenge, and his journey to the ring was filmed as part of a Discovery Channel documentary.

Watch two extended clips below to see some of Elba’s grueling training on his way to calling himself a pro kickboxer.