Thu Dec 25 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Navy SEAL Rips Apart John Wick’s Fighting Style: “For Realism, I’d Give it a 1”
Hollywood, CA – The John Wick franchise is renowned for its breathtaking and intricate action sequences. But a former Navy SEAL says the films prioritize style over substance when it comes to close-quarters combat (CQB).
DJ Shipley, a close-quarters combat expert, recently dissected a scene from John Wick: Chapter 4 in a video for Insider, highlighting what he considers glaring inaccuracies in Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick’s fighting techniques.
“To run into what I would consider the center of a room with 12 adversaries is the worst scenario,” Shipley explained, criticizing Wick’s initial approach in the scene. He suggested a more strategic entry, prioritizing maintaining a wall to one’s shoulder for tactical advantage.
Shipley also challenged the foundational concept of the franchise: the bulletproof suit. “The issue is if you put on a bulletproof suit and I shoot you with 9 mil, it’s going to knock you on your a**,” he stated, highlighting the impact such a weapon would have, even with protection.
One of Shipley’s major criticisms centered on Wick’s shooting technique. “When he cloaks, he’ll grab his jacket, cover his face, and then he does like this subtle present-and-shoot,” Shipley observed. “But he’s not looking down his sights. He’s not even really picking up a target. He’s really looking this way, and he’s just trying to get rounds down range.” He argued that this approach is inaccurate and wasteful, emphasizing the importance of precision and accountability for every round in real-life CQB scenarios.
Shipley further dissected Wick’s tactics in close-range engagements, suggesting alternative maneuvers like using distractions and ambushes.
Despite his critique, Shipley acknowledged the entertainment value of the scene. “For entertainment, I’d give it a 10,” he admitted. “For realism, I’d give it a 1.”
John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently available for streaming on Starz. The film follows John Wick as he seeks to defeat The High Table, facing new enemies and old friends turned foes along the way.
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