‘Street Fighter’ Star Callina Liang Trained Intensively for Authentic Chun-Li Kicks
Chun-Li has always been recognized for her iconic legs. Since her debut in ‘Street Fighter II’ in 1991 as the first playable female character in a mainstream fighting game, her powerful kicks have become synonymous with her identity. Capturing that essence on screen without it appearing like a stunt reel is no easy feat.
Previous live-action adaptations have faced challenges, with Ming-Na Wen and Kristin Kreuk both portraying the character. However, Legendary’s latest ‘Street Fighter’ film has placed its bets on Canadian actress Callina Liang to authentically embody Chun-Li’s fighting style. The film premiered on October 16, achieving a $31 million domestic debut, though it has sparked mixed reviews, earning a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while audiences rated it 82% with a B- CinemaScore.
Liang’s rigorous training regimen is now gaining traction online. In a viral clip, she shares how she prepared her kicks for ‘Street Fighter,’ dedicating 4 hours daily for 6 weeks prior to filming. She utilized resistance bands on her legs and practiced balancing on one leg while executing kicks. This commitment has garnered significant admiration for her dedication.
Callina Liang says she trained kicks for 4 hours everyday for 6 weeks until filming began on ‘STREET FIGHTER’.
“I had resistance bands on my legs and I had to learn how to balance on the one leg I was just kicking in & out all the time.” https://t.co/PfWj9lZ7YT— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 18, 2026
According to reports, Liang initially trained for 2 hours daily before heading to Australia for the shoot. Once on location, she ramped up her training to 4 hours each day for 6 weeks before filming commenced. Her regimen included various kicking techniques, such as spinning and jumping kicks.
The use of resistance bands added an extra layer of difficulty. Balancing on one leg while repeatedly kicking helped her develop both control and power. This level of dedication may not be evident in trailers, but it translates into every frame of the fight scenes.
Kicking was just one aspect of her training. Liang also practiced taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu for 2 hours each day, alongside focused leg strengthening exercises. She revamped her diet as well, reportedly consuming 12 eggs daily to reach around 4,000 calories, with meals every 2 hours.
By the end of filming, her thighs had increased in size by approximately 2.5 inches. Noah Centineo mentioned that he, Liang, and Andrew Koji trained together 6 days a week for 6 weeks, which contributed to the cast’s ability to convincingly portray the film’s world-warrior tournament.
Liang’s preparation began well before hitting the gym. She told Empire that she downloaded every version of the game onto her PlayStation 5 and recorded Chun-Li’s moves in slow motion on her phone for practice. Additionally, she has a background in martial arts, having studied for 2 years in drama school.
Her commitment stems from a genuine passion for the franchise. Liang revealed to Zero Nine Magazine that she has been a fan since she was 12. When discussing her training to replicate Chun-Li’s movements, she remarked, “It was very intense.” Her routine continued through both pre-production and production, involving 2 hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon.
The demands on set were equally rigorous. Liang recalled engaging in fight scenes for up to 5 hours at a time with a team of stunt performers, all while portraying Chun-Li’s signature kicks. She also acknowledged the stunt team, highlighting that the spinning back kick, Chun-Li’s most iconic move, was executed by a stunt performer who began training 6 months before pre-production.
Liang has mastered at least one of Chun-Li’s signature moves. “The one that I can do myself pretty well is her Lightning Kick,” she shared with Zero Nine Magazine, explaining that she can balance on one leg and execute consecutive kicks. She continues to train at least twice a week, referring to it as a form of therapy.
PERFECT! Watch the New Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. https://t.co/jAAPf1k9jf
— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) September 1, 2026
‘Street Fighter’ features Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Roman Reigns as Akuma, Jason Momoa as Blanka, and Cody Rhodes as Guile, with Kitao Sakurai directing. The film topped its opening weekend with an estimated $51.1 million worldwide, although this fell short of the $70 million that Deadline had anticipated.
Regardless of the overall reception of the film, Liang’s physical commitment is receiving the kind of recognition that is often overlooked in video game adaptations. Chun-Li’s kicks are her most defining trait, and the actress behind them dedicated weeks to ensure that every kick was impactful. For many viewers, this effort is the strongest indication that this adaptation finally does justice to her character.
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