Jackie Chan first got his martial arts experience as a youngster. At the age of seven he was taking formal lessons but he also added his own zany twists to them. He was really good in gymnastics and was a born comedian too so the combination of those things made him a unique act at an early age. He entertained many during his younger years but he was putting his own spin on things which isn't always favored in the martial art world.
Later on, he recieved more formal lessons, however. He studied Chan along with a fellow actor name Sammo Hung under the leadership of the grand master, Jin Pal Kim. He studied Hapkido and was a very disciplined and awesome student.
He actually is avid in most all forms of martial arts like karate, judo, and Jeet Kune Do. His upbringing, his flexiblilty, and his ability to be disciplined have all helped him in his learning of martial arts. He uses his martial art skills in his acting now and acts as his own stuntman.