Jean-Claude Van Damme
Actor and former karateka
Belgian actor, former competitive karateka and kickboxer.
Quick Facts
Date of Birth10/18/1960
Country of OriginBelgium
Biography
He began Shotokan karate at eleven, moved to kickboxing and fought a series of professional bouts in Europe. His trademark high kick and splits come from the gymnastics and ballet training he added to his martial background.
Associated Martial Arts
KarateNotable figure→
An Okinawan striking art reshaped in the 20th century into Japanese budo and an Olympic sport. Built on kata and hand and foot techniques.
KickboxingNotable figure→A striking sport joining boxing hands with kicks. It appeared in the 1960s and 1970s in Japan and the United States at once, from a wish to give karate full contact.
Filmography
A screen role does not mean the person actually practises the art — that is listed above.