Updated Oct. 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgian martial artist and actor, was born on this day in 1960.
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Who is John-Claude Van Damme?
Jean-Claude Van Damme, born in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Belgium, is a renowned actor and martial artist known for his contributions to the action film genre. Van Damme’s breakthrough came with the film Bloodsport (1988), and then he gained further fame with movies like Kickboxer (1989), Double Impact (1991), and Street Fighter (1994), solidifying his status as a martial arts and action film icon.
What is John-Claude Van Damme’s martial arts training?
Van Damme began studying Shotokan karate at a young age and eventually earned a black belt. He later trained in kickboxing and became a professional fighter, amassing a record of 18 wins (all by knockout) and 1 loss. His martial arts skills and background greatly contributed to his action movie career.
What is the “Van Damme Split” and why is it famous?
The “Van Damme Split” is a signature move associated with Jean-Claude Van Damme. In this iconic display of flexibility, he performs a full split with each leg stretched out while standing. He famously performed this split between two moving trucks in a Volvo commercial, which went viral on the internet.