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Nok su kow! Nok su kow! Discover some fascinating insights to enhance your next viewing of Kickboxer, one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's most iconic films.
1. JCVD'S REAL NAME IS JCCFVV.
Jean-Claude Van Damme, famously known as The Muscles From Brussels, was born Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg. He briefly used the pseudonym “Frank Cujo” before adopting his now-famous stage name.
2. HIS BIG BREAK CAME FROM SHOWCASING HIS SKILLS.
After relocating to the U.S. in the early 1980s and working as a waiter, Van Damme showcased a roundhouse kick to producer Menahem Golan during a busy shift. This bold move led to a three-movie deal, including Kickboxer.
3. VAN DAMME TOOK FULL CONTROL OF THE FIGHT SCENES.
He personally directed and choreographed every fight sequence in the film. Additionally, he earned a “Story By” credit in the final cut.
4. THE FILM HAD A DIFFERENT TITLE IN SOME REGIONS.
In parts of Europe, the movie was marketed as Karate Tiger 3.
5. CHUCK NORRIS WAS INITIALLY SLATED TO STAR IN THE FILM.
Chuck Norris tried to acquire the rights to Kickboxer, but producer Menahem Golan refused, as he had secured the rights specifically for Van Damme to take the lead role.
6. THE MAIN ANTAGONIST'S CREDIT IS INCORRECT.
Tong Po, the menacing kickboxer, is credited as “himself” in the film, but the role was actually portrayed by martial artist and actor Michel Qissi.
7. QISSI AND VAN DAMME SHARED A CHILDHOOD FRIENDSHIP.
The duo trained together at a Shotokan Karate dojo in Belgium during their childhood, and Qissi even acted as Van Damme’s personal trainer while filming Kickboxer.
8. QISSI, UNLIKE TONG PO, IS NOT THAI.
Born in Morocco, Qissi relocated to Belgium at age two and later moved to Hollywood with Van Damme to pursue acting. For Kickboxer, he wore makeup to better portray an Asian martial artist.
9. ERIC SLOANE WAS A REAL-LIFE HEAVYWEIGHT KICKBOXING CHAMPION.
Dennis Alexio, a former kickboxing champion, played the role. Kickboxer marked his second and final film appearance.
10. THE MOVIE WAS FILMED ON LOCATION IN THAILAND.
While the antagonist wasn’t Thai, the film’s setting was authentic. The shoot took place over 50 days from June to August 1988, with a modest budget of $1.5 million.
11. THE DIRECTOR MAKES A BRIEF CAMEO APPEARANCE.
Mark DiSalle, the director, briefly appears as the American reporter who convinces Eric and Kurt Sloane to travel to Thailand.
12. FREDDY LI’S VOICE WAS PROVIDED BY RENOWNED CARTOON VOICE ACTOR JIM CUMMINGS.
Cummings, who went uncredited for his work in Kickboxer, is also the voice behind iconic characters like Winnie the Pooh, the Tasmanian Devil, and Darkwing Duck.
13. SOME DOUBTED VAN DAMME’S MARTIAL ARTS CREDENTIALS.
Following the film’s success, Roger Corman, a legendary B-movie producer, proposed a $100,000 winner-takes-all kickboxing match between Van Damme and world champion Don Wilson, questioning JCVD’s martial arts authenticity. However, the stunt never materialized.
14. VAN DAMME DID NOT RETURN FOR THE SEQUELS.
Between 1991 and 1995, four Kickboxer sequels were released, but Van Damme was absent. These films shifted focus to David Sloane, the brother of Van Damme’s character, who was never referenced in the original movie.
15. VAN DAMME WILL RETURN FOR THE REMAKE.
In the upcoming film Kickboxer: Vengeance, Van Damme will portray the Muay Thai mentor who trains Kurt Sloane, now played by Alain Moussi. The movie is scheduled for release in 2016.
16. VAN DAMME STILL PERFORMS THE KICKBOXER DANCE.
During a recent appearance on Conan, he reenacted the famously campy dance scene from Kickboxer.
