Jean-Claude Van Damme (born October 18, 1960) is a Belgian martial artist and actor who is best known for his large catalogue of action movies.
His Belgian background combined with his physique gave rise to his nickname The Muscles from Brussels. Van Damme has also been called the "King of the Belgians" due to his international superstardom.
Jean-Claude Van Damme: Date of Birth : Oct 18, 1960
Place of Birth : Brussels, Belgium.
Jean-Claude Van Damme's former name in Europe was Van Varenburg.
He began martial arts at the age of ten, enrolled by his father in a shotokan karate school.
He eventually earned his black belt in karate,later winning the European Professional Karate Association's middleweight championship (although he has claimed that he was "twice world champion").
He also started lifting weights to improve his physique, which eventually led to a Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title.
At the age of 16 he took up ballet.
Van Damme's movies include, Bloodsport, Timecop, Street Fighter, Hard Target, Cyborg, Kickboxer, Sudden Death, Lionheart, Death Warrant, The Quest, Nowhere to Run, and Universal Soldier.
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