At the age of 15, Jean-Claude Van Damme started his competitive career in Belgium. From 1976 to 1980, he compiled a record of 44 victories and 4 defeats in tournament and non-tournament semi-contact matches. He was a member of the Belgium Team when it won the European Championship on December 26, 1979, at La Coupe Francois Persoons Tournament in Brussels.
Director Peter Atencio managed to create feature-level action with an episodic budget, for which he gives credit to the dedication of his crew and to Callaham's writing.
Jean-Claude Van Damme began martial arts at the age of 10, enrolled by his father in a martial arts school. His styles consist of Karate and Kickboxing. He eventually earned his black belt in karate at age 18.