Bloodsport: 30 years later since JCVD and Bolo entered the Kumite

There's not that many martial arts films these days that can compare to the gravitas and nostalgia that many of the past movies of the 70's and 80's have done, and that's due to some good ol' fashion camera work, kick-assery, and the kind of music that would get you hyped and itching for a fight. That pretty much sums up Bloodsport - a martial arts movie that is inspired and based on the claims of martial artist Frank Dux that he participated in the "Kumite"- an illegal martial arts tournament held in Hong Kong. Then rising star Jean-Claude Van Damme was cast as Dux, playing the role of a man who enters the Kumite to honor his shidoshi Senzo Tanaka (played by the late Roy Chiao) and facing several opponents - including "Enter The Dragon" star Bolo Yeung who plays the role of the hulking villain Chong Li.

Bloodsport Official Trailer #1
In addition to a young JCVD playing the hero role, Bloodsport also presented a pretty rounded supporting cast, including Leah Ayers as reporter and love interest Janice Kent, "Revenge of the Nerds" star Donald Gibb as friendly martial artist Randy Jackson, Hong Kong actor Philip Chan as Inspector Chen, and a young Forest Whitaker as Rawlins - one of the government agents sent in to collect Dux after he goes AWOL from his military service.

Van Damme Training In Bloodsport What makes Bloodsport (released in February 26, 1988 in the US) such a cult classic is not the straightforward and simple story - but the way it captures Van Damme at his finest in the early days of his martial arts movie career. A ton of training montages and fights showcased his ability to split, not to mention looking excruciating and painful to those watching it.
Stan Bush - Fight to survive (Bloodsport) HD What's also surprising is the soundtrack - Bloodsport had some of the most memorable songs in a martial arts film - thanks in no small part to "The Touch" singer Stan Bush who sang the title theme "Fight to Survive" and "On My Own".

30 years later, Bloodsport is still a MUST SEE classic for anyone who enjoys JCVD, kick assery, and martial arts in general. There are lots of funny scenes and silly quotes to remember too. I'd recommend it just for the nostalgia and to see how films of this caliber back in the day did coming off the influences of renowned Martial Artist legends like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan. Happy 30th Anniversary to the Kumite!