Jean-Claude Van Damme's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Jean-Claude Van Damme, born Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, is a Belgian martial artist and actor. His martial arts training began at age ten, leading to accomplishments such as a 2nd-dan black belt in karate, a European Professional Karate Association middleweight championship, and a Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title. In 1982, he moved to the United States aspiring to become an actor. He gained recognition for his martial arts skills, landing his breakthrough role in the film Bloodsport (1988).

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1976: Mr. Belgium bodybuilding Championships Gold

In 1976, Jean-Claude Van Damme won gold at the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding Championships.

1977: Full-Contact Record

From 1977 to 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme compiled a full-contact record of 18 victories (18 knockouts) and one defeat.

1977: Victory over Patrick Teugels

In 1977, Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved a victory over Patrick Teugels.

1977: Belgium Karate Lightweight Championships Gold

In 1977, Jean-Claude Van Damme secured the gold medal at the Belgium Karate Lightweight Championships.

1978: Mr. Belgium Bodybuilding Title

In 1978, Jean-Claude Van Damme earned the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title, highlighting his dedication to physical fitness.

December 1979: European Karate Championship Win

On December 26 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme was a member of the Belgium Karate Team when it won the European Karate Championship at the La Coupe François Persoons Karate Tournament in Brussels.

1979: European Professional Karate Association Middleweight Championship

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme won the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate Association.

1979: Belgium Karate team European Championships Gold

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme's team won gold at the Belgium Karate team European Championships.

March 1980: Fight Against Patrick Teugels

On March 8 1980, in Brussels, Belgium, Jean-Claude Van Damme competed against Patrick Teugels at the Forest National Arena and won by TKO in the 1st round.

1980: Karate Record

From 1976 to 1980, Jean-Claude Van Damme compiled a record of 44 victories and four defeats in tournament and non-tournament semi-contact matches.

1980: Belgium Coupe des Espoirs Karate Tournament Championships Silver

In 1980, Jean-Claude Van Damme won a silver medal at the Belgium Coupe des Espoirs Karate Tournament Championships.

1982: End of full-contact carreer

From 1977 to 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme compiled a full-contact record of 18 victories (18 knockouts) and one defeat.

May 1986: First Sizeable Role in No Retreat, No Surrender

On May 2 1986, Jean-Claude Van Damme had his first sizeable role as the Russian villain in Corey Yuen's martial arts film No Retreat, No Surrender.

February 1988: Bloodsport Release

On February 26 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout film Bloodsport opened, marking a significant moment in his career.

1988: Breakthrough Role in Bloodsport

In 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme had his breakthrough as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport, marking a significant turning point in his acting career.

1989: Success with Cyborg and Kickboxer

In 1989, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Cyborg and Kickboxer.

1990: Starring in Lionheart and Death Warrant

In 1990, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Lionheart and Death Warrant.

1992: Starring in Universal Soldier

In 1992, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful film Universal Soldier.

1993: Starring in Nowhere to Run and Hard Target

In 1993, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Nowhere to Run and Hard Target.

1994: Starring in Timecop and Street Fighter

In 1994, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Timecop and Street Fighter.

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1995: Starring in Sudden Death

In 1995, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful film Sudden Death.

1996: Directorial Debut with The Quest and Starring in Maximum Risk

In 1996, Jean-Claude Van Damme made his directorial debut with The Quest and starred in Maximum Risk.

2008: Return to Prominence with JCVD

In 2008, Jean-Claude Van Damme returned to prominence with the critically acclaimed crime drama JCVD, in which he starred as a fictional version of himself.

2012: Starring in The Expendables 2

In 2012, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in The Expendables 2 as the villain, opposite Sylvester Stallone's character, marking his return to the action genre.

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2020: Inducted into Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame

In 2020, Van Damme was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the martial arts and film industry.