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. Beginning karate at age ten, he achieved a 2nd-dan black belt, winning the European Professional Karate Association middleweight championship in 1979 and the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title in 1978. Driven by acting aspirations, he relocated to the United States in 1982. After several roles, he achieved breakthrough success as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport (1988).
1977: Victory over Teugels
In 1977, Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved a victory over Patrick Teugels.
1978: Mr. Belgium Bodybuilding Title
In 1978, Jean-Claude Van Damme won the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title, showcasing his dedication to physical fitness.
December 1979: European Karate Championship
On 26 December 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme was a member of the Belgium Karate Team when it won the European Karate Championship at La Coupe François Persoons Karate Tournament in Brussels.
1979: European Professional Karate Association Championship
In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme won the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate Association.
March 1980: Defeated Patrick Teugels
On 8 March 1980, in Brussels, Belgium, Jean-Claude Van Damme competed against Patrick Teugels and won by TKO in the 1st round. This match was especially memorable for Van Damme.
February 1988: Bloodsport Release
On 26 February 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout film Bloodsport opened, marking a significant turning point in his career.
1988: Breakthrough with Bloodsport
In 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved his breakthrough role as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport, marking a significant turning point in his acting career.
2008: Starring in JCVD
In 2008, Jean-Claude Van Damme returned to prominence with the critically acclaimed crime drama JCVD, where he played a fictional version of himself.
2008: Starred in 'JCVD' and 'The Shepherd: Border Patrol'
In 2008, Van Damme starred in 'JCVD', which received positive reviews and marked his return to the mainstream. Also in 2008, he starred in 'The Shepherd: Border Patrol'.
October 2012: Starred as villain in 'The Expendables 2', appeared in Coors Light and Dash commercials, and honored with statue in Brussels
In October 2012, Van Damme starred as the main villain in 'The Expendables 2', marking a return to the action genre. He also appeared in commercials for Coors Light beer and Dash washing powder. On October 21, 2012, he was honored with a life-size statue in Brussels.
2012: Unveiling of Van Damme Statue in Belgium
In 2012, a statue of Van Damme was unveiled in Anderlecht, Belgium, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Westland Shopping complex. Van Damme stated the statue "represented the dream of a Brussels kid".
2019: Van Damme monument mounted in Qabala, Azerbaijan
In 2019, a Van Damme monument was mounted in the Vandam village of Qabala, Azerbaijan. The actor thanked those responsible on his Facebook account.
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.
