Bloodsport

Easily one of his greatest works, alongside Kickboxer, and the more recent JCVD.

This early entry on Van Damme's repertoire showcases his magnificent fighting skills, agility, and strength.
Bloodsport is loosely based on the life of Frank Dux, real martial artist, who co-produced Bloodsport, as well as serving as the action choreographer. Later, Dux returned to choreograph The Quest as well, also starring Van Damme, despite alleged claims that several feats performed by him go unconfirmed, including his participation in the Kumite tournament.

Nevertheless, this film proves an entertaining one. The build up is rather slow, but as soon as the tournament starts, the fights are plentiful; all well choreographed, and filled with top-notch high flying kicks, roundhouses and grapples.

If you're looking for solid proof why Van Damme was one of the greater martial artists of his time, and need convincing of his skills, either browse the internet and look for his real-life karate tournament accomplishments, listed under Jean-Claude van Varenberg (his real name), or just buy this film, alongside Kickboxer. It will definitely win you over, despite its cheesy dialogues and unnecessary long grunts and screams.

Recommended viewing:
Kickboxer
The Quest
(both with a similar premise of Van Damme entering ring-based fights)

A excellent film based on a true fighter called Frank Dux, action packed, leg breaking thriller.
With a lot of fights and blood and the gags thrown in, this is a must buy...

easily van damme's best film. VD is frank dux going to hong kong to fight in the kumitae, an underground international martial arts tournament. needless to say, excellent kick ass martial arts action, with a bit of a storyline to boot.
but why does van damme always demand on an arse shot, THERE'S NO NEED FOR IT!!!!

Bolo yueng plays chun li in this an unforgetable bad guy who really knows how to sort out his opponent.Van damme plays a real person "frank dux" who wants to win the kumite to make his master proud choosing to train him after "ringo" died.
well worth the wacth,unmissable if you like martial arts,a very talented display by many different types of martial artists and a superb soundtrax in my veiw gives it that magic 80's touch.

Awesome!! What a film. Loved it as a kid, found my old video when moving house and decided to give it another watch. I'd forgotten how much this I love this film.
Van Damme at his martial atristry best. Bolo as one od the best bad guys ever. Watch his pec bounce after he's just kicked some poor dude in the throat! fashoin disasters, 80's soundtrack, it's cheese on a stick but I love it!