Before Becoming A Star, Jean-Claude Van Damme Played The Villain In This Forgotten 1980s Martial Arts Gem

Jean-Claude Van Damme is one of the most iconic names in martial arts movie history, but even he had to start somewhere, with one particular тιтle in his early filmography often going overlooked. Originally a martial artist trained in karate out of Belgium, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s signature moves and relentless charisma allowed him to rise up through the ranks as a household name in Hollywood. Largely, his big break is recognized as 1988’s Bloodsport, where he landed a lead role as a fighter who enrolls in a dangerous life-or-death underground tournament.

However, as early as 1985, Van Damme was landing roles in exciting martial arts thrillers like No Retreat, No Surrender. The film centers on Kurt McKinney as Jason Stillwell, a H๏τ-blooded American teenager and Bruce Lee fanatic who eventually levels up his unarmed combat by receiving teachings from the literal ghost of Lee himself. Jason uses his new skills to protect his beloved dojo from an organized crime syndicate, spearheaded by the fearsome Soviet fighter Ivan “the Russian” Krachinsky. Their conflict eventually comes to blows in a national kickboxing tournament.

No, Retreat, No Surrender Was Jean-Claude Van Damme’s First Major Role

The Overlooked Film Saw The Debut Of Van Damme’s First Named Character

Jean-Claude Van Damme No Retreat, No surrender

Bloodsport may have been Van Damme’s first role as a leading man, but No Retreat, No Surrender was his first time in the cast of a major movie, even if it is as a brutal villain. Ivan Krachinsky is far from the only villain Van Damme has played over the course of his career, but over time, he became far better known as a face to be cast in more heroic roles. That being said, it’s interesting to see that his initial breakout role was more dastardly, playing up his perfect martial arts skills and intimidating presence as a villain.

Jean-Claude Van Damme had been attempting to break into the movie business for a few years leading up to the release of No Retreat, No Surrender, and it wouldn’t be for 3 more years after that he would truly become a widely recognized figure in the martial arts action world with Bloodsport. Before his career as a performer took off, Van Damme was a very real martial artist, professionally trained in sH๏τokan karate and competing well enough to win the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate ᴀssociation in 1979. This skill certainly bleeds over into his movie performances.

How No Retreat, No Surrender Set Up Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Action Hero Career

Van Damme Clearly Had What It Takes To Be A Star

Even if Van Damme wasn’t the hero of No Retreat, No Surrender, he was easily the most memorable part of it. Even this early on in his career, Van Damme’s chilling scowls, steely-eyed looks, unique accent, and ability to unleash some particularly flexible kicks sets him apart from the other fighters. Kurt McKinney is also great as the fiery Jason, but it’s easy to see why Van Damme’s film career only just began with No Retreat, No Surrender rather than more-or-less ending on it.

Even if Van Damme wasn’t the hero of No Retreat, No Surrender, he was easily the most memorable part of it.

The Muscles from Brussels’ very next movie would go on to be his breakout hit and arguably, still his best, starring as Frank Dux in Bloodsport 3 years later. But as Jean-Claude Van Damme’s first named character on screen, Ivan “the Russian” Krachinsky is a great thesis statement that proved just how exciting the martial artist, actor, and bodybuilder could be as a cinematic presence. It’s a shame the film doesn’t get more recognition.

At the end of the day, No Retreat, No Surrender remains overlooked for a variety of reasons. Its contemporaneous reviews often criticized it as derivative of other movies of its era, like The Karate Kid and Rocky IV, that did the same concepts better. Van Damme’s character is particularly reminiscent of Rocky franchise villain Ivan Drago. That’s not even to mention the bizarre concept of Bruce Lee’s ghost, which may or may not be a tasteless use of the real-life actor’s image. But at the very least, the film deserves credit for recognizing Jean-Claude Van Damme‘s potential.