Jean-Claude Van Dammeis one of the most iconic names in martial arts movie history, but even he had to start somewhere, with one particular title in his early filmography often going overlooked. Originally a martial artist trained in karate out of Belgium,Jean-Claude Van Damme’s signature movesand relentless charisma allowed him to rise up through the ranks as a household name in Hollywood. Largely, his big break is recognized as 1988’sBloodsport, 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 likeNo Retreat, No Surrender.The film centers on Kurt McKinney as Jason Stillwell, a hot-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
Bloodsportmay have been Van Damme’s first role as a leading man, butNo Retreat, No Surrenderwas his first time in the cast of a major movie, even if it is as a brutal villain. Ivan Krachinsky is far from the onlyvillain Van Damme has playedover 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 ofNo 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 withBloodsport.Before his career as a performer took off, Van Damme was a very real martial artist, professionally trained in shotokan karate and competing well enough to win the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate Association 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
Even if Van Damme wasn’t the hero ofNo 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 whyVan Damme’s film careeronly just began withNo Retreat, No Surrenderrather than more-or-less ending on it.
Even if Van Damme wasn’t the hero ofNo 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 inBloodsport3 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 Surrenderremains overlooked for a variety of reasons. Its contemporaneous reviews often criticized it as derivative of other movies of its era, likeThe Karate KidandRocky IV,that did the same concepts better. Van Damme’s character is particularly reminiscent ofRockyfranchise villainIvan 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 recognizingJean-Claude Van Damme’s potential.
