Before becoming an action star, Jean-Claude Van Damme was a small, shy boy in 1960s Brussels, often sick and wearing thick glasses.

Unexpectedly, he had a deep passion for ballet, training for five years and even performing at the Paris Opera.

Ballet taught him balance and control, which shaped his unique fighting style. Concerned about his health, his father enrolled him in karate, which sparked a new passion.

Combining elegance from ballet and power from martial arts, Van Damme became Belgium’s national karate champion.

He loved classical music, especially Beethoven, which added emotional depth to his personality and later, his film roles.

With determination, he moved to the U.S. and rose to fame in movies like *Bloodsport* and *Kickboxer*.

His journey proves that true strength can come from unexpected places, shaped by resilience, creativity, and courage.