Ahh, Jean Claude Van Damme. Yes, the “Muscles from Brussels,” is my favorite movie star of all time. Obviously, he never was nominated, let alone won, any sort of legitimate acting award — and nor should he have. Van Damme is simply a great action hero that transcended my childhood.

As a kid, all I wanted was to be was him. He had it all. He was ripped, girls loved him, he could do splits and kick some major ass. There was even a point where I almost convinced my parents to let me take karate lessons so I could be a one-man wrecking crew like Van Damme. Sadly, they didn’t go along with it. Something about being afraid I’d get my face smashed in. Whatever.

There are so many classic Jean Claude Van Damme movies. From Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Lionheart, you just can’t beat the mix of bad acting and cool fight sequences. Any of the aforementioned movies are well worth 90 minutes of your time on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I can’t defend his mid-90s and beyond stuff like Time Cop, No Where to Run and Legionnaire. That being said, let’s not focus on the negatives, instead let’s review some great scenes from his best movies.

Bloodsport: The Fight to Survive Montage

This two-minute clip is used to advance viewers through the opening rounds of the Kumite. Great fight sequences cut with crazy asian businessmen gambling in the stands. This clip is right there next to the famous Rocky training montages in terms of getting pumped up and feeling really American.

Kickboxer: JCVD Busts a Move

This clip has it all. Cheesy dance moves by our hero, who is wearing pleated khakis and a slinky tank top. And check out those completely unnecessary bouncing splits!

Lionheart: The Pool Fight

One of his best fight scenes if only for the part where his opponent appears from the trees like Tarzan. And explain to me why they are wearing wrestling unitards?

Now, wasn’t that fun? I bet I know what you are doing this weekend.

Triz Gallo writes sports things at IGOHARDNOW in addition to his contributions at Goodspeed & Poe.  He resides in Cleveland and can most likely be found at a Gov’t Mule concert.  Be sure to follow his crazy life on twitter @trizgallo.