When you think back to movies like Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Lionheart you can't help remember the skills and swagger of Jean Claude Van Damme.
Though most argue that Van Damme was a hyped up ballerina, his portrayal as Frank Dux in Bloodsport may have been one of the baddest dudes ever in a Martial Art movie, especially at that time.
He dominated everyone...everyone!
The Kumite saw "Dux" destroy everyone quickly, demonstrating the "dim mak," and even winning a battle in the old game of Karate Champ. Remember that one? "Ready...Fight!" Good times.
Even though it was the movies, Van Damme continued on with characters "Leon" and "Kurt" in Lionheart and Kickboxer. A cool, bad ass, French Martial Artist who ran through opponents like he had to catch a flight in the next half an hour.
Even though there always seemed to be cards stacked against him in the main fight, all it did was prolong the inevitable which was Van Damme ousting his opponent in devastating fashion.
Whether it was the chemical in the eyes, his brother being held captive or a broken rib, Van Damme's characters were no F'N joke and his ability shined through at just how dominant he was.
He did all of this, had a great physique, cool look, and outstanding ability.
It's the classic "man crush." He could get the girls, whoop your ass, and be educated and humble in the process.
Attributes everyone could desire.
Georges St. Pierre has positioned himself to do the same thing. The difference being...he's doing it in real life!
GSP has routed most in his one-sided Welterweight career. Flashy moves, good looks, a humble respectful attitude, and of French descent, "Rush" has dominated the greatest Welterweight of all time twice.
Other notable wins against top contenders in the sport include Sean Sherk, Karo Parisyan, Matt Serra, Josh Koscheck, Jason Miller, Frank Trigg, and maybe the best of all-time B.J. Penn.
GSP's real life Kumite is held within the Octagon under the umbrella of the UFC.
Granted we are not going to see jumping back spinning kicks to the head, but we do see a vast array of outstanding abilities.
That is what defines a "real" Martial Artist.
Stand-up, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and defense are all abilities GSP seems to master to near perfection. The demonstration he puts on in each fight shows he is becoming the one with the "glow."
As GSP prepares for his Welterweight title defense against Jon Fitch at UFC 87 one thing is for certain. This man has all the tools of MMA and of life.
He's a hero, a role-model, a Renaissance man, and someone fans and people can idolize.
That's what a movies protagonist is supposed to be. GSP is writing his own script with each day and every time he steps foot into the Octagon.
All the similarities to Van Damme are obvious. And if St. Pierre continues his career the way it's been going then he may very well be the one holding the Katana sword at the end of it all.
That is, as long as he never dances like Van Damme in the Kickboxer bar scene.
We'll blame that on the alcohol.
"Georges Rue. Pierre peut devenir le plus grand combattant que nous jamais avons vu."
-Venym
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3 months ago
Great article, i'm a huge GSP fan and i 100% agree he is a good role model. One question though, did you babblefish or google translate that last line?
from 3 months ago
I'm French, it means GSP could be the best fighter we've ever seen. But I had some help from Freetranslation.com because my French is sloppy, lol. Thanks for the read and comment, glad you enjoyed it.
from 3 months ago
Haha alright, i've been in french immersion at school for five years and thought I understood it but it's just that it translated St. (short for street) to Rue. (french for street) and it made me laugh because i've had a bunch of the same kind of trouble with online translators.
3 months ago
What a wonderful article! Whenever I watch a JCVD movie I mentally put Georges in his place (of course I did the same thing when watching the "Pacifier"). Georges could leave fighting altogether and make millions in the movie business, IMHO. ( But wasnt Jean Claude part Dutch, or am I confused again?)
Anyway, thank you for writing something that has been in the deep recesses of my mind and for doing a knock out job! Salud!
Five big shiny stars and my pick of the day, week, month, year, etc. LOVED IT!
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