


It developed a strong cult following, and has been cited as an influence on the development of mixed martial arts. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it was a considerable box office success, grossing $50 million on a budget of $1.5–2.3 million. īloodsport was produced by Cannon Films and released by Warner Bros. After its release, many of Dux's claims were disputed, including by co-screenwriter Sheldon Lettich, who claimed Dux fabricated his fight record and the existence of the Kumite.

The real Dux served as the film's action choreographer and technical advisor. The screenplay is based on many of Dux's claims first covered in the November 1980 issue of Black Belt magazine. It was one of Van Damme's first starring films and showcased his athletic abilities, launching his career as a mainstream action star. The film centers on Frank Dux (Van Damme), a United States Army Captain and ninjitsu practitioner, who competes in an underground, full-contact martial arts tournament called the Kumite in Hong Kong. Bloodsport is a 1988 American martial arts action film directed by Newt Arnold and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Forest Whitaker, Donald Gibb, Roy Chiao, and Bolo Yeung.
