The Untold Story of Steven Seagal vs Jean-Claude Van Damme

In this video, we explore the untold story behind one of the most intense rivalries in martial arts and action movie history: Steven Seagal vs. Jean-Claude Van Damme. These two legends dominated the big screen in the 80s and 90s, with Seagal’s stoic, grounded Aikido style and Van Damme’s high-energy, kickboxing flair. But their rivalry extended beyond the silver screen, fueled by pride, ego, and personal feuds.

We’ll dive into their very different paths to stardom, from Van Damme’s humble beginnings as a sparring partner for Chuck Norris to Seagal’s training in Japan, where he became the first foreigner to run an Aikido dojo. From backstage confrontations to outrageous urban legends (like Seagal’s infamous run-in with judo master Gene LeBell), we leave no stone unturned.

Plus, we analyze their lasting legacies, showing why fans continue to root for Van Damme while Seagal’s reputation has faltered. Was there ever a real chance they would fight for $20 million in Las Vegas? And who would have won? Join us as we uncover the truth behind the ultimate martial arts showdown.

Check out our related videos on Steven Seagal’s feuds with other martial artists!

#VanDamme #StevenSeagal #goldenbelltraining
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[GoldenbellTraining]

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[michaelb.]

Blood Sport is still one of my favorite movies. At 55 years old, I grew up in the 80's and 90's, the BEST era for movies, in my opinion.

[michaelcheli]

I'm a fan of both Van Damme and Seagal; but a few years back, I had a bit part in a Van Damme movie, and was struck by what a nice personable guy he was. A buddy of mine and myself were basically nobody's on set; but you'd never have known that by the respectful and even gracious way we were treated by Van Damme. I was already a big fan of the characters that Van Damme played; but after that movie, I became a big fan of Van Damme, the person.

[FarmerFpv]

I'm such a Van Damme fanboy. I met him in San Francisco 15 years ago at Planet Hollywood. What a nice guy. He did the famous spin kick for us, took pictures, and chatted with us. He was soft-spoken and kind.

[steve]

Van Damme and Chuck Norris training together - that’s epic !

[sammcbride]

I like how Van Damme always wanted Bolo to be in his movies. Bolo was a really good villian.

[MaximMelamed]

I came to the US from.USSR in 1989. No retreat no surrender was the first action film ive seen. I was hooked on VanDamme and still love him.

[gragrn]

About six years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jean Claude. He was a lovely bloke who was happy to sign autographs and take photos with everyone. He was also in fantastic physical condition, which for an older guy is very hard to maintain, so you can imagine the work he puts in. So, if it came to a real fight, JC would run rings around him.

[americanpatriot]

I heard that Seagal broke through 14 layers of lasagna in one move!!!

[CoachAli]

Blood Sport, No retreat No Surrender and Kickboxer were some of favourite action movies growing up!

[marioStortuga]

I had the honor to meet JCVD years ago in California I was walking out of the Dojo. I was stuck in place when he was walking up. I just looked and him he smiled and said hi.. I said I know who you are and is the reason I'm even here. He smiled He was one of the most chill person I've met. He was very nice and humble. I didn't even ask he asked me if I wanted to take a picture he saw my camera bag. I still have the picture on my mantel til this day. I almost left my camera home, Luckily I had my camera cell phones weren't really a thing yet.

[bellissimo]

The fact that Seagal apparently wasn't asked to join in the fun in Stallone's "Expendables" franchise says a lot about how his peers see him..

[RedSplinter]

I will forever be a JCVD fan. The man has a legitimate respect for the martial arts, and has a legitimate background as a martial artist and competitor. Plus, in my opinion, he can really act! JCVD the film showed us all his range as an actor for sure... his real life redemption arc is inspiring. Plus just compare JCVDs current physique to Seagals and you have your answer as to which one is the real deal. Overall JCVD is truly a legend.

[JayZoop]

Jean's -Claude's character in Lion Heart and Bloodsport are why we all like him.

[DrinkingStar]

In the 1970s I studied Judo and later Aikido. My Aikido sensei was a Colonel in the Thai army. He came to the U.S. to improve his English language skills. He taught the martial arts in the Thai military academy in Bangkok. He was also highly skilled in Muay Thai, Judo and Karate. His advice was to not depend on one form/style of fighting. In the early 1990s, I also met Frank Dux in a bodybuilding gym which also had a martial arts wing in the building. From my experience, I would say that the more styles of fighting you knew and could spontaneously incorporate, the better your chances of winning in a head-to-head fight.

[stephencarlsbad]

Hell of a video! So impressed! So well written and well narrated! Not to mention the video clips and editing.

[steve-zgxp]

The difference between working with Segal and Van Damme on set, Van Damme is the kindest, most respectful person on the set. Segal demands you are fired if you look him in the eyes... Also, Van Damme never got choked out by a 70 year old...

[Machtimus]

Seagal ran at a Stallone party. Van Dam offered a friendly challenge and Seagal left. He then went to a bar when Van Damme followed him Seagal fled again. What a shock.

This story was told by Stallone not verbatim

[THE-X-Force]

It's honestly amazing to me that anyone continues to talk about Seagal anymore.

[robertsmithington]

Norris used to frequent a private business that I did. Had the chance to talk with him one on one on several occasions. Guys like Norris and Van Damme are a critical part of martial arts/fighting; humble, willing to help, and never too high to help someone up. If he has a positive opinion of Van Damme, I trust his judgement based on those conversations. FYI, Chuck never seemed to get over Bruce Lee’s death. How he talks about him is truly amazing, and it was clear he as in awe of him. The loss of these individuals is really a huge loss to the sport and the camaraderie that makes the sport so great. I could hear it in his voice. This hero, iron man of martial arts, showing vulnerability and he barely knew me. Will people feel the same about Seagal? Maybe…