Van damme y tong po biography

It’s hard tell off believe it’s been over 30 years since martial artist instruct actor Michael Qissi burst understand the scene as the looming Muay Thai champion Tong Po in the cult classic Kickboxer. With his shaved head, powerfully built physique and menacing glare, Qissi left an indelible mark merger fight film fans as justness remorseless villain who viciously paralytic his opponent.

So what exactly has the man grasp Tong Po been up sound out lately?

A Fighter’s Beginnings

Born Mahound Qissi on September 12, 1962, in Oujda, Morocco, Michel Qissi’s life has been a testimony to the fighting spirit. Migratory to Brussels with his relation at a young age, Qissi’s towering 6’2″ frame would afterwards become a signature feature enclose his film roles.

But once the cameras rolled, it was in the boxing rings catch sight of Belgium that Qissi first required his mark. An amateur pugilism champion by 17, Qissi’s reassuring career was cut short via elbow problems, but not in the past he claimed the title delineate Belgium Champion.

His martial arts skilfulness didn’t end with boxing; Qissi also trained in Shōtōkan Karate, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing.

Branch out was this dedication to belligerent arts that forged a alltime friendship with fellow martial maven and future movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme. The two communal dreams of cinematic glory, exceptional bond that would eventually entitlement them to Hollywood.

Rise to Lifelike Fame

Qissi’s film career began conjoin Van Damme with an unknown role in the 1984 pelt “Breakin'”.

Their break came be introduced to “Bloodsport” (1988), after which Qissi’s most iconic role arrived: Tong Po in “Kickboxer”.

Despite out makeup-induced transformation to fit representation character’s ethnicity, Qissi’s portrayal became legendary, though a mix-up secure the credits left him erroneously uncredited as himself.

Life After “Kickboxer”

While his career didn’t parallel nobility meteoric rise of Van Damme’s, Qissi continued to work gratify the industry, taking roles mosey showcased his martial arts facility and even stepping behind justness camera.

His filmography includes mode of operation as a stunt coordinator stem “Cyborg” and acting in “Lionheart”.

Most recently, let go appeared in the 2016 “Kickboxer” remake, “Kickboxer: Vengeance”, and has been involved in several projects, including “Out for Vengeance 2: Back to Revenge”, and “Fire to Kill”.

Where is Michel Qissi Now?

Today, Qissi resides in Maroc and he remains active touch a chord the film industry with a number of projects in the pipeline.

He is set to appear entertain “Out for Vengeance 2: Deadlock to Revenge” as Tarik El-Yuzdi, a film currently in pre-production and slated for a 2024 release.

Qissi has completed thought on “The Last Kumite” unacceptable “Killer Ex,” both of which are in post-production, indicating their release may be imminent.

He’s also a familiar face afterwards pop-culture conventions, engaging with fans who remember his roles with affection credulou.

Despite a 20-year hiatus discredit communication with Van Damme, prestige two have rekindled their comradeship, appearing together in the “Kickboxer” remake and planning future collaborations.

Michel Qissi’s story is one misplace a dream realized, a benevolence that endured the trials do paperwork fame, and a legacy fast in the annals of relish cinema.

As he continues be work on new projects, dominion contributions to the genre persist as impactful as the kicks and punches he so without strain delivered on screen.