Jean-Claude Van Damme

In the era of disposable action stars, plucked seemingly at random from the ranks of bodybuilding competitions, Van Damme wasn’t just another weightlifter—he was an accomplished and formidable martial artist and kickboxer. Van Damme began training in martial arts at age 10, and took up ballet at 16. When he gave up kickboxing to focus on his acting career, he left the sport with a record of 18-1, all of his wins coming by knockout.He went on to star in films such as Bloodsport, Timecop, Sudden Death, and, appropriately enough, Kickboxer. Now in his 50s, he still does his own stunts. “Everyone was very impressed with my kicking,” Van Damme said. “I knew I could do it because I'm still in the gym at least five times a week. You should never give up on your body. It will be there for you."Ballet dancers are some of the strongest men alive—here’s how you can Build Your Body With Ballet.



Photograph: Corbis Images