Top 5 Martial Arts Movie Badasses of the 80’s

Who is the most Bad Ass Martial Arts Movie Star of the 1980’s?

The 1980s were a magical moment in movie history. In a time before big special effects, CGI, and digital high-definition film equipment, audiences reveled at an explosive genre that transcended international borders. Of course, I am talking about the martial arts movie boom. Riding on the coattails of the world-renown Bruce Lee, countless martial artist/aspiring action stars kicked, punched, and summersaulted their way into Hollywood. But, amidst the pack only a handful of gifted cinematic warriors took claim of the martial arts megastar mantle.

So, FilmFad.com would like to reminisce about the decade that brought us neon colors, acid washed jeans and slap bracelets with our countdown of the Top 5 Martial Arts Movie Badasses of the 80’s.

5. Chuck Norris – The All-American Bad-Ass

There used to be a street named after Chuck Norris, but it was changed because nobody crosses Chuck Norris and lives.

Carlos Ray, aka Chuck, Norris is an American martial arts bad ass, action movie star, United States Air Force veteran and founder of his own school, Chuck… I mean, Chun Kuk Do. The internet is a cauldron of examples why Norris is one Grade-A (really grade-b) Bad-Ass. From being the reason why Waldo is hiding or having counted to infinity – twice, Norris’ 80’s onscreen action has never left the annals of action film icons. Norris’ stiff and commando style of on-screen martial arts created a new genre of action film. Check out Chuck Norris’ final showdown against (wait for it) Mr. Kung Fu himself,  David Carradine, in “Lone Wolf McQuade.” While Norris, who has shared the fight-screen with the legendary Bruce Li, easily snatches the #5 spot in Top Martial Arts Movie Badasses of the 80’s, Carradine does not make the list. The reason… Chuck Norris said so. Oh, don’t forget… Chuck Norris once made a Happy Meal cry.
Chuck Norris  in “Lone Wolf McQuade” (1983).

4. Jean Claude Van Damme – The Belgian Bad-Ass

Jean Claude Van Damme is an indisputable Belgian badass who ax kicks first then takes names. Given his high-kicking art from, it’s no surprise that Van Damme is a long-time Karate practitioner. With iconic 80’s Martial Arts flicks like “Bloodsport” and “Kickboxer,” Van Damme is a permanent fixture in the action film universe. What’s even more Bad Ass is that Van Damme has given the internet so many treasures. From his penchant for off-beat photos, to his “Epic Split” Volvo commercial, to having given creative commons a handful of shots of him in-front of a green screen, Van Damme is not only an 80’s bad-ass… he’s a present day Bad-Ass too! If that’s not enough proof, then watch “Kickboxer” in it’s entirety FOR FREE below… courtesy of DailyMotion.com.

Jean Claude Van Damme in “Kickboxer” (1989).

3. Steven Seagal – The Aiki-Bad-Ass

Martial arts practitioner or not, most people consider the zen like art of Aikido to be a gentler style. Well, there is nothing gentle about Steven Seagal’s bone crunching brand of budo. As a real life gifted-student of Aikido, Seagal has no trouble selling his on screen flow of throat chops and choke outs. His overt style of putting on the hurt has even spun off a satire exaggerating his quiet storm form. More specifically, “MAD TV’s” Will Sasso as the neck breaking keeper of the peace. It might even add to his badass-ness that Seagal can be seen moonlighting as a Reserve Deputy Chief in the states of Lousiana and Arizona. When he’s not busting perps in his free time, Seagal has also been credited as helping train the UFC’s Anderson Silva and Lionel Machida. That’s. Bad. Ass. He also hangs out with Russia’s own Vladimir Putin, and even has gone as far as “to consider him as a brother.” I’m not sure what that implies… but it’s something worth mentioning. Check out Seagal ‘snap’ into action with stone cold fury in a montage of the best moments from “Above the Law.”

Steven Seagal in “Above the Law” (1988).

2. Jackie Chan – The Comedic Bad-Ass

Jackie Chan is the master of props in action sequence. From the most mundane to the most bizarre, Chan has used the whole spectrum of props to add depth and entertainment value to his fight scenes. As a fight choreographer, Chan consistently pushes the boundaries of practical fights (and having broken practically every bone in his body doing so), often backing out the camera and letting the actors convey the action versus using quick cuts to simulate it. What’s more badass than doing all your own mind blowing stunts and being able to insert a comedic shtick at the same time. That’s right, Chan is the only one of the pack that is a comedic Kung Fu master. Nothing is more intimidating and badass than a guy who is really really good at martial arts… but is goofy as hell (Goku. Case and point.) So combine his mastery of a wide range of Chinese Martial Arts and good sense of comedic timing and it’s no wonder than Jackie Chan easily takes 2nd place. Check out one of Chan’s many prop propelled action sequences in “Project A.”

Jackie Chan in “Project A” (1983).

1. Jet Li – King of the 80’s Bad-Asses

At the end of the day when you want to decide who is the most badass you have to look beyond the props the guns the knives explosions the camera techniques and even English. With lightning fast hands, acerbic kicks, and no need to even speak a word to convey his intensity, Jet Li is undoubtedly the most badass 80s martial arts movie star. Without using props, trick camera angles, and the more rudimentary fights, Jet Li’s combined speed and skill truly making every one of his fight scenes an exhibition of his immense prowess.

Jet Li in “The Master” (1989).

Who is YOUR favorite 80’s Martial Arts Movie Bad-Ass? We wanna know, so tell us in the comments below!