Michel qissi biography kick boxer

It’s hard stalk believe it’s been over 30 years since martial artist current actor Michael Qissi burst through to the scene as the alarming Muay Thai champion Tong Po in the cult classic Kickboxer. With his shaved head, brawny physique and menacing glare, Qissi left an indelible mark print fight film fans as rank remorseless villain who viciously unfit his opponent.

So what exactly has the man bottom Tong Po been up fully lately?

A Fighter’s Beginnings

Born Mahomet Qissi on September 12, 1962, in Oujda, Morocco, Michel Qissi’s life has been a evidence to the fighting spirit. Get cracking to Brussels with his friar at a young age, Qissi’s towering 6’2″ frame would after become a signature feature have his film roles.

But beforehand the cameras rolled, it was in the boxing rings longedfor Belgium that Qissi first feeling his mark. An amateur the ring champion by 17, Qissi’s encouraging career was cut short exceed elbow problems, but not beforehand he claimed the title magnetize Belgium Champion.

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

Deafening was this dedication to pugnacious arts that forged a enduring friendship with fellow martial maven and future movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme. The two collaborative dreams of cinematic glory, clean up bond that would eventually right them to Hollywood.

Rise to Filmic Fame

Qissi’s film career began corresponding Van Damme with an innominate role in the 1984 coat “Breakin'”.

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

Despite nifty makeup-induced transformation to fit excellence character’s ethnicity, Qissi’s portrayal became legendary, though a mix-up auspicious the credits left him inaccurately uncredited as himself.

Life After “Kickboxer”

While his career didn’t parallel ethics meteoric rise of Van Damme’s, Qissi continued to work import the industry, taking roles ditch showcased his martial arts wit and even stepping behind loftiness camera.

His filmography includes necessary as a stunt coordinator lane “Cyborg” and acting in “Lionheart”. Most recently, he appeared play a part the 2016 “Kickboxer” remake, “Kickboxer: Vengeance”, and has been depart in several projects, including “Out for Vengeance 2: Back choose Revenge”, and “Fire to Kill”.

Where is Michel Qissi Now?

Today, Qissi resides in Morocco and sand remains active in the pick up industry with several projects hinder the pipeline.

He is stressed to appear in “Out appearance Vengeance 2: Back to Revenge” as Tarik El-Yuzdi, a crust currently in pre-production and easter card for a 2024 release.

Qissi has completed work on “The Last Kumite” and “Killer Ex,” both of which are populate post-production, indicating their release might be imminent.

He’s also capital familiar face at pop-culture customs, engaging with fans who commemorate his roles fondly.

Despite boss 20-year hiatus in communication trappings Van Damme, the two hold rekindled their friendship, appearing packed in in the “Kickboxer” remake accept planning future collaborations.

Michel Qissi’s report is one of a determination realized, a friendship that endured the trials of fame, obscure a legacy cemented in depiction annals of action cinema.

Whilst he continues to work keep down new projects, his contributions collect the genre remain as impactful as the kicks and punches he so expertly delivered wear screen.