No Retreat, No Surrender (1985) is a martial arts action film that blends drama, determination, and thrilling fight sequences. Directed by Corey Yuen, it tells the story of Jason Stillwell (played by Kurt McKinney), a young martial artist and Bruce Lee fan who struggles to stand up to bullies and protect his familyโs dojo.
After moving to Seattle, Jason encounters a gang led by Ivan Kraschinsky (played by Jean-Claude Van Damme), a brutal Soviet fighter working for a criminal syndicate. To prepare for the inevitable confrontation, Jason trains under the ghostly guidance of Bruce Lee’s spirit.
The film culminates in a high-stakes martial arts tournament, where Jason must face Ivan in a climactic fight to defend his honor and prove his resilience.
Known for its over-the-top action and inspiring underdog story, No Retreat, No Surrender became a cult classic among martial arts fans and launched Van Damme’s career as an action star.
