Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, known professionally as Jean-Claude Van Damme, was born on October 18, 1960, in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Belgium. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a martial artist, studying Shotokan karate and kickboxing from a young age. His passion for martial arts led him to win several European championships, establishing a solid foundation for his future in action films.