Masters of Martial Arts Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dolph Lundgren

The Swedish actor abandoned plans for a career in engineering when he discovered the joys of celebrity in the movies, and has graced the screen with his massive presence in a number of action roles. Although he has a high level of martial arts qualification, his roles tend more towards overpowering his opponents by his physical strength than by his dexterity. You may remember him as He-Man in the 1987 film 'Masters of the Universe', among other roles.

Answer: Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee's grandfather Lee Hoi-Chuen moved to San Francisco, where his father Bruce Lee and uncle Robert Lee were born. He died shortly after Brandon's birth. Brandon Lee's first film was a television movie, 'Kung Fu: The Movie', a 1986 movie based on the television series.

He played a character who was thought to be the son of the lead character, played by David Carradine. He made a number of movies in which he had increasingly significant roles, and 'The Crow'(1993) gave him the lead as an undead rock singer on a quest for vengeance.

He died in a shooting accident only days before the filming was complete, and a stand-in was used for the few remaining scenes in which he appeared.

Answer: Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal ran an Aikido dojo in Japan before transferring his career to Los Angeles and the movies. He was cast in 'Above the Law' after impressing studio executives with a display of martial arts during his screen test. As well as acting in a number of action films, he directed 'On Deadly Ground'(1994)and acted as a martial arts consultant for a number of movies.

Answer: Chuck Norris

In 'Way of the Dragon' (released in the US as 'Return of the Dragon'), Chuck Norris played the part of Colt, who fights Dragon (played by Bruce Lee) in one of the final scenes of this Honk Kong martial arts film with the unusual setting of an Italian restaurant. Norris subsequently appeared in a number of action films, although you may remember him best for his eponymous starring role in the television series 'Walker, Texas Ranger' (1993-2000).

He is a member of the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame, inducted in 1999.

Answer: Jean-Claude van Damme

The role of Frank Dux in 'Bloodsport' was van Damme's first major role, following a number of small parts. In 'Double Impact' he played both leads, twin brothers Chad and Alex Wagner, separated at birth when their parents are assassinated, and reunited by chance 25 years later.

In 'Universal Soldier', he and Dolph Lundgren play two soldiers who kill each other, then continue their fight after being reanimated in a secret military project.

Answer: Sammo Hung

All of these are big names in martial arts films, but it is Sammo Hung with whom Jackie Chan often consulted. Many consider Sammo Hung's fight scenes to be even better choreographed than those of his better-known (in general cinematic circles) friend. He played the heavyset monk with whom Bruce Lee fought in 'Enter the Dragon' (1973).

Answer: Jet Li

'The Shaolin Temple' was the first Hong Kong production to be filmed in mainland China. It tells an adventure tale of political intrigue, with plenty of fighting, set in the 7th century CE. Jet Li plays Jue Yuan, who is about to take vows as a monk in the temple.

The film is told in flashback, after he is asked whether he can vow to never kill,and we see his violent past (but always in the cause of good).

Answer: Wesley Snipes

Simon Phoenix and John Spartan are sent to cryoprison following a shootout that goes awry. Thirty-five years later, Phoenix escapes and goes on a rampage, so Spartan is released to capture him. Good triumphs over evil, as is usually the case.
As well as starring in a number of action films, Wesley Snipes has also appeared in such films as 'White Men Can't Jump', a 1992 comedy, and 'Mo' Better Blues' (1990), in which he portrayed Shadow Henderson, a member of a jazzband.

Answer: Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan was a massive celebrity in Hong Kong before he managed to break into the US market. 'Rumble in the Bronx', which was one of his early successes in North America, was filmed in Vancouver despite being set in the Bronx. It involved Jackie Chan's character getting involved in the confrontations between rival street gangs, and eventually helping free the neighborhood of the domination of the bad guys.

Answer: Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee is an iconic figure in the world of martial arts movies. Born in San Francisco and raised in Kowloon, he started appearing in films as a child. His portrayal of martial arts in Hollywood films has been credited with reviving US interest in them during the 1970s.

His best known films include 'The Big Boss' (1971), 'Way of the Dragon' (1972) which he wrote and directed himself, 'Fist of Fury' (1972), 'Enter the Dragon' (1973) and 'The Game of Death' (1973). You may also remember him from his television role of Kato in 'The Green Hornet' (1966-1967).