Michel Qissi

Michel Qissi, born on September twelfth, nineteen sixty-two, in Oujda, Morocco, is a multifaceted talent known for his contributions to the film industry as an actor, filmmaker, and martial artist. Raised in Brussels, he embarked on a journey to Hollywood in nineteen eighty-two alongside his childhood friend Jean-Claude Van Damme, both aspiring to become action stars.

Qissi's breakthrough came with the film Bloodsport in nineteen eighty-eight, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Van Damme. Their partnership had earlier seen them work together on Breakin' in nineteen eighty-four, and they continued to make waves in the action genre with films like Kickboxer in nineteen eighty-nine, where Qissi portrayed the iconic villain Tong Po, and Lionheart in nineteen ninety.

In addition to acting, Qissi showcased his talents behind the camera, making his directorial debut with Terminator Woman in nineteen ninety-three. He further expanded his creative repertoire by directing, co-writing, and starring in Extreme Force in two thousand one, which highlighted the skills of Argentinian martial arts star Héctor Echavarría. His directorial prowess was also evident in the well-received action adventure film Bara, shot in Morocco in two thousand fourteen.

Beyond his American film endeavors, Qissi has made significant contributions to Moroccan cinema and television. He is also a co-founder of The World Cinema Combat Federation (WCCF), an organization dedicated to teaching fight choreography in filmmaking. With a background in amateur boxing and training in Shotokan, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, Qissi's martial arts expertise has been a cornerstone of his career.