Espionage Today

Espionage Today

Share this post

Espionage Today
Espionage Today
The First Rule of Kumite

The First Rule of Kumite

Arts and Leisure | Movie Reviews | Martial Art and Espionage in Popular Culture

Bryan Westby's avatar
Bryan Westby
Aug 10, 2023
∙ Paid

Share this post

Espionage Today
Espionage Today
The First Rule of Kumite
Share

The first rule of Kumite is you don't talk about Kumite.

I recently saw Bloodsport, the 1988 classic that launched the career of Jean-Claude Van Damme. It had been decades since I saw it last, but the cheesy humor and tongue-in-cheek homage to martial art cinematography still holds up. It was also the first time most Americans were exposed to the concept…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Espionage Today to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Bryan Westby
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share