Jackie Chan Biography, Types of Martial Arts Styles

Jackie Chan Biography and the different Types of Martial Arts and martial arts styles used by him.

If you had to describe Jackie Chan there are several terms you could accurately use.

He is an actor, filmmaker, comedian, director, producer, screenwriter, singer, stunt man and entrepreneur.

Jackie Chan movies are extremely fun to watch and he is known best because he performs all of his own stunts.

He is proficient in his fighting style, his timing and unique use of unusual weapons.

Acting since the 1960's he has appeared in more than 100 films and has a star on the Hollywood walk of fame as well as the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars.

Even as a singer, he has become a star in China and has performed many of his movie theme songs. You will hear him sing as the credits roll at the end of the film.

Now, even though this is a shorter Jackie Chan biography; I do want to touch on his history.

History

Born in 1954, Chan spent his younger years within the compound of the French Consul in Hong Kong. He entered school and filed his first year. His parents took him from school in 1960 and the family immigrated to Australia. There his father worked as the head cook for the American embassy. Chan was sent to the China Drama Academy. He dedicated his time to mastering acrobatics and martial arts.

At 8 years of age he made his first film, Bing and Little Wong Tin Bar. He continued in films in China through the years.

In 1971 his adult career began to blossom. He worked as a stunt man for Bruce Lee films at the age of 17. Little Tiger of Canton gave him his first staring role. The film had a limited release and was not successful.

He joined his family in Australia in 1976 and worked as a construction worker. During that same year Chan received a telegram from a producer who had been impressed with his stunts and offered him a job in a film. The plan was to model his career after that of Bruce Lee. Being unfamiliar with Lee's style, the film was less successful than desired.

What Jackie Chan biography would'nt include more about the movies!?

His first successful role was in 1978 in the film "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow". This was the first time Chan had free reign over his stunts. He captured the audience with his comedic stunts and the film was a success.

The action comedies of the 80's brought Chan to new heights in his career.

His first Hollywood film was "Battle Creek Brawl" and he had a minor part in "Cannonball Run" which was a huge success. It was during this film that Chan became enchanted with the outtakes and prompted him to use them in his own films.

Chan became established in North America in 1995.

His cult following began with his movie Rumble in the Bronx. Rush Hour was his first financially and professionally successful role in the US. It grossed $130 million.

Jackie has stated that his inspiration for performing his own stunts comes from Buster Keaton. His successful production is attributed to his knowing exactly what capabilities his actors had and were able to perform. Performing his own stunts has resulted in a variety of broken bones, from his skull to his toes and dislocation of his pelvis. It has not slowed him down and he continues his career.

Return to Types of Martial Arts Styles Homepage