The day Jean-Claude Van Damme taught Chiquito de la Calzada his legendary martial arts kick
The actor won everyone over with his funky dancing in ‘Kickboxer’ and also impressed with his sense of humor on the show ‘¿Qué apostamos?’
In 2026, it’s safe to say no one needs an introduction to Jean‑Claude Van Damme — the action‑movie icon who made headlines just yesterday after A24 announced a brand‑new Bloodsport film.
And if you’ve ever lived in Spain, chances are you also know Ramón García and the legendary comedian Gregorio Sánchez, better known as Chiquito de la Calzada, a beloved figure in Spanish pop culture until his passing in 2017.
Iconic moment on Spanish daytime TV
Back in the day, García hosted one of Spain’s most popular TV shows, ¿Qué apostamos? — a variety program that regularly featured celebrities from around the world. Among them was none other than Van Damme himself. During his appearance, the charismatic host convinced the action star to teach Chiquito de la Calzada how to perform one of his signature martial‑arts kicks — the same kind fans watched him deliver in classics like Kickboxer (1989).
What happened next, with Italian model and TV personality Antonia Dell’Atte watching from the sidelines, became an unforgettable moment in Spanish television history.
Looking back now, it’s even more surreal: a global action hero showing one of Spain’s most iconic comedians how to pull off a Hollywood‑style martial‑arts move. For many fans, it’s a clip that hits even harder today than it did when it first aired. Roll the tape.
The best martial arts movies
If you put together a list of the 50 greatest martial‑arts films ever made, Jean‑Claude Van Damme would show up more than once. He’s one of the defining stars of the genre, and his on‑screen fights — powered by real martial‑arts training — have become part of action‑movie history. In our full breakdown, you can explore the standout titles that cemented his legacy.
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