What is Frank Dux's net worth?
Frank Dux is a martial artist and fight choreographer who has a net worth of $2 million.
Frank Dux is a legendary figure in the martial arts world, often remembered as a martial arts instructor, fight choreographer, and author. He gained fame in the 1980s following claims about his underground fighting career, particularly about his time in the "Kumite," a supposed secret tournament in Asia. Dux's biography served as the basis for the 1988 film "Bloodsport," where Jean-Claude Van Damme portrayed Dux. Dux fought 329 matches from 1975 to 1980 and retired undefeated as the World Heavyweight Full Contact Kumite Champion. He holds world records for fastest knockout, fastest punch with a knockout, fastest kick with a knockout, and most consecutive knockouts in a single tournament. Frank Dux also received credit as a co-author of the movie "The Quest."
His career, however, has not been without controversy, with questions over the authenticity of his claims leading to heated debates among martial arts enthusiasts and historians.
His autobiography "The Secret Man: An American Warrior's Uncensored Story" was released in 1996.
Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts
Frank William Dux was born on April 6, 1956, in Toronto, Canada. His interest in martial arts was sparked at a young age, and by the time he was 16, he claimed to have won a scholarship to study Ninjutsu in Japan under the legendary martial arts master Senzo Tanaka. Dux's study under Tanaka would form the backbone of his martial arts career, setting him on a path to becoming a martial arts instructor and ultimately founding his own school, Dux Ryu Ninjutsu.
The "Kumite" and Martial Arts Career
Dux's martial arts career took a turn for the extraordinary in the 1980s when he claimed to have participated in a secret full-contact martial arts tournament known as the "Kumite." He maintained that he won 329 matches, earning titles like "Fastest Knockout," "Fastest Punch," and "Fastest Kick." His stories, complete with a supposedly secret medal he received, made him a prominent figure in martial arts circles. Dux used this fame to establish his own school, teaching a style he called Dux Ryu Ninjutsu, a method that combines traditional Ninjutsu techniques with modern fight strategies.
(Photo by Maury Phillips/WireImage)
Bloodsport and Hollywood Career
Dux's account of his time in the Kumite served as the basis for the 1988 film "Bloodsport," in which Jean-Claude Van Damme played Dux. The movie, though not a critical success, became a cult classic, sparking a series of similar martial arts films. After "Bloodsport," Dux continued his career in Hollywood as a fight choreographer, consultant, and writer, working on films like "The Quest" and "Only the Strong."
Controversies and Criticisms
While Dux's career is certainly impressive, it has not been without controversy. Many skeptics have questioned the authenticity of his Kumite story, pointing to inconsistencies in his account and the lack of corroborating evidence. His claimed mentor, Senzo Tanaka, is believed by some to be a fictional character. Despite this, Dux has maintained the veracity of his claims. These controversies have somewhat tarnished his reputation but have also led to increased scrutiny and discussion of his career.
Later Life and Legacy
In the later years of his life, Dux has maintained a lower profile but continues to defend his past and contribute to the martial arts community. He has written books, including "The Secret Man: An American Warrior's Uncensored Story," which presents his version of events and his views on martial arts. His influence on the martial arts genre in film remains, with "Bloodsport" still widely recognized among martial arts movie fans.
Frank Dux is an enigma, a man shrouded in mystery and controversy, a legendary figure whose story has been as much debated as it has been celebrated. His life and career have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the martial arts world, whether through his teachings, his influence on martial arts cinema, or the ongoing debates about his past.
