Jean-Claude Van Damme, who is currently working on his newly directed movie, Kumite, in which he also has the title role, has decided to play in a direct sequel to his breakthrough hit, "Bloodsport" (1987).

Although described as a Xerox of "Bloodsport, Kumite is an action-packed story of courage, friendship, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the most brutal and elite fighting tournament in the world, The Kumite.

The main character, Vic Latour (Jean-Claude Van Damme), who is the only westerner to ever win the Championship of the Kumite, returns to defend his title after years of alcoholism and despair, overcoming great odds to achieve greater glory.

The 1987 Bloodsport had three sequel afterwards released straight to the video.

Now, the producers plan to impress the audience with "Bloodsport : A New Beginning".

The new movie, which is to be penned by the original scribe Sheldon Leitch, is expected to go before the cameras next year, and bring the "Bloodsport concept into the 21st Century in a way you can hardly imagine".

The 45-year-old Belgian actor will reprise his role as Frank Dux, a chap who entered an illegal underground martial-arts competition where many have been known to cark it.

Meanwhile, Van Damme and Leitch are about to start working on another film, "Hard Corps", in which he co-stars with Wesley Snipes.

He will also portray Cornedurus in Frédéric Forestier's Astérix aux jeux olympiques.