9 Most Badass Elder Masters In Martial Arts Movies
5. Senzo Tanaka - Bloodsport (1988)
Senzo Tanaka is a strong and virtuous multidisciplinary master (judo, karate and ninjutsu), who one day surprises teen Frank Dux trying to steal a katana sword from his dojo. Despite this bitter first encounter, Senzo recognizes Dux's honor and potential, and so decides to train him in the ways of the Tanaka clan.
It is worth mentioning that Tanaka decides to train Dux after the tragic loss of his own son. In that sense, the bond between these two is as strong and precious as any blood relation could be. What reward does Dux receive after all his hard work? Oh yeah, he gets to participate in a treacherous international tournament called Kumite. No verifiable familiarity to grandpa Mori from the previous entry, by the way.
Tanaka's training is brutal, consisting of a wide variety of challenges designed to build up strength, endurance and agility. Even though Frank is a natural and gifted fighter, he is not capable of laying a finger on Tanaka. Not even once. Needless to say that when THE Jean-Claude Van Damme (or at least the character he is playing) is unable to inflict damage on someone, then that someone must be pretty special.