Revisiting the incredible stunt performed by Jean Claude Van Damme for Volvo Trucks, it showcases that your body and mind can perform at any age if trained in the traditional martial-arts.
If you have been busy sweating it out in the Dojo and never seen Jean-Claude Van Damme (JCVD) carry out his famous split between two reversing trucks, then visit the link at Volvo's official YouTube Channel. So far it has 116 million views since November 2013.
What is most significant is the message delivered by JCVD, something that touches the heart and soul of every traditional martial-artist.
The advertisement begins with Van Damme's face in close up. His voice-over narrates:
"I've had my ups and downs. My fair share of bumpy roads and heavy winds. That's what made me what I am today. Now I stand here before you. What you see is a body crafted to perfection. A pair of legs engineered to defy the laws of physics and a mindset to master the most epic of splits."
Van Damme was 53 years young during the shooting of this stunt.
This advertisement is officially known as "The Epic Split feat. Van Damme (Live Test)". It was recorded in a single take at an abandoned Spanish airport.
Never done
before, JCVD calls it the most epic of splits. The 75-second-long
commercial has JCVD performing splits on wing mirrors of and between two
backwards moving trucks. Background music plays the song "Only Time" by Enya.
Of course, with or without hit Hollywood movies, many still love those 80s movies of Van Damme. This advertisement only made it obvious to any who had doubts of his skills.
Regarding popularity of the well-directed & produced stunt, in just one week after release, "Epic Split" had been viewed online 25 million times, and after nine days reached 40 million views. Enya's song "Only Time" re-entered the Billboard Top 100 reaching number 43, after thirteen years since original release.
Regarding popularity of the well-directed & produced stunt, in just one week after release, "Epic Split" had been viewed online 25 million times, and after nine days reached 40 million views. Enya's song "Only Time" re-entered the Billboard Top 100 reaching number 43, after thirteen years since original release.