Seydina Baldé

Seydina Baldé (born 23 September 1977) is a French actor and martial artist. He has been Europe and World Karate Champion. Balde was born in Paris. He always wanted to become an actor, so went to theatre classes when he was a teenager and managed to be noticed while performing. He credits Jean-Claude Van Damme with inspiring him to pursue martial arts after watching his movies. At the age of 16, he began studying karate. He enjoyed quick success, winning the title of Junior Champion of the World after only four years of practice. In the world of martial arts, he is sometimes known by the nickname «la perle noire du karaté» ("the black pearl of karate").