Bolo Yeung began his martial arts training at the age of ten. He studied Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and at one point, Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee. As he grew up, he became interested in bodybuilding. He would win the Mr. Hong Kong bodybuilding championship, which in turn, led to his successful film career.
He is best known in the West for his appearance as Chong Li in the martial arts tournament film BLOODSPORT (1987) starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The two became lifelong friends and would have an on-screen rematch in DOUBLE IMPACT (1991).