Chuck Norris' son Eric Norris plays one of the bikers in the restaurant scene, listed as Biker #5 in the credits.
The film was the brainchild of James McIngvale, a.k.a. "Mattress Mac", a well-known furniture outlet owner in Houston. In partnership with Chuck Norris and his "Kick Drugs out of Schools" campaign, McIngvale produced and invested $8 million in this movie. Norris starred in many commercials with McIngvale. In McIngvale's book, "Always Think Big", he states that going into film and producing was "extremely hard work".
Mako's role in the film is similar to Pat Morita role in "The Karate Kid" films. Mako was considered for the role of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid (1984).
Malia Bernal, who plays the women's champion from the Stone Dojo, is the mother of martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos.