15 Facts That Prove Chuck Norris Is the Greatest Martial Artist of All Time

15 Facts That Prove Chuck Norris Is the Greatest Martial Artist of All Time

In the world of martial arts, one name towers above all. That is Chuck Norris, revered and feared by adversaries and celebrated by fans worldwide.

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Born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris emerged as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment, captivating audiences with his on-screen charisma and formidable acting prowess.

Yet, it is in the realm of martial arts where his indomitable spirit truly shines. Often mentioned in the same breath as Bruce Lee and Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris stands as the epitome of martial arts greatness.

Therefore, this article will take a dive into Norris’ career and get facts proving why he is the greatest martial artist of all time. Enjoy!

1. Chuck Norris Is A Black Belt In 5 Systems

U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A testament to Chuck Norris’ unparalleled dedication and skill in the field of martial arts is the number of black belts he has collected. He is a recognized holder of a blackbelt in five, 5, martial arts systems.

Throughout his illustrious career, he mastered Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Karate. Albeit all being different levels, this showcases his versatility and dedication to the martial arts.

2. First Westerner to Get 8^th Degree Taekwondo

Anass Sedrati, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chuck Norris is recognized in martial arts for becoming the first Westerner to attain an 8th-degree black belt in Taekwondo. He achieved this fete in 1997 which was a depiction of his commitment and mastery to the Korean Martial Art style.

However, Taekwondo is not the only style the great Chuck Norris is a qualified master in. He has a 9th-degree blackbelt in Tang Soo Do, a 5th-degree blackbelt in Karate, a 3rd-degree black belt in jiu-jitsu, and a 1st-degree blackbelt in Judo. 

Different martial art styles have different degrees of mastery. However, most of them have 10 levels of black belt mastery, from 1st to 10th degree. Only a limited group of people are certified in multiple levels and Chuck Norris is one of the most popular ones.

3. Chuck Norris Is A Karate World Champion

After getting discharged from the US Airforce in 1962, Norris began competing professionally in martial arts competitions.  While his start was difficult, he finally mastered Karate and went on to become a world champion.

On June 24th, 1967, he was declared the All-American Karate Champion. In November 1968, he won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he held on to for six consecutive years.

As the ultimate world champion, Norris defended his title at the International Karate Championship in August 1969. He went on to retain the title, defending it against America’s best as well as a few entries from abroad.

In that same year, he won Karate’s triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year and was also labeled fighter of the year.

4. He Lost Only 10 Times In His Professional Career

SportsMedia1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Well, he wouldn’t be the greatest if he kept on losing match after match now, would he? However, Norris separated from many players in Karate due to his winning record.

In his career as a competitive Karate fighter, Chuck Norris lost only 10 times! His first two losses came in the first two tournaments he attended.

However, as the years went by, he continued to master the skill and soon enough became invincible. In early 1968, Chuck Norris lost his tenth and final Karate match.

What followed was a winning run that most athletes can only dream of in any sport. On retiring, Chuck Norris had a winning record of 183-10. If that’s not evidence of his greatness I don’t know what is.

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5. He Created 2 Martial Arts Systems

Craig Michaud at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Having mastered over 5 martial arts systems was not enough for Chuck. He went ahead and developed not one but two (2) new systems of martial arts.

The first is the American Tang Soo Do which combines the systems used in several fighting systems including Tang Soo Do, Judo, Shito-Ryu, and Shotokan Karate. It was developed relatively early in Norris’ career around 1968.

The other system is Chun Kuk Do, also referred to as the Chuck Norris Martial Arts System. It was established in the 1990s and it incorporates elements of Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, and around 10 other martial arts disciplines.

The systems have been developed more over the years and have gained popularity being passed down by Norris’ students and their students.

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6. Starred in Over 50 Movies and TV Shows

Like_the_Grand_Canyon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to his exceptional martial arts skills, Chuck Norris caught the eye of Hollywood and began his acting career. He made his debut in 1968 in the American spy comedy film starring Dean Martin, The Wrecking Crew.

From there, Chuck Norris went on to star in over 50 movies and TV shows which prominently showcased his exceptional martial arts skills. Some of these films include the following among many others:

1. Way of the Dragon (1972)
2. The Octagon (1980)
3. Code of Silence (1985)
4. The Delta Force series (1986 and 1990)
5. The Missing in Action Trilogy (1984, 1985, and 1988)
6. Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001)
7. The President’s Man (2000, and 2002)
8. The Expendables 2 (2012)

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7. His Fight with Bruce Lee on ‘Way of The Dragon’ Is Not Scripted (Was Real)

National General Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bruce Lee is a legendary figure in both the martial arts and film industry. Through the Karate competitions in the 1960s, Lee and Norris met and quickly struck up a friendship.

At the time both were already regarded as masters in the trade and soon they starred in the film “Way of the Dragon (1972)”, (also known as “Enter the Dragon”). During the climactic fight scene in the film Bruce Lee’s character, Tang Lung, and Chuck Norris’, Colt squared up.

There is a misconception that the fight was entirely scripted. However, the reality is that it was not staged or choreographed in the traditional sense.

The two martial artists engaged in a real, full-contact sparring session, showcasing their genuine skills and athleticism. Their electrifying chemistry and authentic martial arts prowess in that iconic scene added to the film’s legendary status, making it a remarkable moment in martial arts cinema history.

See the top amazing facts about Bruce Lee here!

8. Chuck Norris Has Trained with And Fought Some of The Greatest Martial Artists

Chuck Norris, The Delta Force 1986.jpg: Yoni S.Hamenahemderivative work: Tomer T, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Over the course of his illustrious career, Chuck Norris has had the privilege of training with and challenging some of the best martial artists in history. These include the likes of Bruce Lee and Joe Lewis who are regarded as the best of their generations.

Although there is no record of Lee and Norris challenging one another competitively, the two were close friends who trained together and shared ideas frequently. Yet another peer of Norris’ is Joel Lewis, voted in 1983 as ‘the greatest Karate fighter of all time’ by top fighters and promoters. Norris came second in the vote tally after Lewis.

Lewis spoke highly of Norris, praising his skills, dedication, and contributions to martial arts. The mutual respect between Chuck Norris and his fellow artists further solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest martial artists of all time.

9. He Has Trained and Instructed several celebrities and high-profile figures

Chuck Norris built a reputation through his expertise and commitment as a legendary martial artist. This therefore meant that his services as a martial art tutor and instructor were highly sought after even by celebrities.

Over the years, Norris has acted as an instructor to hundreds of people. His website even lists some of his most famous clients including Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond, and Marie Osmond.

These celebrities have praised Norris’s teaching style, highlighting his patience, dedication, and ability to impart valuable life lessons through martial arts training. They have often commended his emphasis on discipline, focus, and respect, both inside and outside the dojo.

10. Chuck Norris Is A Military Veteran

Department of Defense photo by Sergeant Alicia J. Brito, U.S. Marine Corps., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Indeed, Chuck Norris is a military veteran, serving in the United States Air Force. He joined the Air Force in 1958 as an Air Policeman (AP) at age 18.

Norris was then deployed to the Osan Air Base in South Korea. This was where Norris got interested in martial arts and began training in Tang Soo Do.

When he returned to the US, he was stationed at March Air Force Base in California. Here, he started training fellow officers in Tang Soo Do and this is where he was given the nickname Chuck.

In 1962, he was honorably discharged from the military with the rank of Airman first class. In recognition of his contributions to the military and his achievements in martial arts, Norris was later honored with the title of Honorary Marine by the United States Marine Corps in 2007.

11. There’s A Video Game About Him – Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain’

Photo by Nassim Allia on Unsplash

In 2008, Gameloft released a mobile device-based video game based on Chuck Norris. The game was or is known as ‘Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain’.

It was an action-packed fighting game that was accessible on various mobile platforms, including iOS and Android devices. Players played through the perspective of the legendary martial artist himself, fighting waves of enemies in classic beat ’em up style.

Players would navigate through different environments while delivering Norris’s signature roundhouse kicks and lethal moves to defeat adversaries.

12. Inducted into The Martial Arts Hall of Fame

In 2005, Chuck Norris’ efforts in the martial arts industry were recognized. This was when he was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame recognizing his immense contributions and accomplishments in the world of martial arts.

The Martial Arts Hall of Fame has also welcomed several other esteemed martial artists over the years. Some notable figures include Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

13. Chuck Norris Is a Renowned Author Including Martial Arts Books

Lou Hernandez (U.S. Air Force), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Aside from physically practicing martial arts competitively and on film, Chuck Norris has also ventured into the world of literature where he has authored several critically acclaimed books. Some of his books are focused on martial arts and how it can be used to improve life.

Some notable works include;

1. Winning Tournament Karate (1975) where he discussed how he came to win Karate tournaments as the name suggests.
2. Toughen Up! The Chuck Norris Fitness System (1983).
3. The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story (1987). In this book, he delves into his personal philosophy and principles for success.
4. Against All Odds: My Story (2004). Here he shares his life journey from a troubled youth to becoming a martial arts icon and Hollywood star.
5. Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America (2008).

14. Internet Recognition as A Tough Guy

https://www.flickr.com/photos/runa-sankarshan/ By sankarshan, Sankarshan Mukhopadhyay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As a certified martial arts master, Chuck Norris is recognized as an undeniable tough guy. This persona has come about also due to his iconic action roles in movies and television shows.

Over the years, this image of invincibility has led to the creation of numerous internet jokes and memes, often humorously exaggerating his abilities and toughness. These jokes, often known as “Chuck Norris facts,” have become a viral phenomenon.

Here are some examples:

1. When the Boogeyman goes to bed, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
2. When Chuck Norris enters a room, he doesn’t turn the lights on; he turns the dark off.
3. They wanted to add his face to Mount Rushmore, but the granite is not hard enough for his beard. Norris has claimed this to be his favorite.
4. There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live.
5. Norris was once bit by a cobra. Later, after a few days of pain, the cobra passed away.

Actual fun fact: Chuck Norris was actually bitten by a rattlesnake on the set of Walker, Texas Ranger. We know he survived but there’s no information on the snake so there might be some truth there.

15. Opened His First Martial Arts Studio In 1962

photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Immediately after leaving the Airforce, Chuck Norris opened his first martial arts studio in California. This was where he trained as he began to compete competitively.

As his brand grew and his name became known, he opened more schools forming a chain of karate schools including one known as the storefront school in his then-hometown of Torrance, California.

Over the years, these schools have grown in popularity, attracting students from various backgrounds and skill levels. Norris’s reputation as a martial arts icon played a significant role in the success of these studios and schools.

In conclusion, Chuck Norris has time and time again proven his prowess as a martial artist. Over the years, his claim for the throne of the greatest martial artist of all time has only grown stronger. Hey as they say, ‘Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Chuck Norris.’ So how is he not the greatest of all time?

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