If you have seen any martial arts movies, unless you live somewhere without internet access, you’ve probably seen lots of Chuck Norris memes like, “The dinosaurs once looked at Chuck Norris the wrong way, and we know what happened.”
The internet is filled with many Chuck Norris memes that will give you a good laugh, but they also leave you wondering if Chuck Norris is the mythical martial arts figure that memes often make him out to be.
Unveiling The Man Behind The Beard
Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris was a member of the first martial artist group who became a famous movie star.
He was born in Oklahoma, USA, on March 10, 1940. That’s right, he was born like everyone else and wasn’t brought to earth by an asteroid.
Norris’s martial arts journey started while he was a member of the Air Force and found himself stationed in South Korea in the late 1950s. He studied a Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do, and he wasn’t a natural as internet memes would lead you to believe.
However, his struggles didn’t deter him, and he kept up with his training, eventually earning black belts in both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo. Most people would have been content with that accomplishment, but Norris’s martial arts journey was just beginning.
Norris worked as an Air Policeman when he joined the Air Force in 1958 and was stationed at Osan Air Base. That was where he was given the nickname that would define his career: Chuck. He was later deployed to March Air Force Base in California and kept up with his training. His original plan was to become a police officer in California, but he ended up opening up a martial arts studio while waiting for a position.
Chuck went on to train in other styles like Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo, winning numerous titles and a Karate championship. At this point, Chuck Norris was one of the most decorated martial artists on the planet.
The Transition To Hollywood
As impressive as Chuck Norris’s accomplishments as a martial artist were by his mid-20s, he didn’t become a household name until he went to Hollywood. His first breakthrough role came in the 1972 film “Way of the Dragon,” where he squared off against the legendary Bruce Lee. Their fight scene is still considered one of the greatest in cinema history because of its spectacular choreography and symbolism.
Norris’s character represented the rigid structure of traditional martial arts, while Lee’s character represented the future where martial artists combined different styles to create the perfect martial art for themselves.
Chuck went on to enjoy lots of success on the big screen in the 70s and 80s, starring in movies like “Good Guys Wear Black,” “The Octagon,” and “Lone Wolf McQuade.”
Norris started to develop a reputation as an unbeatable force of nature when the 1993 hit TV series, “Walker, Texas Ranger” went on air. It was a wholesome show that offered many moral lessons, while Norris impressed us with his flashy high kicks. The role made him a pop culture icon and one of the most loved American TV stars.
From Hollywood Star To Internet Deity
You’re probably wondering how Chuck went from being a Hollywood action star to an internet sensation. It all started when memes that presented exaggerated “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online.
The internet quickly caught on, and it seemed as if everyone was coming up with their own facts. Some of the funnier ones include:
- The boogeyman checks under his bed for Chuck Norris.
- Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table because he only believed in the element of surprise.
- The flu gets a Chuck Norris vaccine every year.
- Chuck Norris makes onions cry.
- Chuck Norris only breathes five times a day.
The humor of most Chuck Norris memes lies in the hyperbole they present. Norris has helped fan the flames, often referencing them during public appearances.
Chuck Norris The Man
Memes aside, Chuck Norris’s real-world accomplishments as a martial artist are nothing short of legendary. He’s a black belt in several styles, including Taekwondo, Tan Soo Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Norris founded his own martial art, Chun Kuk Do, which translates to “the universal way” in English. His style incorporates techniques from various martial arts and stresses character development, not just physical strength and toughness.
Chuck is also a devoted humanitarian when he’s not kicking butt. He supports charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, and the Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. He also founded a program called Kickstart Kids that teaches young people values like respect, discipline, and integrity through martial arts training.
Chuck Norris has also enjoyed much success as a writer, publishing books on exercise, martial arts, philosophy, and politics. His success outside the confines of martial arts is just as impressive as the feats he’s accomplished on the mats. There’s much more to Chuck Norris than cool kicks and internet memes.
Separating Fact From Fiction
We hate to break it to you, but Chuck Norris can’t really walk on water. The funny memes that exaggerate his abilities are a testament to how many people he has connected with throughout his life.
Chuck Norris isn’t just a guy who happens to be good at martial arts; he’s a martial artist who understands there’s more to life than being good at fighting, and he’s made the most out of all the opportunities he’s had.
Make sure you have a good laugh the next time you see a Chuck Norris meme. He earned that level of reverence from his fans through his hard work and unwavering commitment, which made him one of the most significant action figures of the 20th century, second only to Bruce Lee. He remains an inspiring figure in the martial arts community and beyond.
Chuck Norris is one of the few people who can say they’ve beaten Bruce Lee on screen, founded their own martial art style, starred in hit movies and TV shows, written several bestsellers, and became an internet sensation.
Learn Martial Arts Like Chuck Norris!
Want to learn how to throw flashy kicks like Chuck Norris? Come to one of Evolve MMA’s complimentary classes to train with our world-class instructors. Work hard in the gym, and you might someday be able to throw a roundhouse kick as good as the man, myth, and legend – Chuck Norris!
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