If you’ve ever watched martial arts movies, or if you have access to the internet, you’ve probably seen a lot of Chuck Norris memes like, “The dinosaurs once looked at Chuck Norris the wrong way, and we know what happened.”
There are countless Chuck Norris memes on the internet that will make you laugh, but they might also make you wonder if Chuck Norris is the legendary martial artist that memes often suggest.
The Man Behind The Beard
Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris was part of the first group of martial artists who became famous movie stars.
He was born in Oklahoma, USA, on March 10, 1940. Yes, he was born just like everyone else and wasn’t sent to Earth by an asteroid.
Norris’s journey into martial arts began when he was stationed in South Korea with the Air Force in the late 1950s. He learned a Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do, but he wasn’t naturally good at it, unlike what the memes might say.
However, he didn’t give up, and he continued to train, eventually earning black belts in both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo. Most people would have been happy with this achievement, but Norris’s journey in martial arts had just started.
Norris worked as an Air Policeman when he joined the Air Force in 1958 and was stationed at Osan Air Base. It was there that he got the nickname that would define his career: Chuck. He was later sent to March Air Force Base in California, where he continued training. His original plan was to become a police officer in California, but instead, he opened a martial arts studio while waiting for a job.
Chuck continued to train in other martial arts styles like Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo, winning many titles, including a Karate championship. By this time, Chuck Norris had become one of the most decorated martial artists in the world.
Actor Chuck Norris speaks with the media during a press conference before the NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesThe Move to Hollywood
Chuck Norris had already achieved a lot as a martial artist by his mid-20s, but he didn’t become a well-known name until he moved to Hollywood. His first big role came in the 1972 film Way of the Dragon, where he fought the famous Bruce Lee. Their fight scene is still considered one of the best in film history because of its amazing choreography and deeper meaning.
In the film, Norris’s character represented the strict tradition of martial arts, while Lee’s character showed the future, where martial artists mixed different styles to create a martial art that fit them best.
Chuck went on to have a lot of success in the 70s and 80s, starring in films like Good Guys Wear Black, The Octagon, and Lone Wolf McQuade.
Norris became known as an unstoppable force when the 1993 hit TV show Walker, Texas Ranger aired. It was a family-friendly show with many moral lessons, while Norris impressed viewers with his amazing high kicks. The role made him a pop culture legend and one of the most popular TV stars in America.
From Hollywood Star to Internet Legend
You might be wondering how Chuck Norris went from a Hollywood action star to an internet sensation. It all began when memes with exaggerated “Chuck Norris Facts” started to go viral online.
The internet quickly embraced the jokes, and it seemed like everyone was creating their own facts. Some of the funniest ones include:
- The boogeyman checks under his bed for Chuck Norris.
- Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table because he only believes 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 comes from how exaggerated they are. Norris has helped keep the joke alive by often mentioning them at public events.
Chuck Norris and Gena O’Kelley pose for a photo at a media eventChuck Norris The Man
Leaving memes aside, Chuck Norris’s real-life achievements as a martial artist are nothing short of incredible. He holds black belts in several martial arts, including Taekwondo, Tan Soo Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Norris also created his own martial art called Chun Kuk Do, which means “the universal way” in English. His style combines techniques from different martial arts and focuses on developing character, not just physical strength and toughness.
When Chuck isn’t busy with martial arts, he is a dedicated humanitarian. He supports charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, and the Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. He also created a program called Kickstart Kids, which teaches young people important values like respect, discipline, and integrity through martial arts training.
Chuck Norris has found success as a writer as well, publishing books about exercise, martial arts, philosophy, and politics. His achievements outside martial arts are just as impressive as his successes in the field. There’s much more to Chuck Norris than his famous kicks and internet memes.
Separating Fact From Fiction
We hate to disappoint you, but Chuck Norris can’t actually walk on water. The funny memes that exaggerate his abilities show how many people he has connected with throughout his life.
Chuck Norris isn’t just a man who happens to be good at martial arts; he’s a martial artist who understands that life is about more than just fighting, and he has taken full advantage of every opportunity he’s had.
Make sure to enjoy a laugh the next time you come across a Chuck Norris meme. He earned that level of admiration from his fans through hard work and dedication, making him one of the most important action figures of the 20th century, second only to Bruce Lee. He continues to be an inspiration in the martial arts community and beyond.
Chuck Norris is one of the few people who can say they’ve beaten Bruce Lee in a movie, created their own martial art, starred in popular films and TV shows, written several bestselling books, and become an internet legend.
