Chuck Norris who today
is an 8th Degree Blackbelt in Taekwondo is one of the true pioneer champions
of the 60's.
While stationed in Korea in the early 60's he earned his blackbelt within
a relatively short period of time. Upon his
return to the States he embarked on a competitive career which thrust him
into a rare status as being not only the
"man to beat" but merely the "man to fight". For some, even losing
to Chuck Norris became the high point of their
career. In his ten (10) year competive career 1964 to 1974 he won many
of the most prestigious events including
the triple crown after winning the All American Open Championships for a
second time ('67, '68), and the North
American Championships with a win over his close friend Skipper Mullins,
another great during that era. In 1968
he won the World Profesional Middleweight Karate Championships which was
held in New York and defended
that title undefeated until his retirement in 1974.
In 1968 he was inducted into Black Belt Hall of Fame as "Fighter of the Year",
in 1975 as "Instructor of the Year",
and in 1977 as "Man of the Year".
As a teacher Chuck's list of students listed as a who's who in acting including
Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Steve
McQueen and Donnie & Marie Osmond.
http://www.kick-start.org/staff.html
While Chuck is the Founder and President of United Fighting ands Federation
with a world-wide membership of
more than 2,300 black belt, his greatest sense of accompishment comes from
his creation of his
Kick-Start
Foundation , a program which addresses the issues of high risk youth.
In the biography posted on his official website Chuck was asked how he would
like to be remembered. He replied
as follows:
1.) Being the spokesperson for United Way, doing an
eight-minute commercial, which helped bring in over two
billion dollars.
2.) Veterans Administration spokesperson visiting over
12 V.A. hospitals and speaking with World War II, Korean
and Vietnam War Veterans including one from World War I.
3.) Winning the 1998 Epiphany award on Walker, Texas
Ranger for the best Christian program.
4.) The Jewish Humanitarian Man of the Year Award.
5.) Actively involved with the Make A Wish Foundation
for 20 years by making dreams come true for terminally ill
children.
6.) BMI Music Television Award for Walker, Texas Ranger
theme song, "Eyes of a Ranger".
7.) Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.
8.) Commissioned Police Officer for Terrell, Texas.
9.) Motivation
Taekwondo Hall of Fame Technical Advisor Grand Master S. Henry Cho a 9th
Degee BlackBelt was asked to
give his impression of Chuck Norris "the fighter". GM Cho stated,
"Chuck Norris's trademark was his excellemt
timing and accuracy with his turning back kick. However not only was
Chuck Norris a great champion, and there
are many of them (champions) but more importantly Chuck Norris has always
been a humble, and polite human
being."
For more on Chuck Norris visit the
Chuck Norris Official
Website.
|
