Chuck Norris is a legendary figure in the world of martial arts and action movies. As an iconic tough guy on the silver screen, Norris’s martial prowess has captivated audiences for decades. However, one little-known aspect of his martial arts journey is the creation of his own system, known as Chun Kuk Do. Despite Norris’s fame and expertise, this system never gained widespread popularity or recognition in the martial arts community.
What is Chun Kuk Do?
In the early 1970s, Norris developed his own martial arts system called Chun Kuk Do, which means “Universal Way” in Korean. The style incorporated elements from various disciplines, including Korean-style kicking, traditional karate techniques, boxing, kickboxing, and later, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Norris envisioned Chun Kuk Do as a way to unite different martial arts under a single umbrella.
To promote and teach this system, Norris founded the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). The program allowed instructors some flexibility in designing their curricula, as long as they maintained minimum standards set by Norris himself. However, despite these efforts, Chun Kuk Do failed to gain significant traction in the martial arts world.
One of Chun Kuk Do instructors explained in a video: “Chuck Norris was my instructor. He came up with the idea back in the early ’70s to put together an organization that could unite all martial arts, and that’s how the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) came about. What we do is structure our program around our own basic forms. We practice Korean-style kicking along with traditional karate hand techniques. We also incorporate boxing, some kickboxing, and the Machado jujitsu system, making it a well-rounded organization. We try to cover all aspects, from standing to ground fighting.”
Chuck Norris Thought Both Bruce Lee and He Would Do Well in MMA
In an interview promoting the UFC, Norris expressed confidence that both he and the legendary Bruce Lee would have performed well in the modern world of Mixed Martial Arts, had the discipline existed during their prime years. Norris cited his diverse training in disciplines such as judo, karate, and Taekwondo as a key factor that he believed would have translated effectively to the MMA cage.
“I feel I would have done very well in the MMA arena because of my judo training I was a black belt in judo and plus I had a multiple stuff black belts in karate Taekwondo you know Tong sudo and so forth and plus I’ve studied jiu-jitsu with gene LeBell back in the early 60s and 70s and so I felt I was pretty well-rounded”
“I think Bruce would have to you know he was the fanatical trainer”
Chuck Norris Couldn’t Stand Steven Seagal
Norris’s disdain for fellow action star Steven Seagal is well-documented. In a 1993 appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, Norris subtly critiqued Seagal’s on-screen style, suggesting that his action sequences relied heavily on quick cuts rather than showcasing his true abilities. Norris also implied that Seagal’s menacing on-screen persona carried over into his personal life, further indicating his lack of respect for the actor.
Chuck Norris Helped BJJ Get Off the Ground in the USA
While Norris’s own martial arts system, Chun Kuk Do, never gained widespread recognition, he played a pivotal role in introducing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the American mainstream. In the 1980s, Norris began studying jiu-jitsu under the Machado family, and he was so impressed that he invited the Gracie family to hold a seminar for his UFAF students. This event marked a crucial moment in the acceptance and growth of BJJ in the United States.
Is Chuck Norris Legit?
Despite the lack of success for his Chun Kuk Do system, Norris’s martial arts credentials are undeniable. He is a black belt in multiple disciplines, including judo, karate, and Taekwondo, and his mastery of the arts is evident in his on-screen performances. Moreover, his role in bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the forefront in America cemented his place as a significant figure in the martial arts community.
Chun Kuk Do Never Really Got Off the Ground
While Norris’s vision for Chun Kuk Do was ambitious, the system never managed to gain widespread popularity or recognition. Several factors, including a lack of distinct identity, limited exposure, competition from established martial arts, and the absence of a competitive circuit, all contributed to the system’s limited success. Today, Chun Kuk Do remains a footnote in the broader martial arts landscape, overshadowed by Norris’s other accomplishments and his pivotal role in introducing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. Even if the Gracies were the ones that really succeeded in promoting the concept of Mixed Martial Arts to a wider audience via the creation of the UFC.
