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Long before the world came to know Chuck Norris through the lens of entertainment, he had already earned deep respect where it mattered most—on the mats, in the dojo, and among those who truly understood discipline. Since the 1960s—before the films, before the mythology, before Hollywood had any claim— Black Belt Magazine  chronicled his journey. Chuck was more than a subject of its pages; he was part of the foundation that helped shape its lasting influence within the martial arts community. So with that in mind, it is only fitting, then, that the voices gathered here are not distant admirers, but members of that community—those who stood beside him, trained with him, and witnessed his path firsthand. Across seven decades, Chuck didn’t simply influence the world; he shaped it—one student, one lesson, one example at a time. For many, he was more than a champion or a star. He was a teacher, a standard, and a source of inspiration that changed the course of their lives. From the 1979 visit to Black Belt Magazine offices This tribute is not about the myth or the legend that grew around his name. It is about the man—and the community he helped build, strengthen, and unite. It is about the quiet moments beyond the spotlight, the values he lived by, and the legacy that continues to ripple through generations of martial artists. Because for those who knew him—who trained with him, learned from him, and understood what he stood for—his impact reaches far beyond accolades or fame. It lives in how we approach our craft, in the respect we bring to every exchange, and in the standards we hold ourselves to. We continue to honor the art above all. That is the lesson we learned from Chuck. As Mike Stone , who stood alongside him from the very beginning, said: “It was natural for the top fighters to gravitate toward one another. We shared similar skills, similar mindsets, and a mutual understanding of what it took to step onto the floor. Everyone wanted to win, but there was never a loss of respect. Because of that, friendships came easily." What follows are testimonials from those who walked beside him, trained with him, and came to respect—and love—the man behind the legend.'' Bill "Superfoot" Wallace - World Middleweight Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame Publicity stills from the 1979 Force of One   Bill Wallace and Chuck Norris go way back—they were longtime friends, peers, and two of the biggest names in the 1970s martial arts scene. You could see that mutual respect both on and off screen, especially in their fight scene in A Force of One  (1979). Chuck always spoke highly of Bill, seeing him as a true equal—which says a lot considering how many great martial artists were out there. After Chuck’s passing, Bill’s words were simple and heartfelt: “Chuck was the last of the good guys.” Mike Stone – International Karate Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "I first met Chuck Norris back in 1965. We both competed at the Internationals, though we never faced each other because of our weight divisions. In those days, it was a small, tight-knit circle. The same competitors showed up at every event. Despite the intensity and, at times, the danger, it was still a game. Competitive, yes… but grounded in respect. Some of my fondest memories of Chuck didn't happen in the arena, they happened in the quiet spaces where character reveals itself. We traveled to Hawaii as part of the Mainland team to compete against the Hawaii team and spent a few extra days simply enjoying life. I still have the home movies—us swimming, laughing, and sunbathing. Moments like that stay with you, because they show who a man truly is when the spotlight is gone. Chuck Norris is more than a champion. He is a living symbol of what martial arts were meant to be. Everything he achieved, he earned through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. And because of that, he has earned something even greater than titles: the love and respect of his friends, his peers, and generations of students and fans. A true legend. A true martial artist. A true friend." Jeff Smith - World Light Heavyweight Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "Chuck Norris had more impact on spreading martial arts throughout the world than any other martial artist. His loss to the martial arts community will be felt around the world. His contributions in all facets of the martial arts are unequaled. From top competitor, instructor, and school owner, to his association with the Chuck Norris style, tournament promoter, his kickboxing league, health products, TV, and movies—but mostly his great personality and the friendship he shared so freely with so many. Condolences to his family, friends, students, and fellow martial artists on his passing. But he will be remembered for the many lives he has touched and the friendships he has shared over the years." Benny Urquidez - World Kickboxing Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "Chuck Norris and my family go way back, back to the 60s at the Nationals. Not only did I have the chance to watch him compete and perform, I also had the privilege of training him in the early 70s in Kickboxing and we had a great time! What an incredible warrior and gifted martial artist. Over the years, we worked together on movies, stunt choreography, and fights, and my wife and I would often travel to give seminars for Chuck's UFAF organization. I feel so very blessed and very privileged to have had those experiences with him. Over the years, our families spent time together at Chuck's ranch and many great moments of friendship were shared. We have lost a titan, and a dear friend. Our love is with Gena [and] the Norris family. I just want to say Chuck, Carlos, you were such a beautiful warrior. We lost a profound warrior of knowledge and experience, gifts that he shared with all of us. He leaves an incredible legacy and body of work that millions can continue to enjoy. Chuck, I wish you ease and happiness on your journey and may we meet again sometime in the next lifetime, my friend." Cynthia Rothrock - 5 Time World Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "I’ve always deeply respected not only Chuck Norris’ martial arts skill, but also the way he has carried himself as a mentor and role model over the years. In a world where talent often takes the spotlight, Chuck has consistently demonstrated that character, discipline, and integrity matter just as much—if not more. His influence extends far beyond technique or titles, inspiring generations of martial artists, myself included, to pursue the arts with a greater sense of purpose that blends physical mastery with spiritual growth, humility, and respect for others. That balance is rare and continues to set him apart as a true icon. I’ve also long admired how he has used his fame to uplift others, promote positivity, and remain grounded in his values—an approach to leadership that creates a lasting legacy and strengthens the entire martial arts community. Chuck is not just a martial arts legend, but a guiding force beyond it." Curtis Wong - Founder Inside Kung Fu Magazine and Black Belt Hall of Fame Chuck told me years ago that he was going to make another movie, but the studio couldn’t pay him. He said he would do it for free since they were always good to him. Thats the kind of man he was always a loyal and kind hearted. Joe Corley - 10th Degree Black Belt, Black Belt Hall of Fame "Moments in time can alter the trajectory of a life. For me, that moment came in 1968 at Madison Square Garden, where I met Chuck Norris—someone I had followed closely in the pages of Black Belt Magazine. After the tournament, Chuck extended an invitation that would change everything: he asked me to come train with him. I accepted, and what I experienced left a permanent mark. I was struck not only by his skill, but by his energy, his humility, and the culture he had built within his schools. It was there that he introduced me to Pat Johnson, and together, their influence shaped my vision, my standards, and ultimately the path I would pursue. So much of what I dreamed—and what I was later able to accomplish—can be traced back to that single, generous invitation." Carlos Bunda International Lightweight Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame Legendary photo including bottom row Steve Muhammad, Carlos Bunda, Ron Marchini, Chuck Norris and Mike Stone. The first time I competed against Chuck Norris was at the 1965 Long Beach Internationals. I did not know who he was and after seeing the way he attacked me, I found Chuck’s techniques predictable. A few months later we met again at the Winter Nationals. Fortunate to have beaten him again. We were matched again at the1966 Internationals grand championship round robin matches. I went against a different Chuck Norris. This time he was not attacking with his arsenal of kicks. Instead, he waited for me to make a move. He was nothing like the Chuck Norris I knew from our previous matches. To me, he improved his fighting style and there was no way I could counter his moves. Needless to say, he was just beginning his martial arts journey and his personal life and was envied by his peers. The martial arts world has lost an icon & role model. R.I.P. Chuck Norris. Mitchell Bobrow "Boy Wonder"  Karate Illustrated #1, Taekwondo Hall of Fame I first saw Chuck Norris compete back in 1966 at Madison Square Garden during the All-American Open KarateTournament.  At the time, I was mostly a fan, excitedly sitting with my program, jotting down notes, while watching the matches.  During one fight, something memorable happened. Chuck’s opponent grabbed his uniform, which was a no-no. But Chuck quickly grabbed him back, turned, and executed a fantastic high hip judo throw, Koshi-waza. sending his opponent flat on his back! Everyone in the arena was amazed,  it was a truly inspiring moment that changed my view on martial arts and sparked my own journey to becoming a champion. Chuck and I became lifelong friends, and I'll always remember him as "The ICON" Roy Kurban - 9th Degree American Tae Kwon Do Grand Master and former national competitor. "As a nineteen year old brown belt, I had the good fortune to sit by Chuck Norris’ ring at the 1968 US Karate Championships in Dallas, Texas. He destroyed all of his competition with speed, timing, a variety of combinations and aggressiveness. Each victory was a tutorial in technical excellence. He demonstrated good sportsmanship before, during, and after all matches. I had the golden opportunity to train under Chuck on several occasions. His teaching and communication of sparring concepts was second to none. When Chuck retired from the ring, he focused on developing the sport of kickboxing, becoming a motion picture icon, and changing the lives of tens of thousands at risk children through his KickStart Program nationwide. "I’ve lost a brother" Simon Rhee - Grand Master Tae Kwon Do, Black Belt Hall of Fame Chuck Norris sold his Wilshire studio to Master Jun Chong back in 1975. "I had pleasure of sparring with Master Norris few times at the studio and he was the nicest martial artist I have ever sparred with! When I saw him at the set of Walker Texas Ranger, as soon as he saw me, he came over to greet me, when he is the STAR . I have nothing but deep love and respect for him!" Carlos Machado - World Masters Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame  "Heroes are idealized on screens and books, making a character bigger than life. Chuck Norris himself was a genuine character of hero proportions. I feel blessed to have known in person that side of him in real life!" Rigan Machado - 8th Degree Red & White Belt, Black Belt Hall of Fame  “Chuck Norris — Carlos to me — is a friend, a brother, and an amazing person. It’s been a true honor to know such a remarkable man—my hero. He’s the person who helped the Machado brothers come to the United States. I’m forever grateful to my brother, Chuck Norris.” JJ Perry - USA Tae Kwon Do Team and Texas State Champion, Stuntman of the Year "He was a maverick, an icon, an amazing martial arts master, he inspired my generation. I’m just grateful I had the privilege of spending time with him, he was the most generous man, and the kindest man, and the wisest man that I’ve known." Ron Van Clief - 15 time all American Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "Chuck Norris, was an amazing individual with exceptional skills, both mentally and physically. His spirit and determination were unmatched. Learned techniques from him regarding life and health that only reinforced my unstoppable spirit. He was always encouraging and positive. One of the legends of the martial arts that I highly respected. An Icon..." Ernie Ryes Jr - National Forms Champion, Black Belt Hall of Fame "I had the privilege to spend a lot of time with Chuck Norris over the years. From martial arts tournaments, to simultaneously promoting movies together (Surf Ninjas and Sidekicks), to weekends with Joe Kaufenberg in Las Vegas. Mr. Norris was an amazing individual with exceptional skills, both mentally and physically. His spirit and determination were unmatched. Learned techniques from him regarding life and health that only reinforced my unstoppable spirit. He was always encouraging and positive. One of the legends of the martial arts that I highly respected. An Icon..."

Chuck Norris vs. Superfoot: When Two Legends Collided on Screen The Chuck Norris Film Festival Weekend keeps rolling—and this one takes us back to 1979, when Fighting Stars  magazine featured a killer still from A Force of One. At that point, Chuck Norris was still on the rise in Hollywood. He wasn’t Chuck Norris  yet—the larger-than-life icon—but you can see it forming here. The presence, the timing, the way everything he throws looks like it would actually hurt… it’s all there. But the real treat? Bill Wallace. “Superfoot” wasn’t just a cameo name—he was one of the most dynamic kickers of his era. Fast, explosive, and unmistakable. And when he shares the screen with Norris, you can feel the difference in styles immediately. Norris is sharp and direct. Wallace is fluid and unpredictable. That contrast is what makes their fight scenes stick. There’s a rain-soaked exchange that feels raw in a way a lot of modern fight scenes don’t. No over-cutting, no hiding the movement—just two high-level martial artists going at it. Then you get the street clash, which leans even grittier. It’s not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It feels like a fight. And that’s really the point. A Force of One  isn’t just another entry in the late ’70s martial arts boom—it’s a moment where two legit fighters crossed paths before either one fully became legend status. You’re not just watching a movie—you’re catching a piece of the timeline as it’s happening. And if you haven’t seen it (or it’s been a while), it’s currently streaming free on Pluto TV. The festival’s still going—don’t miss the next one.

For a long time, I’ve been hearing tales of Leo T. Gaje Jr., the grandmaster of the Pekiti Tirsia system of Kali—perhaps the most controversial figure in the Filipino martial arts. Over the years, I’d had the opportunity to discuss the man with half a dozen of his senior students and an equal number of colleagues and acquaintances, but until recently, I’d never met him. So when my friend Ahkmed Boouraca invited me to a Gaje seminar he was hosting in New York, I thought I might finally get a better understanding of him. Trying to understand Gaje is reminiscent of the Japanese story Rashomon , wherein every character recounts the events from a different viewpoint, with no one agreeing on the facts. Opinions vary wildly, with some loving Gaje and some loathing him. The one thing almost everyone agrees on is his incredible martial arts skill. Boouraca calls Gaje “the truth” and said he owes everything he has to the man. But another longtime student of Gaje once described him as “pure evil.” When I finally met him, he seemed more a genial, grandfatherly figure, puttering around in a baseball cap and a baggy “I Love Texas” sweatshirt, than the personification of darkness. Then he took the floor to teach the Pekiti Tirsia style he learned from his grandfather, Conrado Tortal. Gaje began a simple knife-fighting technique, then suddenly dropped to his knees and proclaimed, “Now we pray—for his death!” Possessing phenomenal grace and agility for a man in his 70s, Gaje swept his foe to the ground and mounted him before dragging his training knife across his neck in a casual throat-cutting motion. Then he smacked him across the face, jabbed the tip of the dull knife into his carotid, jammed his other hand under the fellow’s nose to shove his head back, and once more cut his throat before summarizing: “Enjoy it—drink his blood!” At that point, he made a sucking noise. Welcome to the world of Leo Gaje. Born in Negros Occidental in the Philippines, Gaje began training in the martial arts at age 6. His grandfather drilled him in nothing but footwork for three years before moving on to the striking aspects of the system and schooling him in the use of knives, sticks, and various other weapons. The boy also learned the empty-hand tactics that make up the Pekiti Tirsia curriculum. But like everything surrounding Gaje, the nature and origins of many of these techniques are mysterious. Some have claimed Gaje borrowed moves from other styles and incorporated them into Pekiti Tirsia, while others have stated he’s continually modified his teachings over the years. Gaje insisted there’s no truth to any of this. “Everything I teach is the traditional art that I learned,” he said. “Why would I change anything when it was all there already? It’s just that people have only seen parts of the system, so when they see something new, they think I’ve made changes. But these things have always been there.” Whatever he’s teaching, Gaje’s methods seem to work. His students read like a who’s who of Filipino martial arts luminaries, including world arnis champion Tom Bisio, Dog Brothers co-founder Eric Knaus, Sayoc Kali head Chris Sayoc, and Pekiti Tirsia expert William McGrath. Beginning his teaching career in New York with Boouraca and these others back in the early 1970s, Gaje skillfully built a style that’s now practiced around the globe. Renowned for his expertise with edged weapons, Gaje is a sought-after instructor with military and law enforcement organizations and has served as a close-quarters combat instructor for the Philippine Marines. But always there were rumors of his dark side. One hears bizarre stories, such as how, when he first moved to New York, he used to ride the subways late at night with money hanging out of his pockets, looking half asleep in hopes that someone would attempt to mug him so he could practice his martial arts. Surely this can’t be true. … “Oh yes, that’s true,” he said. “I wanted to see if my techniques worked. What’s the point in practicing this stuff for all those years if you never get to use it?” Bisio once told me about the time he got on a subway train with Gaje while Gaje was carrying three knives, a sword concealed inside a cane, and a ball bearing embedded in the palm of his glove. Exaggeration? “I remember that,” Gaje said. “I always want to be prepared for what comes up.” He still carries three knives at all times, but he has a logical reason for it: “I carry two for me and one for my opponent. That way, if I give him one and kill him, the police can’t say I killed an unarmed man.” Gaje offered many of these comments with a gallows humor that made me think he was joking … perhaps. “You have to have fun and enjoy what you’re doing,” he said. “You can’t be so serious all the time, especially when you’re doing martial arts and teaching people kill, kill, kill!” So was he joking or was he serious? Is he a martial arts messiah or the devil in disguise? Gaje, characteristically, prefers to remain mysterious. “People online have called me a madman,” he said. “I’m not a madman—but I am crazy. I’m misunderstood. But to be misunderstood is to be great.”

From his very first cover of Black Belt Magazine  in 1967, to his induction into the original Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1968, we had the rare privilege of witnessing the meteoric rise of a man who would become one of the world’s most recognized and respected figures. Through every stage of his journey, Black Belt  stood alongside him—proudly watching one of our own rise to extraordinary heights. We loved Chuck because he was one of us—a true karate man. He came from the dojo, built his foundation through discipline and dedication, and carried those values with him to the very top of the world. He became a global icon, yet never ceased to represent the spirit of the martial arts community. To us, he was always our proudest black belt. Over the years, Chuck’s journey was nothing short of remarkable. From a Tang Soo Do black belt to a world champion, from instructor to Hollywood legend—his path inspired generations. Whether facing Bruce Lee on the big screen, standing as a symbol of strength in Delta Force , or becoming a household name through Walker, Texas Ranger , Chuck gave us all a front-row seat to history. And through it all, we could proudly say: “That’s one of our people.” Despite his fame, Chuck never wavered in his identity. He was, first and foremost, a martial artist. He lived by the code of discipline, respect, and honor. In his final days, he remained true to his training, his principles, and his deep love for his wife and family. His passing in Hawaii came as a profound shock to us all. As we pause to reflect on the life of this extraordinary man, we are reminded that his legacy extends far beyond film and fame. He inspired millions, uplifted the martial arts community, and showed the world what it means to live with purpose and integrity. Because of Chuck Norris, we are all better. Stronger. More inspired. Rest in power, Chuck.The world is bowing.

The official title of several Japanese koryu (ancient martial arts) includes the phrase tensionsho-den or something similar. Translated as “divinely inspired basic teachers,” it refers to the origination myth of an art. Most koryu purport to have stemmed from supernatural events. Sometimes these stories are odd. The katori shinto ryu, one of Japan’s oldest martial traditions, traces its origins back to a founder who, in the early 15th century, saw a horse being washed with water from a well at a Shinto shrine. The animal suddenly died. According to the ryu’s lore, its death gave the founder arcane insights into the power of the shrine that came to form the ryu’s principles. It isn't unusual for a revelation to follow strenuous physical effort from the founder of an art. In the 16th century, Muso Gonnosuke, an expert with the long staff, was defeated but not injured in a famous duel with Miyamoto Musashi. He retreated to a mountaintop cave and trained until he was exhausted. He was eventually visited by a deity who instructed him to reduce the length of the staff—which resulted in the creation of the jo. This is the origination story of the tenshinsho-den shinto muso ryu of jojutsu. Tengu, the mountain-dwelling goblins of Japan, are also supposed to have contributed to the origins of some ryu. It was a tengu that, according to some legends, taught the famous 10th-century warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune the secrets of swordsmanship that are today contained in the principles of the kurama ryu. It's interesting that while supernatural events mark the creation of most Japanese classical martial arts, they’re almost absent in Okinawan karate systems. This seems particularly odd when you consider that Okinawan culture is deeply, profoundly mystical. Okinawan religion is full of elaborate, secretive rituals and folklore. It would seem natural that the karate of that island nation would reflect some of this. There are some exceptions to this curious absence in a few karate systems. The kojo ryu—a small, traditional Okinawan karate style—has a dozen postures incorporated into its kata that represent the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The symbol of the isshin ryu features a mermaid-like goddess—the inspiration for the system’s founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku, when she appeared in a vision to him. But this “myth” dates back only to the early 1960s. And the goddess is, judging from her depiction on isshin-ryu patches, obviously more influenced by Western folktales than by the original Okinawan bunaigami, or “sister goddess.” One reason for the lack of supernatural myths in Okinawan karate might be that these arts didn’t really develop into any coherent, distinguishable form until relatively recent times. Just like a divine or mystic origination myth associated with, say, hamburgers would seem weird, Okinawan karate may be so relatively modern that such tales never arose. Another possibility might be that the Okinawans view these arts within their culture differently than do the Japanese. Karate was a means of protection, a form of physical education, a method for proving oneself in matches against other villages; rarely was it a matter of life and death. Losing a karate bout might mean sustaining an injury. Losing a battlefield contest meant dying. The stakes were much higher for the Japanese warrior. Perhaps that’s why the powerful, supernatural myths were necessary to give him more belief, more confidence. The Okinawan karateka, by comparison, didn’t need such a structure in his belief system. My own suspicion—it is only that—is that no goblins or deities played a role in the creation of Okinawan karate systems because the Okinawans already had in place an object of veneration and respect. It was China. Okinawans were visiting China by the 15th century. Trade was thriving between the tiny island kingdom and the mainland. China profoundly influenced Okinawan culture. For the Okinawans, the knowledge and culture of China must have been awesome. Chinese combat arts, which played an extensive role in the refinement of Okinawan karate, would have seemed very impressive; its masters would have been venerated. Those Okinawans who made the voyage to China would have been something like today’s astronauts, rare individuals who have been to fantastically far-off places and seen and learned wondrous things. The Okinawans did not need supernatural tales to give their arts credibility or a sense of the special. For them, the Chinese from whom they learned would have been as extraordinary an origination story as they wanted or needed.

Action icon and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has reportedly been hospitalized following a medical emergency in Hawaii, just days after celebrating his 86th birthday. The Walker, Texas Ranger  star was reportedly on Kauai at the time of the incident. According to reports, Norris is conscious and in “good spirits” as he receives medical care. No details about the nature of the emergency have been released. Norris, a former world champion karate competitor, remains one of the most influential figures in modern martial arts history. Through his tournament success, film career, and long-running television work, he helped introduce martial arts to mainstream American audiences and inspired generations of practitioners around the world. Fans across the globe continue to send well wishes as the martial arts community awaits further updates on his condition.

Unarmed combat—whether sport-based or street-oriented—is often divided into categories to make specific aspects of fighting easier to discuss. Typically, these are described as “ranges of combat,” arranged from outside to inside. This scheme can seem arbitrary and is often mistakenly based on an outside-in military model. In that model, long-range artillery occupies the outside, while infantry represents the inside. The unarmed version follows a similar logic: kicking on the outside and grappling on the inside. I find the range model lacking because it encourages fighters to equate distance with tool selection. For example: “I’m in kicking range, so I don’t need to worry about this or that.” Big mistake. Or, “We’re grappling now, so striking is off the table.” Another big mistake. Anyone who has spent time in MMA—or even watched closely—knows that strict range models don’t truly apply to blended fighting. Worse, they can actually hinder performance. Admittedly, this may sound like splitting hairs, but range is simply a measure of distance. If what we’re describing isn’t strictly tied to distance, why use that label at all? I’ve settled on the word “element”  to describe the individual aspects of a fight. I chose it deliberately. Elements are distinct entities, yet they can combine with others to form entirely new substances. I consider boxing one element and the clinch another. But as we all know, boxing can be brought into the clinch, and the clinch can be brought into boxing. When we combine them, we create something new—something that should be addressed on its own terms rather than by trying to determine what distance we crossed to move from one “range” to another. With that framework in mind, here are what I see as the six elements of unarmed combat: Boxing I place hand strikes at the top of the list for two reasons. First, it’s intuitive. People with no training naturally try to hit each other with their hands. It’s easier to refine an instinct than to build a counterintuitive skill from scratch. Second, it’s effective. Whether standing or on the ground, statistics consistently show that punches end more fights than any other tool. Boxing-Plus This is your boxing game augmented with knees, elbows, kicks, head-butts, and any other strikes you choose to employ. Rather than separating these into different categories (such as “kicking”), this label emphasizes the primacy of the hands even when other weapons are added. Notice how skilled kickboxers often set up their kicks with punches. Shooting This refers to takedowns initiated without first establishing a clinch. While often aimed at the lower body, it is not exclusively limited to it. The Clinch The clinch is a naturally blended element. It can deliver fight-stopping strikes and set up a wide range of takedowns—particularly upper-body techniques. Despite this versatility, it deserves recognition as its own element because it is neither purely striking nor purely grappling. Mat Work / Wrestling Separate from submissions, this element focuses on control, positioning, and pressure on the ground. While submissions may emerge from this work, the foundation is fluid control and defensive awareness. Overemphasizing submissions while neglecting wrestling fundamentals is like teaching punches without footwork, slipping, or head movement. Submissions Exactly as the name suggests: techniques designed to force an opponent to yield through joint locks or chokes. It’s easy to treat each element as completely separate—and drilling them individually is useful for addressing weaknesses. But we must avoid isolating them for too long, or we’ll fall into the same trap as rigid range thinking. We don’t want fighters who mentally shift gears: “I’m boxing… now I’m clinching… now I’m on the mat.” Instead, we should recognize that a fight is composed of these elements working together. Their true power lies in combination. Hydrogen and oxygen are both essential elements of the universe, but in isolation they don’t sustain life. Combine two parts hydrogen with one part oxygen, however, and you get water—the substance that keeps us alive. Combat works the same way.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone who has actually taken the life of another person — even when it was morally and legally justified — you probably know it doesn’t work the way it does in the movies. Violence, especially when it’s close and personal — and even when it isn’t fatal — tends to affect people in a profound way. A thief or attacker confronts a potential victim or alert bystander, and the lawbreaker ends up injured, incapacitated, or dead. We hear about incidents like this in the news all the time. What we generally don’t hear about is how the “good guy” reacts afterward. People who have participated in violent encounters often experience problems, sometimes mild and sometimes severe: sleeplessness, anxiety, nausea, an inability to concentrate. Therapists see symptoms like these constantly, and in some cases they can affect a person for the rest of his or her life. Our image of the samurai is often that of the stereotypical hero — fearless in battle and cold-blooded beyond comprehension. In Japanese tales, his character is described as iwao no mi , “a body and spirit like a rock.” Nothing fazes him. He is completely in control. All that blood and death? He is indifferent. The truth is that the classical warriors of Japan had passions and feelings just like anyone else in any other age. Moreover, given the influence of Buddhism — with its emphasis on nonviolence and strict prohibitions against killing — the samurai’s role would have created deep internal conflict. During periods of warfare especially, they had to confront this dichotomy and live with the consequences of having taken lives. It is safe to say that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) did not originate in the modern era. Samurai faced it much the same way 21st-century veterans do. We know about their struggles primarily through methods preserved in many classical ryu , which address the psychological damage associated with violence and killing. These traditions often included rituals and exercises intended to provide a form of psychological release from guilt. For example, one school taught a technique in which the foot of a fallen enemy was pierced to allow his spirit to depart peacefully. Others used incantations drawn from esoteric Buddhism, chanted to ease the burden of having killed. In at least one tradition, training included kata sequences interspersed with movements that traced a mandala-like pattern on the floor — practitioners physically “drawing” a symbol meant to influence their mental state on both conscious and subconscious levels. Some of these rituals were remarkably sophisticated, generating powerful psychological effects for warriors who believed deeply in protective and healing deities. Most details were kept secret within each ryu , underscoring how important they were. Evidence of this inner conflict also appears in the writings of classical warriors. Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645), often imagined as an emotionless killing machine, described a method of striking called munen muso  — “no thought, no preconceived plan.” He advised students to “strike from the Void.” Modern scholars interpret this as spontaneity: reacting naturally in combat. But there may be another layer. If there is no conscious intent to kill — if the action simply arises from the Void — then responsibility for the opponent’s death becomes philosophically ambiguous. It becomes something that “just happened,” a natural consequence of events. Of course, Musashi may also have been searching for a way to rationalize his own actions. Similarly, Yagyu Muneyoshi (1529–1606) wrote that once one penetrates the ultimate nature of swordsmanship, “the blade and other weapons will have no place.” This can be read as a moral teaching — but also as a means of reframing violence. It is as if he is saying: I am still on the path toward ultimate understanding; the killing I have done is merely part of that journey. Clearly, rationalization and the search for meaning in violence occupied the minds of Japanese warriors. Of course, we cannot directly compare modern society to that of the samurai. In pre-modern civilizations, brutality was far more commonplace than it is today. During Japan’s centuries of civil war, death and violence were pervasive realities, and members of the warrior class witnessed horrors that are rare in modern life. Nevertheless, martial artists today should think deeply about death, violence, and their implications for training. These are sobering concepts — which is precisely why they deserve honest reflection.

UFC ®  today announced that the classic 2020 fight between strawweights Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Fight Wing’ as a part of the class of 2026. This fight will enter the Hall of Fame as the first women’s bout inducted in UFC history. The UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this summer. “The fight between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili at UFC 248 is one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White. “This fight was incredible. You had two talented savages that wanted the strawweight title more than anything and neither one of them backed down during this fight. I knew this was going to be a badass fight and it absolutely delivered. Congrats to Joanna and Weili on a fight that will always be remembered!” As the co-main event of UFC ®  248: ADESANYA vs. ROMERO , which took place on March 7, 2020, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, both athletes entered the Octagon on winning streaks with the strawweight title on the line.    Zhang entered the Octagon as the strawweight champion on a 20-fight winning streak and an impressive 20-1 record (4-0, UFC), recently defeating former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade  and becoming the first Chinese athlete to capture a UFC title.    Jedrzejczyk entered the bout with a 16-3 record (10-3, UFC) and previous wins over former UFC strawweight champions Carla Esparza  and Jessica Andrade .  A thrilling and competitive fight from the outset where the three judges were unanimous in how they saw just one of the five rounds, Zhang (165) and Jedrzejczyk (186) combined to land 351 significant strikes during their 25-minute instant classic, the most in a women’s UFC contest and the third-most in UFC title fight history. This fight marked the fourth time Jedrzejczyk landed more than 180 significant strikes against her opponent, the second-most in UFC history behind Max Holloway, who has accomplished the feat six times. It also marked the eighth time the Polish standout landed more than 100 significant strikes in a fight, making her one of six fighters in UFC history to accomplish the feat.   After the exhilarating 25-minute battle that culminated in a standing ovation for the combatants and immediate recognition as one of the greatest fights to ever take place inside the Octagon, Zhang emerged victorious, retaining her strawweight title by split decision.  The two would meet in a rematch during UFC ®  275: TEIXEIRA vs. PROCHAZKA , which took place on June 12, 2022, at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, with Zhang securing the victory via KO by spinning backfist in the second round. The fight won several awards, including Fight of the Year  honors from Yahoo! Sports, MMA Junkie, MMA Fighting, The Athletic, BT Sport, CBS Sports, and the Fighters Only World MMA Awards.   To view this fight on UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit:   https://ufcfightpass.com/video/130443 To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ . For additional information, please visit UFC.com .

The United States Postal Service  has released a new Forever stamp honoring Bruce Lee , recognizing the martial artist, actor, and thinker whose influence continues to shape the way martial arts are practiced and understood around the world. The stamp was officially dedicated during a ceremony at Seattle’s Nippon Kan Theatre , a venue with long-standing ties to the city’s Asian American community and to Lee’s early years in Washington. The image depicts Lee executing a flying kick, a moment that reflects the directness and precision that set him apart from other martial arts performers of his era. Addressing attendees at the event, USPS Senior Vice President Ben Kuo spoke about Lee’s impact on both martial arts and popular culture. He noted that Lee’s movement favored efficiency and purpose over exaggerated motion, and that his approach changed how audiences understood combat on screen. Credit USPS Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee , also spoke during the ceremony, describing the stamp as a meaningful acknowledgment of her father’s work and values. She emphasized that his ideas—discipline, adaptability, and personal growth—continue to resonate across cultures and generations. The ceremony included appearances by former student and close friend Sue Ann Kay, journalist Jeff Chang, and Mimi Gan of the Wing Luke Museum, who served as master of ceremonies. The program also featured a national anthem performance and a formal color guard presentation by American Legion Cathay Post 186. The stamp was designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá and is based on an egg tempera painting by Kam Mak. Rendered primarily in black and white, the design includes a single yellow brushstroke referencing The Game of Death . The typography is arranged so that Lee’s kick appears to cut through the words “USA” and “FOREVER,” reinforcing the sense of motion captured in the image. The Bruce Lee stamp is available in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will remain valid for the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate, placing one of martial arts’ most influential figures into everyday circulation.

Around fourteen years ago, a 19-year-old Fabio Henrique walked the streets of Sao Paulo with darkness in his heart, depression consuming him, and thoughts of ending his life weighing more heavily with each and every step.  Then he passed a social boxing project – and for some reason, something about it caught his attention, pulling him toward a door he didn't know he needed to walk through. That door would unlock a new world for him and lead him to the global stage. On March 13 at ONE Fight Night 41 in Bangkok, Thailand, the 33-year-old Brazilian will make his ONE Championship debut against South Korea's Lee Seung Cheol in a strawweight MMA clash, carrying a 14-1 record built on a nine-fight winning streak.  Standing just 5-foot-2, he is known as "The Giant" – not for his physical stature, but for the immense spirit required to transform a life that nearly ended into a story that inspires others to keep fighting. Born in Turilandia and raised in Santa Helena, Brazil, before settling in Sao Paulo, his childhood was defined by struggle and separation that came far too early. "My parents were rural workers. My childhood was not easy, but it is what made me strong. My parents then separated, and my mother had to flee to protect us," Henrique reflected, his words hinting at circumstances serious enough that flight became necessary for safety. By the age of 10, while other children were focused on school and play, Fabio was focused on survival. He took to the streets selling pastries and juice, contributing to his family's livelihood in whatever way a child could.  "It was through hardship that I learned to never give up, work hard, and believe that, with effort, it is possible to change your own story," he explained, describing how childhood adversity became the foundation for his future strength. But strength has its limits, and even the most resilient people reach breaking points.  By the time Fabio was 19, the accumulated weight of his difficult childhood, the struggles of young adulthood, and the challenges he faced throughout his young life had created a darkness that threatened to consume him completely.  "I went through a deep depression and even thought about taking my own life. While walking the streets trying to clear my mind, I found a social boxing project. There, I transformed all my pain, anger, and anxiety into training," Henrique shared, his honesty about that dark period demonstrating the courage it takes to acknowledge mental health struggles and the power of finding the right outlet at the right time. That social boxing project didn't just give him a hobby or a distraction. It gave him a reason to wake up, a place to channel the pain that had been consuming him, a community that accepted him, and most importantly, a purpose that extended beyond merely existing.  On the South American MMA scene, "The Giant" built an impressive 14-1 record, his nickname serving as a testament to fighting spirit that transcends physical measurements.  Now comes the opportunity he's been working toward since those early days in the social boxing project. ONE Championship represents the pinnacle of martial arts competition, the stage where the world's best fighters prove themselves.  For Fabio, this isn't just another fight. It's validation of a journey that began in rural poverty, survived childhood hardship, weathered depression, and emerged stronger through martial arts. "What excites me most about my next fight at ONE Championship is the realization of a great dream. I have always had the goal of competing in this event, and now having this opportunity makes me extremely motivated and excited to step into the ring and give my best," Henrique offered.

Few martial artists have crossed into pop culture the way Chuck Norris has. Long before internet memes turned him into a near-mythical figure, Norris had already conquered tournament karate, Hollywood action films and network television. But somewhere along the way, his presence started appearing in places no one expected—from cartoons and video games to internet folklore and late-night infomercials. Looking back, it almost feels like Chuck Norris wasn’t just a martial artist who became famous. For a while there, he was everywhere. Here are some of the wildest places the martial arts legend unexpectedly showed up. 1. A Saturday Morning Cartoon In 1986, Norris starred in the animated mini-series Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos . The premise was peak ’80s action: Norris led a team of heroes battling a masked villain known as Super Ninja. The cartoon had everything you’d expect—secret bases, martial arts showdowns and high-tech vehicles—but it also had something unique. At the end of each episode, Norris himself appeared in short live-action segments to share a moral lesson with young viewers. For many kids growing up in the mid-1980s, it may have been their first introduction to a real martial artist. 2. Chuck Norris: Video Game Hero During the early days of home video gaming, Norris even had his own title: Chuck Norris Superkicks. Released in 1984 for systems like the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64, the game put players in control of a martial arts hero who battled his way through enemies using flying kicks and punches. It was simple, fast-paced and exactly the kind of over-the-top action fans expected from the Norris name. 3. A Mobile Game Inspired by the Meme Decades later, Norris returned to the gaming world with Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain. Released during the peak of the Chuck Norris internet joke phenomenon, the game leaned fully into the legend. Players controlled Norris as he battled waves of enemies in exaggerated fashion—essentially turning the famous “Chuck Norris facts” into a playable action game. 4. The Internet’s Most Unstoppable Martial Artist Long before social media dominated the internet, the web discovered a new version of Chuck Norris. The “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon transformed him into a superhuman character capable of impossible feats. Lines like “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups—he pushes the Earth down”  spread rapidly through forums, email chains and early websites. What started as a handful of jokes became one of the first viral internet meme movements. In an unexpected way, the jokes introduced Norris to an entirely new generation of fans. 5. The Infomercial Era In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Norris reappeared in living rooms across America as the face of the Total Gym exercise system. Appearing alongside model Christie Brinkley, Norris demonstrated exercises and explained the benefits of the machine. The commercials ran so frequently that they became a pop-culture fixture—proof that even fitness equipment could become part of the Chuck Norris legend. 6. A Marvel Comic Book The Karate Kommandos didn’t just exist on television. The animated series also inspired a short comic run published by Marvel’s Star Comics imprint in 1987. For a brief moment, Chuck Norris existed in the world of comic books as well, battling villains in illustrated form alongside his animated team. 7. The Meme That Refused to Die Internet jokes often fade quickly. The Chuck Norris meme didn’t. Years after the original jokes appeared, new ones still circulate online. The exaggerated one-liners have become part of internet folklore—keeping the martial artist’s larger-than-life toughness alive in digital culture. 8. Toys and Collectibles Like many action heroes of the 1980s, Norris’ animated series eventually produced merchandise, including action figures tied to the Karate Kommandos cartoon. For collectors today, those toys serve as nostalgic reminders of a moment when martial arts icons could appear everywhere—from movie theaters to toy shelves. 9. A Cultural Reference Point By the time the television series Walker, Texas Ranger cemented Norris as a household name, his persona had already become shorthand for martial arts toughness. Comedians, television shows and internet culture all began referencing Norris as the ultimate action hero—the guy you called when every other hero had already lost the fight. 10. The Legend Beyond the Screen All of these appearances—from cartoons to video games to internet mythology—reflect something unusual about Norris’ career. He didn’t just become a martial arts star. Over time, he became a cultural symbol. For martial artists, Norris represents a generation when tournament karate champions crossed into cinema and helped introduce the martial arts to mainstream audiences. For everyone else, he became something even stranger: a larger-than-life figure capable of bending reality with a roundhouse kick. And somehow, the most surprising part of the story might be this—everywhere Chuck Norris showed up, martial arts went with him.