- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
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.
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
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
"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..."
