The unfortunate passing of the legendary Chuck Norris has hit the combat sports world and has hit it hard.
On Friday, news surfaced that Norris had passed away at the age of 86. The renowned kickboxing expert was hospitalized on Thursday, but reportedly in “good spirits.” Less than 24 hours later Norris’ family announced his passing on social media and left the mixed martial arts (MMA) community in complete shock.
Norris, who celebrated his birthday earlier this month with an impressive pad session,
is one of the most beloved figures in combat sports and American cinema, including his roles in Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Lone Wolf McQuade. His fight scene opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon is recognized as one of the most significant martial arts sequences in cinema history.
Norris held a 183-10-2 record as a kickboxer and was a six-time world champion in bare knuckle karate, while training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of the Gracies and Machados for 20 years. Overall, Norris held a 10th degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do, a 9th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo, a 5th degree black belt in Karate, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Judo.
After hearing the news of Norris’ passing, the combat sports community immediately took to social media to send their condolences and say their goodbyes. Check out the reaction below and let us know your favorite Chuck Norris memory!
“Oh no! I can’t believe it! You helped shape my childhood as a martial artist! You will forever be missed! Legend! 😢❤️” — Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson
“My Hero since childhood. My Hero forever. That’s how I’ll always see you. Legend” — Jan Blachowicz
