Chuck Norris is one of the most decorated martial artists in the world and has made history again this week by becoming a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Norris, 75, was instrumental in bringing BJJ to America and began training in the art in the 1980's. Norris is a student of Jean-Jacques Machado, Carlos Gracie's nephew.
I have mixed feelings about Norris. His awful movies gave rise to the karate and kickboxing craze in the 80s, which spurred the widespread McDojo plague that has only tapered-off in the last decade. Being a black belt in any martial art other than BJJ became a joke since there was no regulation and oversight. Norris became intertwined with the likes of George Tillman (energy ball knockout specialist). To boot Norris used his fame to become an advocate for far right-wing politics and religious discrimination. OTOH the proliferation of martial arts increased public interest in the Gracie's which ultimately led to the formation of the UFC. Might be giving him a little too much credit there but he played a part. He has been an MMA advocate (and had his own stand-up fight league for a while).
