My phone kept buzzing nonstop with messages about Chuck Norris’s passing. I quickly shared a cherished photo with Chuck on my Facebook page, confirming my friendship with the renowned karate champion and actor. Soon, many others posted their own pictures with the legendary champ. Seeing all those photos, I understood that Chuck’s true kindness — always willing to take a picture with anyone — was what made him special. He was not only my friend- he was the friend of karate. Chuck was a genuinely nice person.

I first met him in the late sixties at a New York City karate competition. I was in my late teens, still a brown belt. By then, Chuck was already well known in tournaments, a “name” who often won. I approached him between matches and started a friendly conversation, which was easy because he was approachable. I watched him compete many times and studied his techniques. I noticed that before spinning back kicks, he would often open his lead hand to distract his opponent before delivering his signature move. I hoped to compete against him someday, aspiring to become a “name” too. Unlike some champions, Chuck was a gentleman and always fought fairly. He had a cheerful disposition. When he did lose, it was rare, but he always trained harder and came back to win. Later, after I became a black belt, I jokingly told friends (including Chuck) that he retired quickly once he heard I was fighting in his black belt division.

The karate tournament circuit wasn’t very large, so I would often run into him. Sometimes, he refereed some of my matches. Since I was also winning events, I felt more comfortable around him, as if I was proving myself.

Bruce Lee’s death in the seventies reignited interest in martial arts. I think every black belt back then saw themselves as Bruce’s successor and envisioned becoming the next star of karate movies.

I also participated in several grade B martial arts movies, hoping for my big break. My opportunity came after I landed a role in “Warrior Within.” I performed a few fight scenes and, as a highlight, someone broke a few slabs of concrete blocks soaked in kerosene and burning on my bare chest. It was a wild stunt but quite spectacular. A producer from the Geraldo Rivera Show saw it, and I was invited to repeat the performance on the very popular show. By that time, Chuck had been featured in Bruce Lee’s epic “Return of the Dragon” movie. As Bruce’s co-star, he was invited as well, and we were asked to demonstrate how fight scenes are staged for action movies.

Chuck and I met at the ABC studio in the afternoon to rehearse our demonstration. I realized I was fortunate to have such a chance to promote my dojos and myself.

We created an exciting fight scene with kicking, blocking, and punching. But for the end, Chuck suggested that we strike each other simultaneously and both fall down. I was especially grateful for his graciousness in not insisting on “winning” the fight, as befits the great champ and movie star he was. After our interview, Chuck broke the concrete on my chest. When I visited him later at his house, I saw the picture of the flaming concrete block on my chest hanging on one of his walls. I guess it was a memorable scene for him as well.

A few years later, my friend Tom LaPuppet, a contemporary of Chuck and a notable champion in his own right, and I traveled to the West Coast. Chuck met us at LAX and drove us to a small private airport, where he took us to the filming location of the renowned movie “The Octagon.”

The location was in the hills of Los Angeles, and we flew up in a four-seat plane. Chuck was thinking about buying the plane, so the pilot was showing off its maneuverability. As he flew straight up and then turned off the engine, we plummeted back to earth. Tom and I were petrified in the back seat, praying for salvation.

With his career gaining momentum, his star shined brighter than ever. Yet, every time we met, he remained the humble guy he always was. His remarkable success did not alter his character. I once mentioned that I was working on a textbook about Shotokan Karate, and he responded by sending me a heartfelt endorsement of the book.

Some of his films were shot on location in Israel, where he employed many local Israeli karatekas as extras. He also developed a close friendship with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and became a conservative voice in American politics. He was a versatile and reflective patriot.

Over time, we stopped meeting. Life had taken us apart as both he and I worked hard to build our careers. I was always happy to hear about his ongoing success. Recently, I learned that he was not doing well. When I heard about his passing, I felt truly saddened. The Martial Arts community lost a great friend and role model. My condolences go out to all of us, his friends and family who are left behind.

May his memory be a blessing for all. Rest in Peace Chuck.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)