?We Hit It off Pretty Well?: Chuck Norris? First Meeting With ?Special Guest? Bruce Lee Proved to Be a Career-Defining Moment in 1968

Bruce Lee, for sure, paved the way for modern MMA. He has also met a number of martial artists while pursuing his acting career. The legend worked on several iconic movies before passing away at a young age. Even though he didn’t live for long, his legacy is still valid to date.

In an interview, Chuck Norris went down memory lane and recalled meeting Bruce Lee, the martial arts legend, for the first time.

Chuck Norris’ career changed when he met Bruce Lee for the first time

Chuck Norris had a career that crisscrossed with that of Bruce Lee’s. They were both trying to get into the big leagues, and thus, a bond of friendship emerged between them. During their prime, they were both at the top of their game.?

?Well Bruce and I met when I won the world (karate) title in New York City in 1968. He was doing that TV series The Green Hornet at the time. He was at the tournament as a special guest. We hit it off pretty well and so we started working out together in Los Angeles for a couple of years,? Norris said. Chuck Norris described how when he went through the world karate title at ease, Lee was on the set of a show. Lee also entered the tournament as a special guest, where both legends met for the first time. They became friends and also worked out together.

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After their meeting, Lee left for Hong Kong to move ahead with his movie career. However, the legend didn’t forget his American friend. He called him back in 1972 with the offer to do a movie with him. This time he offered to have Norris play his opponent in the iconic movie “Return of the Dragon.”

The common feature between Norris and Lee

Both MMA legends had different styles that made them unique. While Bruce Lee preferred defense over offense, Norris was the quiet opposite. Still, the only thing they shared in common was respect for each other’s fighting style. Both were highly skilled.

Bruce Lee, before passing away, founded his form of martial arts, which was termed Jeet Kune Do. The same thing goes for Chuck Norris, who later on founded Chun Kuk Do. Both legends were at the top of their leagues, but they never officially sparred against each other, and had mutual respect and admiration.

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