Bodybuilder Flex Wheeler has experienced an interestingly dynamic career. From his young days, his journey has swung like a pendulum, from martial arts – bodybuilding – martial arts. Before becoming a renowned name in the bodybuilding industry, Flex was obsessed with martial arts. For Flex, it all started after watching ‘Enter The Dragon’. Although the legend highly respects his idols, like Jackie Chan and Jet Lee, there is one aspect that separates him from them.

Four-time Arnold Classic winner, Flex is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders. Legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman recognized Wheeler as the best bodybuilder in history. However, many health hazards interrupted Flex’s glorious journey.

Flex Wheeler’s comparison of himself with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee

After retirement, he rebooted his martial art skills. Flex eagerly practices his favorite martial art, Kemp-Kwon-Do, a variant of Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido. Of course, he has an impeccable grip on martial arts.

But what is it that raised eyebrows when he compared himself with legends like Jackie Chan and Jet Lee and compared them to him? In 2019, Wheeler gave an eye-popping statement in an interview with Bodybuilding.com. He stated, “I am a big fan of Jet Lee, Jackie Chan, and a lot of other martial artists, but they don’t have the look that I do.”

Furthermore, he explained how his Tae Kwon Do is unlike the one practiced in the Olympics. He pointed out that Olympic-style Tae-Kwon-Do comes with many restrictions. He explained the one performed by him, “Our style is a stand-up style where we can throw almost any technique from the groin all the way to the head. I don’t want to establish myself as an Olympic-style Tae Kwon Do fighter because I’m not – I feel I’m better than that as I’m equally deadly with my hands or my feet.”

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Flex opined that his physique, which is at 5% body fat, can be in immense demand in the acting world. If given a chance, he would love to do martial arts-based movies.

Tragedies faced by bodybuilder Flex Wheeler throughout his career

Throughout his journey, the bodybuilder faced frequent health-related conundrums. In 1994, he experienced a car accident that put him into depression. Then, in 1999, he was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a type of kidney disease.

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However, another setback followed in 2019 when he underwent amputation of his right leg as a result of circulatory vascular system problems. Recently, it was reported that his transplanted kidney is showing signs of failure. However, the Sultan of Symmetry is continuing his treatment.