WeSalute Awards

CelebVet: Chuck Norris, Karate Champion & Actor

Chuck Norris

Carlos Ray Norris, son of an Irish mother and a Cherokee Indian father who abandoned the family, found salvation in the Air Force.

A prototypical "98-pound weakling" who daydreamed about drubbing the bullies who taunted him, Norris was stationed for three years in Korea. There he dedicated himself to studying Tang Soo Do, karate - for which he earned a black belt - and judo - a brown belt - and "Carlos" became known as "Chuck."

He credits his martial arts training - he knows all forms of martial arts - with changing his outlook on life.

"I realized that there was nothing I couldn’t achieve if I just had determination and persistence," he has said. "In gaining the ability to defend myself, I also learned the discipline and self-respect I needed for the rest of my life."

Returning to the United States, he became a teacher of karate while working as a file clerk for Northrop Aviation. In 1968 he began a seven-year reign as World Middleweight Karate Champion. Also in 1968 he opened a chain of 32 karate schools. Among his students was the actor Steve McQueen and members of the Osmond Family. Encouraged by McQueen, he tried his hand at acting. After a series of moderate successes - he played the villain to Bruce Lee’s hero in "Return of the Dragon" and "Game of Death" - he became a bankable star and popular film personality thanks to a series of fast-paced action films with patriotic (if unrealistic) story lines. He made a trio of "Missing in Action" flics, playing a former prisoner of war out to rescue his brothers. In "Invasion U.S.A.," he defeats an army of Soviet terrorists. Never a hit with the critics, he did manage to build a steady and solid fan base.

His career continued on the small screen as the star of "Walker, Texas Ranger," a surprising hit for several years.

Chuck Norris is also the author of two books: his autobiography, The Secret of Inner Strength, published in 1988, and The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems, published in 1996.

He is a public speaker, too: he talks to young people about personal motivation and the need to set goals - and to avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure and drugs. A crusader against drug use, he is Chairman of Kick Drugs Out of America, the foundation he established in 1990 to help combat drug abuse and gang-related violence in schools.

He is also involved with The Fund for Kids, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the United War, and the VA’s National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.

Image Credit: http://www.westernjournalism.com/chuck-norris-exposes-insufficiency-obamas-isis-plan/

Blog Tags:

CelebVet

From Our Member Community

Woman with a smile setting up her new iPhone

Discounts & Benefits

WeSalute Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Saving with Apple’s Military Buyer’s Guide

You might have been asking yourself, does Apple have a military discount? Yes, it does! Since 2004, WeSalute, in direct partnership with Apple, has offered a wide range members only savings on Apple products. The WeSalute Review buyer’s guide is designed to help you navigate and maximize this valuable benefit, and is based on WeSalute’s 25+ years of experience speaking with members who review and redeem military discounts. Whether you're looking for a new Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, MacBook, or AppleCare+ protection, understanding the WeSalute+ Apple military discount can save you hundreds!
Father and son outdoors, measuring wood soon to be cut for a wood working project.

Discounts & Benefits

WeSalute Review: Maximize Your Savings with the Home Depot Military Buyer’s Guide

Home Depot deeply appreciates the service of U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses, and offers a 10% military discount on eligible purchases. This latest WeSalute Review is a buyer’s guide designed to help you navigate and maximize this valuable benefit, and based on WeSalute’s 25+ years of experience speaking with members who review and redeem military discounts. 

Join Our Community.
 

Yes, Get Me Started

What Happens If I Have a Medical Emergency While Traveling?

Sign up for WeSalute+ today and you’ll be eligible for
WeSalute Travel Protection.

Get me started with WeSalute+

Is My Spouse and Children Covered With My WeSalute+ Membership?

With the WeSalute+ ID secure military ID card, you can add family members at
50% OFF every year.

Get my WeSalute+ ID