Chuck Norris, at 84 years old, recently reflected on his iconic collaboration with Bruce Lee in the 1972 film Way of the Dragon in an emotional interview.
He fondly remembered their friendship, starting with their first meeting in 1968 when Norris won the World Karate Championship in New York. During this time, they began training together and exchanged martial arts philosophies, laying the foundation for their future collaboration.
After a few years, Lee invited Norris to star alongside him in Way of the Dragon for an unforgettable fight scene.
Lee, already a rising star in Hong Kong’s film industry, had been incredibly successful with two major films and wanted to create a fight scene that would go down in history. He specifically asked Norris to be his opponent, choosing the ancient Coliseum in Rome as the backdrop for their iconic battle.
Norris agreed, and their fight scene, considered one of the best in martial arts cinema, became legendary.
The movie was a massive success, grossing over $60 million worldwide on a modest budget of $145,000. Norris recalled receiving countless fan letters over the years, with one particularly humorous story about a fan who asked if Lee had really pulled Norris’ chest hair out during the fight scene.
Norris laughed and assured the fan that it was not real, though it showcased how deeply people connected with the movie.
During their time training together, Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris not only exchanged martial arts techniques but also differed in their approaches. While Lee believed in limiting kicks to below the waist, Norris argued that martial artists should be prepared to kick anywhere, even to the head, if the opportunity arose.
This led Norris to teach Lee high kicks, spinning heel kicks, and other advanced techniques, which Lee quickly mastered. Norris was impressed by how quickly Lee incorporated these skills into his fighting style.
As their friendship developed, Norris’ career also took off. He went on to star in numerous successful movies, including Lone Wolf McQuade and Silent Rage, all while maintaining his connection with Lee.
Lee’s influence on Norris’ career was profound, and he credited Lee for helping him gain recognition in Hollywood. Their friendship had a lasting impact on both of their careers.
In the interview, Norris also reminisced about their intense workout sessions. They would train late into the night, sharing ideas and philosophies until the early morning hours.
Lee’s vast knowledge and dedication to martial arts left a deep impression on Norris. Despite their different career paths—Lee went on to become a superstar in Hong Kong, while Norris remained in the U.S.—their bond remained strong.
Norris also spoke about the immense success of Lee’s films, especially The Big Boss and Fist of Fury, which outperformed even the top-grossing films of the time, such as The Sound of Music.
Lee’s impact on martial arts cinema and popular culture was undeniable, and Norris’ involvement in Lee’s films solidified his own place in martial arts history.
Their collaboration in Way of the Dragon continues to be remembered by fans as one of the most iconic moments in martial arts cinema. Through their friendship, training, and unforgettable fight scene, Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee left an indelible mark on the world of martial arts and film.
