Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris met in 1968 when the latter won the All-American Open Karate Championship at Madison Square Garden. After their meeting, Norris worked out and trained with Lee for two years. However, in the years that followed, the Karate champion didn’t admit to training under Bruce Lee in interviews. Later, Norris wrote a letter to Lee clarifying his intentions.

In the letter, the Karate champion showed respect to his friend and mentor. He also explained why he didn’t mention Bruce Lee in the same breath as just another teacher of Kung Fu. The letter came after the pair shared the screen in a 1972 movie, The Way of The Dragon.

What Chuck Norris felt about Bruce Lee

In his letter to the martial arts pioneer, Chuck Norris revealed his feelings about Lee. Norris said he didn’t want Bruce Lee to form any misconceptions about their training together. The Tang Soo Do practitioner said he had told hundreds of people about training with Lee, despite what the interviews may show. “My ego is not such that I am ashamed of it. It was a privilege learning from you,” Norris wrote.

The martial artist stated he ensured not to describe Lee as just another Kung Fu teacher. “I mention you as a master of the martial arts because of your proficiency in all of them,” Norris wrote in his letter to the legendary martial artist. He also acknowledged that Lee had enough knowledge to create a hybrid martial art called Jeet Kune Do.

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Chuck Norris Left an Impression on Bruce Lee Long Before Their Iconic Martial Arts Fight in 1972: “This Is What I Am Looking For”

The Tang Soo Do practitioner wrote, “I always say you are a master of your own art.” Norris ended the letter by wishing the JKD founder the best of luck for his future. He also sent his regards to Lee’s wife, Linda, and the children. Today, Norris’ letter to Bruce Lee is with one of Lee’s most famous students, Dan Inosanto.

The famous students of the martial arts master

During his time in America, Bruce Lee taught martial arts to some of the most famous Hollywood stars and combat athletes of his time. Actors Steve McQueen and James Coburn, director Roman Polanski and basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are a few of many names who trained under Lee. Besides celebrities, Lee also taught other martial arts experts.

Dan Inosanto, James Yimm Lee, Taky Kimura, and others also trained under Lee. However, Lee also didn’t shy away from learning from his students. For example, Inosanto taught Lee how to use the nunchucks and other things.

Watch this story – Bruce Lee: Top Five Moves Of The Legend You Need To Know

What did you think about the heartfelt letter that Norris wrote to Lee? Let us know in the comments.