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From Oklahoma to the world -

March 10, 1940, saw the birth of Carlos Ray Norris, also known as Chuck Norris, in Ryan, Oklahoma.

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Football wasn't really his cup of tea -

During his time in high school, he wore the number 1 jersey.

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He really served in the military -

Chuck was assigned as an Air Policeman for the United States Air Force and sent to South Korea in 1958.

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He learned how to fight in South Korea -

During his time deployed at the Osan Air Base in South Korea, he developed a fascination for the indigenous martial art, Tang Soo Do.

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He is a genuine martial artist -

Chuck Norris is skilled in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate, Taekwondo, and Judo, holding a black belt in all disciplines.

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He taught "The King of Cool" how to fight -

In the mid-1970s, Norris taught martial arts to Steve McQueen, who later motivated him to pursue acting.

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He fought Bruce Lee -

Only a select few can claim to have battled Bruce Lee. 'The Way of the Dragon' marked the beginning of his iconic journey as an action film superstar.

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He was a martial artist turned actor -

Like Bruce Lee, Norris was previously an athlete prior to pursuing a career in acting.

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He created his own style of martial arts! -

Chuck Norris founded a fighting system called Chun Kuk Do.

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The Chuck Norris system -

He established his own system's governing and sanctioning body known as the United Fighting Arts Federation.

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He is a karate champion -

Norris achieved the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title in 1968 and maintained it for six years.

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He has a road named after him -

Chuck Norris Road is located on Trebevic Mountain, close to Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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He has video games named after him -

Take a look at 'Chuck Norris Superkicks,' 'Chuck Norris: Bring On the Pain,' and 'Non Stop Chuck Norris.'

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He's got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -

Chuck Norris got a star in 1989.

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His friends are equally kickbutt -

He acted alongside other legendary action stars in his recent film, 'The Expendables 2.'

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He's an exceptional ranger -

His film and TV credits prove he was born to play this role! It started with 'Lone Wolf McQuade' and but he really made his name in acting with 'Walker, Texas Ranger.'

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Movie star -

Chuck Norris solidified his status as an undeniable action film icon through movies such as 'The Delta Force' and 'Missing in Action,' among others.

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Chuck Norris facts -

Ian Spector, a humorist and web developer, is responsible for the "Chuck Norris facts" internet phenomenon. He has shared numerous amusing and exaggerated "facts" about the renowned star.

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Fit and healthy -

Norris continues to exercise. In 2015, he achieved his 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

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He's a tough guy with a heart of gold -

He is tough, but his heart softens when he sees a puppy.

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The tough trucker in 1977's 'Breaker! Breaker!' -

Norris never refuses a challenge. Arm wrestle a guy twice his size? Not a problem! 

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He can wear this... -

And pull it off! 

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And this... -

And look tough and suave as only Chuck Norris can.

See also: Action stars: where are they now?

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