MA celebrities that you've met

[IcemanSK]

I know I'm in Los Angeles, but I'm about to break a cardinal rule about living here. The rule says that celebrities are normal people & we shouldn't mention that we've seen them at the grocery store. But I've met more of these folks when I lived in Chicago, so it doesn't apply. Boxers, MMA fighter, etc. are also celebrities. It doesn't mean we're unique that we've met them. Just in the right place.

I met Chuck Norris at a signing of his 1st autobiography in the 80s.

Don "The Dragon" Wilson at a kickboxing event in Wisconsin

Bridgett "Babydoll" Riley

Lily Rodriguez

Bill "Superfoot" Wallace

Dr. Un Yong KIM (1st President of Kukkiwon)

Kyu Hyung LEE (8th President of Kukkiwon)

Who have you had the opportunity to meet?

[jaypo]

I have only met MMA stars. Met Din Thomas at a local Gym. Met "Crazy" Tim Credeur, TUF and UFC vet, and took a selfie with Royce Gracie, UFC legend.

[IcemanSK]

I have only met MMA stars. Met Din Thomas at a local Gym. Met "Crazy" Tim Credeur, TUF and UFC vet, and took a selfie with Royce Gracie, UFC legend.

Fantastic!!

[jaypo]

I have a friend that was able to spar with Chuck Norris at an event in Lafayette years ago. He said "you know all those things they say about Chuck Norris?" I replied, "you mean, like Chuck Norris's parachute failed to open. So he brought it back the next day for a refund?" He said "They're all true!!!"

[MAfreak]

at least, i tried

https://twitter.com/tobias_kilian/status/329181069817569281

[Oshishinobu]

I used to work at a hardware store Washington and that is how I met Rick The Horror" Story. Awesome dude last time I saw him he had just finished a fight, not sure which but he had serious coon eye.

[JR 137]

Tadashi Nakamura and Charles Martin. Do they count? Being a Seido student and all?

Mike Tyson - growing up in Albany, NY, Tyson used to fight locally when he was starting out. He fought a few fights here after his first Sports Illustrated cover. Met him a few times, and he was always a nice guy. I was in 3rd-4th grade. It was hilarious the first time I met him... There was an area backstage where people could go and meet the fighters and get autographs. We were all waiting for Tyson. He came out of the dressing area with a smile on his face and said "Hi everyone." Everyone's jaw dropped, as no one heard him talk before, and no one expected his voice to sound like that. He was a good guy; he spoke to everyone, shook every hand, allowed all the pics you wanted, etc. People I know who've met him since then all said the same thing.

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler - Met him in Boston. Very nice guy. The people I was with thought he was Louis Gossett Jr.

I've met a bunch of pro athletes too.

Edit: It sounds like I was saying Tyson grew up in Albany, NY. I grew up here, not him. He lived and trained in Catskill, NY, about 45 minutes south of here. The gym he trained at consistently sent fighters to Albany to fight.

Edited March 17, 2016 by JR 137

[Spartacus Maximus]

Internationally reknowned martial arts celebrities known outside the martial arts world? None. Heads of styles? a few including:

Chuck Merriman of Goju ryu who was a bodyguard for celebrities and high profile people, even music bands like Kiss.

The others were had reputations limited to the martial arts world or were simply not interested in being famous.

They might not be as accessible as ordinary folks, but for the odd chance to have enough time to have a conversation, one finds that they are no different than anyone else who has had a successful career in something they thoroughly enjoy.

[Bulltahr]

I have met none, but would love to hang out with Mark Hunt (UFC) for a while.

Also like to chat with Jet Li, I know he considers "Fearless" one of his best, as do I.

[DWx]

Not really met anyone notable outside of TKD but have inadvertently had tea with Prof. Chang Ung (gatecrashed the VIP area) and have been introduced to new ITF president Prof. Master Ri Yong Son.

Have also met pioneers FGM Rhee Ki Ha and trained with GM Hwang Kwang Sung (one of the 3 promoted to 9th dan by Gen. Choi).

Trained with various international coaches and world champs, but highlight would be training with Hwang Su-Il (known for doing the motion capture for Hwoarang in the Tekken games). I actually had the honour to step into the mat with Master Hwang at the last world championships for the ladies team spar; he was coaching team Japan and I, England.