03/31/2026
I Fought Chuck Norris and Lived!
Chuck Norris’s stunt double (Chip Wright) has been one of the best kept secrets in American cinema history—and I know this because I used to be a guest at his home in Medford, Oregon.
Okay, we “sparred,” and yes, his name is really Chip Wright—but YOU never knew that watching TV or movies. In fact, the guy really kicking on Walker, Texas Ranger was a much better kicker than Chuck Norris ever was… seriously.
One reason it was easy to keep him a secret: with his beard, he looked a lot like Chuck standing right next to him. So when you saw a spinning hook kick on camera, it was hard to tell it wasn’t Chuck.
We never told Chip this, but we used to record Walker on VHS, play it in slow motion, freeze frame it and go, “Yep! There he is!”
The other reason might be something called an NDA… but here goes. I didn’t sign it, and I think Chip deserves some credit now that Mr. Norris isn’t really on TV anymore.
Chip and his wife Jackie were some of the most warm, hospitable people we ever stayed with traveling to tournaments. They fed us and let us crash on their floor and couch to help us save money.
After tournaments, we’d get up early, go to their dojo, spar, hit the whirlpool bath, shower, and go to church. Church was a good place to be after sparring with Chip—so you could give thanks you survived. Just kidding… kind of.
Chip walked around at 175–185, all muscle—and all functional. He could do full side splits and launch forward a full yard to kick you in the face before you could blink.
That strength, flexibility, focus, and toughness made him a top national competitor—and his look made him the perfect “Chuck” for high-speed kicking scenes.
The real reason he’s still a secret though? He’s humble. Soft-spoken most of the time—but when needed, he could put serious bass in his voice. I saw him shut down unsportsmanlike behavior instantly.
Fun fact: Chip was into float tanks and meditation long before it was cool.
Now you know.
