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Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Celebrities Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris

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Auction Date:2017 Oct 11 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Phenomenal program for the South Bay Annual Karate Junior and Senior Division Championships held at El Camino College in Torrance, California, on October 15, 1966, measures 12 x 9.25 open, prominently signed on the back cover in pencil by Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee, the latter adding his ‘Loong’ character below his signature, which symbolizes Dragon power, strength, and good luck. Impressively matted and framed with a color lobby card for the 1972 film Way of the Dragon to an overall size of 24.75 x 31. In very good condition, with moderate overall soiling and toning. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA, a promotional poster signed by Grand Master Tigi A. Mataali, as well as a copy of a provenance letter from Mataali, who served as president and organizer of the South Bay Karate Tournament, in part: "To the best of my ability, I recall that Chuck Norris was involved by performing a technique demonstration of his style Tang Soo Do in the Korean system. He was demonstrating this form of self defense along with his students. Chuck was an accomplished Black Belt, a great fighter and instructor. He was admired by many for his exceptional fighting skills...With respect to Bruce Lee and his presence at the event, he was a very good friend of mine and I personally invited him to attend this event. Bruce not only was a famous movie star but also a great martial artist in the style of Jeet Kune Do. He generously offered his expertise to others including many movie stars of that day. I will always remember Bruce's keen ability with regard to his shocking and alarming face accompanied by a loud KI. I miss him greatly." Already a household name in the martial arts community, Lee's popularity was set to blossom with the premiere of The Green Hornet on September 9, 1966. His first interaction with Norris, however, took place a year prior when the two were in New York City during the show's preliminary production meetings. The two men parted ways after a night spent sparring and talking technique and martial arts philosophy, but were reunited years later when Lee invited Norris to play the role of the villainous Colt in Way of the Dragon, Lee's only complete directorial effort. Their climactic fight scene is considered one of cinema's ultimate 'boss battles.' Supported by its excellent provenance, this vintage program marks the first instance in which we have ever encountered an item signed by both martial arts legends.