The late martial arts icon could be seen in action in an Instagram post from March 10.

Chuck Norris was still kickboxing shortly before his death: ‘I don’t age. I level up.’

The late martial arts icon could be seen in action in an Instagram post from March 10.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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March 20, 2026 12:31 p.m. ET

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Chuck Norris. Credit:

Getty; Chuck Norris/Instagram

- Chuck Norris was showing off his kickboxing skills days before he died on March 19.

- "Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young," he posted on March 10 in celebration of his 86th birthday. "I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love."

- Norris was a black belt in karate, taekwondo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Chuck Norris was leveling up weeks before he died.

In a video shared on Instagram on March 10, Norris kickboxed with an instructor, proving that age is just a number. "I don’t age. I level up," he wrote in the caption.

"I'm 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young," the caption continued. "I'm grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you'll ever know."

The clip shows him taking a few swings at an instructor, before cutting to Norris telling the camera that he doesn't age — he only levels up.**

Less than two weeks later, Norris suffered a medical emergency and died. His death was announced on March 20 by his family on Instagram. "To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength," went one part of the announcement. "To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family."

Chuck Norris in Fort Worth, Texas in November 2016.

Jerry Markland/Getty

Norris proved age was just a number months before his death, sharing updates on social media about his training and health. In November, he shared a photo of himself all smiles while flexing his muscles, noting that it was from "several months ago."

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"Progress isn't measured by perfection, but by the courage to keep going. I'm still setting goals, pushing forward and choosing discipline over comfort. No matter your age, keep striving for the best version of yourself," Norris wrote.

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In September 2025, Norris hiked Lassen Peak at the Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. Weeks before, the *Walker, Texas Ranger* star also shared Cameo clips on social media, responding to someone who seemingly asked to fight him. "I hear you think you can take me on. You know what happened to the last guy who said that?" he asked the camera.

The clip then cuts to Norris in action, taking down his opponent with ease. "Here's a fun Cameo request I did recently. I always love connecting with my fans!" he captioned the video.

Chuck Norris as Cordell 'Cord' Walker on 'Walker, Texas Ranger' in 1997.

CBS Photo Archvie/Getty

Along with his impressive martial arts skills and countless Chuck Norris fun facts, Norris was known for his CBS series *Walker, Texas Ranger*, which aired from 1993 until 2001. His acting credits include *The Delta Force* and *Missing in Action* films, along with *Good Guys Wear Black*, *The Octagon*, *Lone Wolf McQuade*, *Code of Silence*,* *and* Firewalker.*

Norris appeared as himself in the 2004 comedy *Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story*. Prior to his death, he played another version of himself for the upcoming Australian action comedy *Zombie Plane*.

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