Was John Saxon a real martial artist?
John Saxon, an iconic actor known for his roles in classic films and television series, has often been debated among martial arts enthusiasts regarding his proficiency in the martial arts. His portrayal of characters in action-packed films like “Enter the Dragon” and “Death Race 2000” led many to question whether he truly possessed the skills of a real martial artist.
Saxon was born on May 5, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his acting career in the 1950s, eventually transitioning to television and film in the 1960s. Throughout his career, he appeared in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and action. While he was a versatile actor, it was his action roles that sparked the debate over his martial arts abilities.
In 1978, Saxon starred in “Enter the Dragon,” a martial arts film directed by Robert Clouse and based on the life of Bruce Lee. The film featured a high-octane action sequence that showcased Saxon’s martial arts skills. However, many viewers and martial arts experts alike were skeptical of his abilities, questioning whether he was truly a martial artist or simply an actor who was able to perform the stunts required for the film.
One of the reasons for the skepticism is that Saxon did not have a formal martial arts background. Unlike many of his contemporaries, such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, who dedicated their lives to studying and mastering various martial arts disciplines, Saxon’s martial arts training was relatively limited. He took a few karate classes and practiced judo, but he never achieved a high level of expertise in any particular martial art.
Despite his limited martial arts training, Saxon’s performance in “Enter the Dragon” was commendable. He was able to execute the stunts required for the film with a level of skill that suggested he had at least some level of martial arts experience. Moreover, his dedication to his role was evident in the hours he spent practicing the stunts and learning the martial arts techniques required for the film.
In conclusion, while John Saxon may not have been a master martial artist, he certainly possessed a level of martial arts skill that allowed him to perform effectively in his action roles. His ability to learn and execute martial arts techniques on-screen was a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft. So, while the question of whether he was a “real” martial artist may continue to be debated, it is undeniable that John Saxon’s contributions to the martial arts genre have left a lasting impact on the industry.
