Has he ever competed and won any tournaments...or is he just entirely for show (choreographed stuff for movies)? He seems much more a stuntman and choreographer than actual martial artist (similar to Bruce Lee, who is a bit overrated)...
shareHe's good at martial arts. Is he actually a good fighter, been in actual fights? Not at all. He's a performer.
shareThat’s a fair distinction.
shareActually he has been in an actual fight with gang members, and got a tooth stuck in his hand.
He talks about it one of his very many interviews, which I can't seem to find at the moment, but maybe you can YouTube search it.
He started out as a stuntman. It’s probably the best way to think of him: a very funny stuntman with a gift for the common touch. Bruce Lee once kicked him through a door.
I have tremendous respect for Chan. The purpose of the out-takes he insists be included with the movie is to show kids how hard and dangerous this kind of movie is to make. It sobers kids up to see Jackie breaking both legs and getting stuffed into an ambulance. Or that 3-minute, lightning-fast fluid fight scene took 30 takes all stitched together.
A performer. But he would do fine in a fight against non trained fighters. He still has to do the moves with repetition. Back in his prime he was also really strong and athletic which also helps his chances. Not to mention he was really tough. However, Put him in a fight with a trained fighter and he loses.