Blunt-Force Trauma
To the Japanese, he was Bruce Lee's successor, and to millions of Americans, he was a breathe of fresh air. His movie The Streetfighter (1974) was the first (and only) karate movie to ever receive an "X-rating" (for violence). It also was one of the first (karate movies) to spawn successful sequels - Return Of The Streetfighter and Streetfighter's Last Revenge.
He was also one of the first martial-artists to begin putting his protege in starring films. Etsuko Shiomi, who was the toughest female in his J.A.C. (Japanese Action Club) starred in a string of films with his blessing (and usually as her co-star). He even paved the way for another protege, Henry Sanada, to become a star as well. Appearing in a flashback, as a young Chiba in the film, The Executioner -- where he had to flip over a sword, to prove his bravery and skill.
His movies stimulated a buzz among Kung-fu and Karate fans alike, because of his intense fighting and dramatic style. He opened doors for the acceptance of Japanese-styled karate movies, because everyone thought that they might in some way resemble those made by him. His movies were made with a no-nonsense approach to fighting, and the fighting was just what Americans were looking for when he hit the scene. Brutal at best, he is still a cinema favorite.
Not just a star during the Kung-fu Craze, he has also been very successful starring in Japanese Samurai films as well. In films like Hunter In The Dark, Shogun's Shadow, and Shogun's Ninja, he has compiled a very impressive track record in the Samurai genre, as well. He conquests didn't stop with just films either, as he's made his mark in television with such classic series as Yagyu Conspiracy, The Shadow Warriors, The Bodyguards, Shogun's Samurai, and the ever popular Kikaider 01, which also featured his younger brother Jiro Chiba.
Still as popular as ever, a new generation is re-discovering him in his villainous glory in one of Asia's biggest blockbuster hits The Storm Riders. This film gave him a new lease on Film-life and has kept him working again at a feverish pace. Director Quentin Tarantino, who also happens to be one of his biggest fans, wrote him a part in his homage to martial-arts films - Kill Bill, but most were highly disappointed, because it wasn't a fightig role. Yet, it did give him more exposure to American audiences (who may not know him) and a chance for those of us who do, to see him at work (again). Yet, in this day and age of viruses and sickness, it would take COVID-19 to take the "Streetfighter" down. He was a well-rounded actor, who has left fans with an enormous catalog of films, in various genres. Viva Chiba ! (R.I.P.)