After talking at length about the state of fake martial arts, cults, and their consequences in America, at 19:24, he turns to China.

The story is about Xu Xiaodong, an MMA fighter who's been fighting and exposing so-called Tai chi masters for the past few years. So far so good. But the video highlights the various negative consequences he has faced as a result. He's been ostracized by the MMA community, harassed and threatened by traditional martial art believers, called a spy, had his social media accounts banned, denied access to flights/high-speed trains etc. The public, the various institutions, and the government have all tried to denounce and humiliate him.

I have no doubt that some of those things are true. But it's really hard to find any actual first-hand sources for the role of the Chinese government in his struggles. The only recent news I can find is the Chinese Wushu Association decreeing that the traditional martial arts can't call themselves masters. In addition the political views section of his Wikipedia page does highlight some interesting things that would make the government keep an eye on him.

But all that is the more recent stuff. He has been in the business of fighting these masters for years. So, yeah, what's the deal with Xu Xiadong, Tai chi, and the CCP?

  • theother2020 [comrade/them, she/her]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Interesting post. Separate from your point, but if the content maker thinks Taichi has “zero application to actual fighting” he does not understand Taichi.

    You’re probably aware that Taichi/qigong was condemned under the Cultural Revolution but now China has come to re-embrace and promote it as a national treasure, as the video states.