Traditional martial arts vs. mixed martial arts is en vogue in China thanks to the exploits of Beijing-based MMA trainer Xu Xiaodong. Xu has been knocking out tai chi and wing chun stylists on the internet since 2017. As a result he’s suffered from government censorship, intimidation tactics from the powerful Chinese Wushu Association, and — most recently — a demotion in social credit level.
Despite the actions taken against Xu, it seems as though there are more MMA fighters in China willing to take on traditionalists. Recently the trend was on display in Chengdu, Sichuan province.