Shaolin Monk Shi Yan Jue Formally Challenges Xu Xiaodong (of MMA)
Original Chinese Language Article By:
http://news.china.com
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Shi Yan Jue (释延觉) - Shaolin Monk Ordination Certificate No: 018 (13.11.1996)
On the 3rd, May, 2017, (at 9pm in the evening), Shaolin monk – Shi Yan Jue (释延觉) – formally issued a ‘challenge’ on behalf of the Shaolin Temple - toward MMA-fighter Xu Xiaodong, on the grounds of his continuous and repeated ignorant and disrespectful behaviour toward traditional Chinese martial arts, with particular attention being drawn to the events surrounding the 20 second video uploaded onto the net by Xu (in late April) – purportedly showing a Taijiquan master being tripped over and repeatedly punch about the head (by Xu – who later claimed that through his actions, he had defeated ‘all’ traditional Chinese martial arts). Shi Yan Jue holds the position of ‘First Rank Dharma Protector’ (第一护法 – Di Er Hu Fa), and conveyed the challenge via the internet:
‘You dare to claim that you have challenged (and defeated) ALL traditional Chinese martial arts? You dare to claim that ALL traditional Chinese martial arts practitioners are liars? On what grounds do you make these claims? Mr Xu (徐), it is obvious that your attitudes and opinions are very naïve in the extreme, and are the product of a confused and disturbed mind. As this is the case, your inner turmoil interprets all things around you through a sense of despair, and your so-called ‘MMA’ technique has instilled in you the ability to despise all things. Despite your claims, you do not understand ‘real’ fighting, or the ‘true’ nature of traditional Chinese martial arts. MMA stresses an artificial fight limited by a set of contrived rules – whereas traditional Chinese martial arts are built upon a historical foundation of ‘fighting to the death’ – with no contrived rules being in operation. As this is the case, young Chinese people in China should be respectful of traditional Chinese martial arts, and hold their teachings with a sense of awe.
As Mr Xu appears to carry-out much of his fighting with his mouth – I would consider it the most honoured of sacred duties to ‘correct’ this young man’s attitude, and ‘educate’ him during a martial contest. As I am disinterested in rules – Mr Xu may decide on what grounds this context should be fought – either with or without rules. If I should possess the good fortune to prevail, then I request the Mr Xu permanently retires from public view (making no further statements) after first apologising for his disrespectful behaviour, and confirming his respect for the efficacy of traditional Chinese martial arts. As Mr Xu is motivated by money, if I lost, then half any money raised by others on my behalf would be donated to charity (with the other half given to Mr Xu). Listen to and respect this ‘challenge’, issued by the 34th Generation Shaolin Monk and ‘First Rank Dharma Protector of the Shaolin Temple (at Henan).’
Shi Yan Jue (释延觉)
(要挑战整个武林？传统武术全是骗子？这样的言论还是说明徐先生太幼稚了，藐视一切不太好，你也是mma选 手，想你也清楚什么是真正的格斗，不是那几拳几脚的竞技，真正的无限制规则是要死人的，年轻人对中国武术应 该心存敬畏之心。看到徐先生的嘴和拳头都挺硬的，想和徐先生较量一下，规则自选，公开平台，我赢了，徐先生 承诺以后退出武术圈，不从事任何武术相关工作，不发表任何武术相关言论，百万奖金一半捐助。我输了，随你要 求。少林寺第一护法，三十四代武僧——释延觉。)
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