<sigh.>
I have seen several high masters from various arts at seminars and demos, and have marveled at their skill. I have seen a few actions which made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. (But I have tentative explanations which encompass normal physiology and physics.) I have never seen a simple act of athleticism which surpassed an Olympic athlete's feats.
In one movie, Bruce Lee kicks out a light in a ceiling - very impressive. But the light hangs down, and he twists in the air, a very acrobatic move. I estimate the light was 6.5 feet (2 m) off the ground, and his center of gravity was 5 to 5.5 feet. Much better than I could do, but it wouldn't win the gold as a high jump.
Just because someone can bench press 250 kg doesn't mean there is someone out there who can do 500. There are limits to the human body. I do not know what the limits to human co-ordination and kinethetic awareness are, but I have a good idea of the limits to strength and speed.
I have seen no indication that there is anything to chi which can't be explained by focus, skill, pressure points, timing, balance, and leverage. Perhaps there is more, but I will wager that whatever amalgamation of processes it may be, it does not extend beyond the master's skin. It will not be felt by the attacker except as the master touches him, or thru psychological effects, (which may be considerable).
The universe is a strange and wondrous place, and it need not lose its magic for you just because you discount, ermm... magic.
As for using many troops to attack the Shaolin Temple, well, how many SWAT team cops are sent to clear out a gangster's nest? The police aren't interested in a fair fight either; they want overwhelming force. Besides, the monks had a reputation already, and Emperors tend to believe the worst in their potential enemies.
Train as your teacher says, but take his stories about *his teacher's abilities with a grain of salt.
The lyfe so short, the craft so long to lerne.
- Chaucer