Kiai Master vs MMA
Why Hacker News recommends it
It is cited as an example of mystical or energy-based martial arts failing against real fighters, alongside the Tai Chi master incident.
What it is
A kiai master offers a 5000 dollar challenge that he can beat any MMA fighter, and his supposed energy techniques have no effect on the fighter.
Recommended by 0 HN commenters across 0 different months, 2010 to 2017.
What Hacker News said
Cites thaumaturgy · 2010-06 · on “Homeopathy for politicians”
There's a fantastic video online somewhere of a martial arts instructor that had built a practice out of some form of "energetic combat", where he would run around and wave his arms, and his students -- somehow convinced that it worked -- would helpfully fall over. Then one day there was a challenge from a more traditional martial practitioner. The sensei was quite surprised when his unconvinced opponent did not fall down like he was supposed to. And even more surprised when he got smacked in the face. Unfortunately, rather than grapple with the realization that he had been practicing nonsense for years, IIRC he came up with some woo-woo excuse for why it didn't work that day, or on that opp
Cites oblio · 2017-05 · on “M.M.A. Fighter’s Pummeling of Tai Chi Master Rattles China”
I see that the article is new, but isn't the actual story older? I remember seeing something like this a few years ago. Edit: Ah, there it is: [this video] Not exactly the same thing, but the same principle :)
Cites dagw · 2017-05 · on “M.M.A. Fighter’s Pummeling of Tai Chi Master Rattles China”
You might have seen this video: [this video] It's basically the same thing (in Japan) and has been making the rounds on and off for the past several years
Critical caminante · 2016-08 · on “Kung Fu, Once Central to Hong Kong Life, Is Waning”
I think you are over-selling the internet's contribution. The growth of MMA has been the real driver. I think you're talking past the parent comment. He's saying that the Internet shined a light and exposed "bullshido" martial arts. BJJ, muay thai, wrestling, and kickboxing didn't need an MMA forum to raise doubts. They needed visibility. The Internet makes the social proof easily accessible without having to buy a PPV, rent a DVD, or attend a fight. The exposure has correctly labeled many of these cultish martial arts for what they are -- ineffective combat systems. The sad part is that for a sizeable minority, it almost takes a Youtube intervention with many videos such as this one [0] to