MMA Fighter Ordered to Pay $58,000, Apologize for 7 Days for Insulting Tai Chi ‘Grandmaster’
By Carl Samson
A Chinese court ordered mixed martial artist
Xu, also known as “Mad Dog,” is known for his quest to expose “fake kung fu,” beating supposed “masters” in recent years.
Xu reportedly called Chen a “fraud” several years ago, and he now has to pay the price for doing so.
A court document shows that the 41-year-old, who was sued for defamation, must pay Chen some 400,000 yuan ($57,800) in damages and apologize to him for seven days via social media platform NetEase.
According to his website, Chen is as a “direct descendant” of Cheng Wangting, the creator of taijiquan, and the grandson of Chen Fa’ke, “renowned as the greatest taijiquan master at the beginning of the 20th century.”
Chen also brands himself as the “19th generation lineage holder of Chen family taijiquan” and “one of the few holders of the highest rank of 9th Duan Wei conferred by the Chinese Wushu Association.”
Chen won three consecutive gold medals at the National Taijiquan Competition from 1980 to 1982. Three years later, he became world champion for China at the First International Martial Arts Competition in Xi’an, the South China Morning Post noted.
In addition to winning competitions, Chen choreographed and directed several martial arts films. He also wrote essays and books on taijiquan which “have been translated into many languages and published worldwide.”
Chen’s achievements supposedly come “not only for his high level of achievements in tai chi, but also for the impact of his substantial worldwide contributions in introducing, promoting and developing Chen style taijiquan.”
“He is truly the most outstanding Chen family taijiquan master of his generation and a world-renowned martial artist,” his website claims.
Aside from having to pay a hefty compensation and making a public apology, Xu found himself with a D-level social credit score, which effectively restricts his access on certain services.
For one, he can no longer ride high-speed trains, as well as second class and above in sleeper trains or planes.
He also cannot stay in certain hotels and golf courses. He also faces restrictions in buying or renting properties.
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