I voted Muay Thai because the Shaolin that's on the mainland is all commercialized junk for tourists, not real shaolin.
San Shou/San Da that's going on in the mainland is just adopted blend of Shuai Chiao, and modern kickboxing techniques not true to the way of traditional chinese kung fu.
Traditional Chinese martial arts are in danger because the old way's of practicing the styles are no longer relevant in Chinese society, so we preserve our Kung Fu styles in various schools like a museum artifact. There are a few Chinese Martial artists out there that still keep the real kung fu in practice but much has been lost. That is why the world now laughs at Chinese Kung Fu. When real Chinese Kung fu was at it's peak development it was actually used for fighting life and death in old China where there was little law and anything goes. There's no room for flowery practices and non practical technique. Not to mention that ancient people were overal MUCH more stronger and tougher to withstand real kung fu training compared to the weak modern people are who practice Chinese kung fu for hobby and fun nowadays. Over the generations as Chinese people have become more civilized there was not much need to develop Chinese bare handed arts so much of Chinese martial art nowadays remains just a antique flower vase of our past days before firearms. :cry:
Your observations and comments show that
you do not have a single clue of what real martial
arts training is all about. Do not underestimate the
Chinese who has both - in building economic
power together with mighty extreme self-defense.
They will never want to loose face in both areas.
Though it is interesting to put together a top
champion from Muay Thai against an artist
from China's Shaolin kung fu camp, we will
be able to see if the Muay Thai boxer could
release a speed equivalent to a serpent's strike.
In a real encounter between two well trained
martial artistes, it is speed that counts.
The one who can strike a deadly hit faster
will be able to weaken or bring down his opponent
first.
It is very difficult for a Muay Tai boxer
to be faster than one who is well trained and
disciplined in all form of Chinese martial arts.
:think: