Master Su, who now resides in the US, had in his youth followed GM Liu Yunqiao to learn Bajiquan for many years, as well as the various styles of Tanglang (Mantis) Kungfu. In later years he migrated to Venezuela, & was appointed as the Interpol chief instructor for self-defence there. After finishing the security work for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, he finally migrated to America.

His disciple Martin holds such a fight record:

1992 North America Muaythai Cup in Boston - Champion

1993 North America Muaythai Cup in Miami - Champion

1994-1998 World Muaythai Tournament in Bangkok - 5x Champion in 3 weight categories

1999 - Retired

A few months ago the Japan Branch of the Baji Tanglang MA Institute invited the Master & Disciple to Japan as guests of honour for an exchange. Japanese MA reporters took the opportunity to interview them about their past adventures. Below is an english translation of it:

Reporter: How did your involvement with Muaythai began?

Master Su: In 1989, there were a few Muaythai fighters on their way to North America to attend a tournament. While they were on transit in Venezuela, they challenged the entire Venezuelan MA circle then, with a vengenance. At that time, there were really no expert fighters in Venezuela. I did not know the rules of Muaythai, & was also unprepared. Furthermore in terms of age, it was also beyond me! So when I was sending them to the airport I said to them: "In a few years time I will send my disciple to Thailand to let every single one of you taste defeat!"

After that, I began to research ways of breaking down Muaythai.

Martin had began since 10 years old to follow me in learning Baji, Pigua & Tanglang kungfu. After the security work of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games was finished, I retired & started to guide Martin in kickboxing skills.

We attended first the 1992 Boston, then the 1993 Miami North America Muaythai Cups. After we acheived complete victories, in order to realize my promise, in 1994 years I took Martin to Bangkok to attend the World Muaythai Tournament. He did not disappoint our confidence in him as he won the championship with Chinese martial arts! Thereafter in 1995, 96, 97 & 98, for 5 continuous years he defeated all competition & maintained his supremacy. Now this tournament is changed to being held once every two years, so I'm afraid it will be very difficult for anyone to attempt to break Martin's record.

Reporter: I'd like to ask Martin some questions. Which tournaments did you fight while you were in Thailand?

Martin: I fought in the 3 great stadiums, including Lumpinee & Rachdamnern. My opponents were not only Thais, there were many Europeans & Americans as well. There were a few Dutch fighters who left a very deep impression in me till today.

But the system of fighting that I liked best was the "Pahuyuth" system of ancient Muaythai passed down in the Chiang Mai district of Northern Thailand.

Bouts are carried out bare-handed; elbow strikes, head-butts & throws are all allowed. This is the system that is the closest to Chinese martial arts. Even this ancient Muaythai system has its own world organization world called WMF. It is the oldest & most intense method of Muaythai fighting! Other fights under organizations like WMC & IMA I have also took part before.

Reporter: What places were the World Muaythai Tournament held in?

Martin: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia & Singapore, mostly in Southeast Asia. This year it is held in Philippines. The organizer is WMTF.

Reporter: Though Chinese martial arts are said to be very strong in actual combat, but under the restraint of different rules how did you manage to fully utilize its power?

Master Su: Mainly two points, first is to relax, not just relaxing the body, but what is more important is the relaxation of the spirit! Good techniques cannot be used effectively with a stiff body!

Second, blend your own will with that of your opponent!! That means being able to read his intentions. When fighting skill levels are quite close, this is particularly important. Only then then can one avoid the solid & take advantage of the empty, & also to advance or retreat freely.

Actually this is also the "Divine Lance" Li Shuwen's 4 extreme attacking methods: the foot method of extreme attack, the body method of extreme attack, the palm method and the spirit method of attack.

Reporter: Thank you very much for your time. <End>

*While Tanglang (Mantis) is great in speed & hand-feet coordination, Baji is called the 8 extreme fists not just because it trains the 8 parts of the body to the max, but also in the way a Baji stylist fights - reckless! Or perhaps we can say attack is the best defence in Baji. Move when your opponent moves, strike when he strikes. Much courage & anticipation is needed to be able to use Baji efficiently in combat. Both spirit & body must be one in the attack or counter attack - this is the true meaning of Li Shuwen's "4 methods of extreme attack". Many people accuse me of being a blind supporter of Muaythai & a demolisher of Sanda & Kungfu, but the fact that I put up this article should tell you otherwise. As I always state, I say things as they really are. If you are good, you are good. If you are lousy, don't expect to say you are good. And Baji Tanglang is really good, whether in or out of the ring, no questions about it. -Author 

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