The origins of Burmese boxing date back over a thousand years and it has always been a significant part of Burmese culture.
Burmese boxing, or Lethwei, developed from traditional Burmese martial arts, encompassing both weapon techniques and unarmed combat skills.
Historically, martial arts in Burma were the exclusive privilege of royalty and nobility, but over time they became accessible to the general population.
The basic techniques of Burmese boxing include strikes, throws, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and powerful kicks using leg strength. It also features special techniques that utilize elbows, knees, and toes for grappling and submission, as well as elements of jiu-jitsu.
I am particularly skilled in traditional Chinese Tai Chi and also practice Qigong.
I won't go into much detail about traditional Chinese martial arts; for that, I recommend reading "Dragon Snake Chronicles" and "Pointing to the End" by Dreamlike Machine. My favorite martial arts novels are his "Fist of the Guardian," and I've been hooked since reading "Buddha is the Way."
Back to the main topic, I started learning martial arts from a master when I was five years old, and it's been over 18 years now.
My master created a unique style of "Bagua Palm," which is different from traditional Tai Chi Bagua.
Even after years of hard work, I have never managed to seamlessly perform all eight palms in a real fight.
In peaceful times, there's no opportunity for practical combat.
If I hadn't come to northern Burma, I might never have understood the saying, "Kung fu is for killing."
Kung fu is not just about flashy moves and performances.
Even when I killed the Black Ghosts before, I only used traditional Tai Chi palm and fist techniques, combined with some lethal moves.
The eight trigrams in Tai Chi Bagua are: Qian, Dui, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen, and Kun.
My master created a fluid, all-around, deadly technique called "Eight Linked Palms" from these eight trigrams.
You could compare the significance of the Eight Linked Palms to the "Eighteen Dragon Slaying Palms."
They are similar in principle.
These eight palms are a continuous offensive, each strike more powerful than the last.
Vicious.
It represents a culmination of my master's life's work, a deadly series of moves with no retreat.
My master always said, "Do not use the Eight Linked Palms unless it's a matter of life and death."
Once you start, there is no turning back; hesitation is not an option, and you must strike to kill.
I am not boasting; I once saw my master kill someone with a single palm strike...
If, hypothetically, someone were to survive the deadly "Eight Linked Palms," the person using it would be the one who dies.
"My Chinese friend, there are no rules; we stop when one of us concedes."
Mao Dinglun grinned, his delicate features showing a hint of malice.
Ah, no rules mean it's a fight to the death.
"Stopping when one concedes" could very well mean being punched to death.
"Then, forgive me."
As soon as I finished my salute, he launched his attack like lightning.
Burmese boxing is similar to ancient Muay Thai; in simple terms, it's a brutal fight to the death with no protective gear.
Even Chinese iron head skills may not withstand their deadly headbutt techniques.
Mao Dinglun's first move was particularly vicious, aiming his elbow at my shoulder blade.
When he moved, I anticipated he would target my upper body.
He was fast, but I was faster.
With a slight shift, I quickly dodged his deadly blow.
I stepped back three paces, braced myself, and prepared to respond.
Bracing oneself doesn't necessarily mean taking any other action.
It's purely for self-defense.
At least for now, I don't want to kill him to avoid unnecessary complications.
"Whoosh"
A fierce punch came right at me.
I sidestepped, moved my left foot, and swiftly dodged his deadly punch again.
He was clearly getting anxious.
Dodging two punches in a row would make anyone desperate to win.
So, Mao Dinglun quickly retracted his fist and switched to attacking my lower body with his legs.
That kick carried at least 450 pounds of force.
When I furiously kicked the Black Ghost, it was about 500 pounds of force.
Moreover, his kick was deviously aimed at my groin.
"If a strong force comes to attack me, I will use my utmost softness to control it."
I quickly blocked my groin with my right hand and used my right elbow to counter his knee, preventing him from continuing his attack.
At the same time, I wrapped my left palm around his fist, pushed it forward, and then forcefully shoved it back.
"…" Mao Dinglun was immediately pushed back three or four steps.
If his stance hadn't been steady, he would have fallen to the ground.
Liu Eleven and others watching were stunned.
Even the arrogant Paitun put down his weights and came over.
"Again!"
Mao Dinglun, unwilling to admit defeat, shouted and launched a furious attack with both fists and legs.
"Seek straightness in curves, accumulate strength before releasing... This is called using leverage, and four ounces can move a thousand pounds."
My master's teachings were never forgotten.
When Mao Dinglun rushed at me, I sidestepped and grabbed his left forearm, preventing him from attacking, then threw him forward with force.
"Crack"
I followed up with a spinning kick to his side, sending him flying five meters away.
"!!!"
Wrench was stunned on the spot.
"Oh my!"
The seven or eight lackeys couldn't help but exclaim.
"Pop"
Liu Eleven squeezed his milk tea so hard it burst, spilling white, sticky liquid everywhere.
"???"
Paitun frowned, wanting to say something to me but swallowed his words with a sneer, then walked towards the struggling Mao Dinglun.
That kick wasn't light; it should have broken at least two of his ribs.
"Don't touch me, they're broken..."
Mao Dinglun refused Paitun's help, lying on the mat in pain.
Liu Eleven, snapping back to reality, saw him sweating and pale, and urgently shouted, "Quick! Take him to the hospital, quick!"
"Yes!"
Four or five shocked lackeys hurriedly carried him out...
Paitun turned, glaring at me with vicious intent, seemingly wanting to fight as well.
"Supervisor, I apologize. I got carried away and didn't hold back."
I calmly walked to Liu Eleven, maintaining my composure.
"...It's just a match, injuries are inevitable, I won't hold a grudge.
Xiaopingzi, make sure to fight well in the Mid-Autumn duel."
Liu Eleven's unhappy expression turned cheerful, patting my shoulder in reminder.
"I understand, supervisor. I won't disappoint you and Professor Ace."
I intentionally mentioned Ace, signaling that I had someone powerful backing me.
If he wanted to mess with me, he'd have to consider the consequences.
"Paitun, you should study Chinese kung fu."
Liu Eleven turned, speaking sarcastically to Paitun.
I ignored them, took off the Thai boxing gear, and prepared to put on my clothes.
Unexpectedly, a woman I found particularly annoying suddenly burst in during this awkward moment...