AN MMA fighter has been detained by Chinese police after battering an ancient martial arts practitioner.

Xu Xiaodong was forced into hiding after a short video went viral showing him beating the living daylights out of a Tai Chi master in just 12 seconds.

The clip enraged many across the country who saw Xus victory as a slap in the face to Chinese culture, delivered by Western-style fighting technique.

Xu himself claimed he was on a mission to expose fake masters of traditional martial arts.

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Tai Chi is a traditional and performative style of martial arts endorsed by the Chinese government its origins date back more than 700 years.

Consequently, Xus arrest has been seen by many as an attempt to curb his continued perceived attacks on Chinese culture.

For many years in China, there have been very few people who have dared to point out anything fake about Chinese martial arts, he told Vice News.

Now I have pointed out [what is fake], I ignited the pond of gasoline.

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Theres no issue. I was very happy. I enjoyed it.

He was detained by several officers just minutes before he was due to fight another Tai Chi master his first comeback fight since the controversial bout in April.

The Chinese Wushu Association, a government run group, said of Xus actions earlier this year: The Chinese Wushu Association adamantly opposes such suspected illegal actions that violate the morals of martial arts.

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MMA fighter who BATTERED Tai Chi master detained by police in dramatic clip - Daily Star