Professor of Sanshou Open To MMA in China

This quote is taken from an article on Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine's website. The original article was published in 2009. They interviewed Professor Zhu Ruiqi, the Deputy Director of the Board of Referees for the Chinese Wushu Association. I thought this would be relevant because of the UFC's desire to establish itself in China. The rest of the article is a good read because he talks about the problems Sanshou and Wushu have in China, which illustrates the uphill battle Zuffa faces. He's open to bringing in MMA, but one thing he talks about that is relevant for American fighters, is the poor health and medical coverage for fighters, which could become a hindrance for getting more people to compete. 

http://www.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=826

GO: So what do you think of MMA in China?

ZR: I think transferring the techniques from sanshou fighters to MMA is not the problem. Chinese fighters are already competing in Thai boxing, kick boxing and K1 competitions. K1 uses strikes and kicks mostly, but no throws. Sanshou uses kicks, strikes and throws, which are the first three techniques of Chinese grappling (shuai jiao) without the 4th technique, qinna (joint locks qin). MMA uses kicks and strikes when standing. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is equivalent to qinna on the ground. The results of our Muay Thai contest prove that our kicks are not inferior to Muay Thai. So I think the transfer will not be a problem. A successful game is not determined by the type of fights; rather it is determined by its economy and efficiency. This is established by the vision of upper management, its direction and ability. If the powers that be have the guts not to be afraid of doing wrong, if they have the mentality that this is the last resource it has going for it, it will succeed.

MMA still lacks general acceptance in China. MMA uses thinner gloves and more aggressive techniques and rules, which results in larger impact and injuries. Most Chinese audiences aren't too fond of blood sports. Chinese medical insurance is not so good either, so fighters are afraid of getting hurt. The Chinese purses are not big enough to attract more fighters. Therefore, both the management and general public are not backing MMA 100%. From 1979 to 1988 was the sanshou testing period. From 1989 to 2008 was the development period. After almost 30 years, commercial sanshou is still not completely developed.

General audiences like two kind of games. One is "beautiful" such as beach volleyball - players with healthy body, beautiful skin and so on. All these games are easy on the eyes. The other one is "exciting" - watching people get hurt and getting hurt yourself are very different. People won't mind to watch other people get hurt, but won't necessary join the sport. The reward just isn't high enough. But MMA can offer the excitement that any audience likes. A high level MMA game will still have the market in China, but it will be like a small group playing and a large group watching. I think MMA will need some time to get accepted. Its health benefit still needs to be proven.