Gong Shou Dao, which translates to "The Art of Attack and Defense," is a 20-minute Chinese martial arts short film released in 2017. Starring Jack Ma—yes, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba—in his acting debut, the film was created as a tribute to traditional Chinese martial arts and the philosophy of Taiji (Tai Chi). It features a who’s-who of global martial arts legends, including Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, Wu Jing, and others.
Rather than a conventional storyline, the film is more of a stylized martial arts exhibition. It was produced with the aim of promoting Chinese martial culture and reviving interest in Taiji, with hopes of one day seeing it included in global competitive sports like the Olympics.
There is no intricate plot—only a dreamlike sequence in which “Master Ma” enters a spiritual martial arts realm. There, he challenges a series of opponents, each representing different fighting styles: Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Sanda, boxing, and others. Each duel is symbolic rather than competitive, focusing on harmony, balance, and mutual respect.
Each opponent is not a villain, but a philosophical counterpart—someone who pushes the protagonist to explore the inner strength of Taiji, which emphasizes softness overcoming hardness, and yielding as a form of control.
Visually, the film is elegant, highly polished, and filled with stylized slow-motion sequences and theatrical lighting. The fight choreography is clean, graceful, and clearly meant to highlight the beauty of each style rather than a brutal winner-takes-all format.
The music blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern cinematic scoring, enhancing the mythic atmosphere. The cinematography focuses on fluidity—mirroring the Taiji concept of flowing energy—making it feel more like a dance than a battle.
Gong Shou Dao was met with mixed reactions. Martial arts fans appreciated the respectful tribute and star-studded cast, while some critics saw it as more promotional than artistic—especially given Jack Ma’s central role. That said, it did reignite public interest in Taiji and sparked discussions about martial arts' place in modern culture.
As a cultural piece, it succeeds. As a narrative film, it’s thin—but that’s intentional. It’s a meditation, not a movie.
Gong Shou Dao is less about storytelling and more about showcasing martial arts as an artform, philosophy, and heritage. If you love martial arts, it’s worth watching—not for the plot, but for the spirit. It’s a poetic short film with powerful symbolism, deep respect for tradition, and a modern cinematic touch.
