Ma Baoguo subdues a drunkard

The incident began when Ma Baoguo, known for his Tai Chi skills and his recent internet fame, was waiting at a train station in Henan. A drunken man was reportedly causing a disturbance, and Ma stepped in to subdue him. The event was captured on video by fellow travelers and quickly went viral on Weibo.

The reactions on Weibo were mostly in favor of Ma's intervention. Users praised his bravery and martial prowess. One netizen, under the username "长空万里望山河," shared a video of the incident and lauded Ma's courageous act, referring to him as a "true master." Others expressed a desire to learn from him, with comments such as "我报名学连五鞭" ("I sign up to learn the five consecutive whips").

The incident led to comparisons with Global Times editor Hu Xijin, who had previously questioned why other male passengers did not intervene in a separate train incident. Some Weibo users commented that Ma's actions were far more commendable than Hu's stance, with statements like "比胡锡进不知道高到哪里去" ("Far superior to Hu Xijin").

A user named "波波老师和他的猫" posted a video captioned "马保国火车站勇斗醉汉，狭路相逢敢于亮剑！闪电五连鞭生擒醉汉!" ("Ma Baoguo bravely fights the drunken man at the train station, daring to draw his sword! Captures the drunkard with lightning five consecutive whips!"), further adding to Ma's acclaim.

The admiration extended to Ma's life achievements as well, with many users expressing envy and respect for his career and life story. One user shared a conversation with their mother, discussing Ma's accomplishments in education, business, martial arts, and his late-life internet fame. The mother's conclusion was simple and profound: "他真的是人生赢家" ("He is truly a winner in life").

Ma Baoguo's actions have sparked not only praise but also a wider discussion on social responsibility, the role of traditional martial arts in modern society, and the comparison between public figures in terms of their attitudes and actions.

The incident also highlights the power of social media in China, where a single video can rapidly lead to a nationwide conversation and even influence public opinion on broader social and cultural issues.

While the reactions were overwhelmingly positive, the incident does raise questions about the proper course of action in such situations, and whether citizens should take matters into their own hands or rely on authorities.

Regardless of these underlying debates, Ma Baoguo's courageous act at Henan train station has certainly earned him further respect and admiration among the Chinese internet community, reinforcing his status as a beloved figure in the evolving story of traditional Chinese martial arts in contemporary society.