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Let's talk a bit more realistic about martial arts and the sword saints. Yes, they were highly disciplined and trained. Yes, they were quick. That does not make them superhuman or exempt from the laws of science. If you were to pit a sword saint or a shaolin monk one on one with an equally trained elite European knight, the knight would likely win. I can hear the dissent already. Why, you ask, do I think this? It's not a matter of honed skill, but a matter of physics. The classic katana is a slashing weapon and not effective at piercing steel plate. The knights weapons (broad sword, axe, flanged mace, etc.), on the other hand would destroy the samurais beautiful bamboo and woven cloth armor within a few hits. An unarmored monk would REALLY have a bad time. A pole axe or long spear would be his only hope. The best weapons against armored knights are high powered projectile weapons. Heavy draw crossbows and firearms were developed for this very reason! Which is why an armored knight would stand little chance against a modern soldier. It's all in the science of fighting. The correct tool for the job. Remember though, all the equipment in the world cannot compensate for a case of "Dumb-ass-itis". The mongols proved that when they waxed multiple armies and knights with guerrilla tactics, light calvary and stout bows firing armor peircing arrows. The headstrong knights charged blindly into many ambushes where they were peppered with armor piercing arrows from high ground.
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The true secret to happiness is not having what you want, it's wanting what you have!
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