When it comes down to martial arts masters in the Marvel Universe, two characters typically come to mind first—Shang-Chi and Iron Fist. Both of them are practitioners of martial arts, while also wielding mystical weapons or forces to further enhance their powers. Both of these characters appear in Marvel Comics, and both have made their live-action debuts as well. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Simu Liu portrayed Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Meanwhile, Finn Jones portrayed Danny Rand (a.k.a. Iron Fist) in the TV shows Iron Fist, The Defenders, and Luke Cage.
Iron Fist and Shang-Chi’s histories
Both Rand and Shang-Chi’s martial arts training dates back to their childhood. Shang-Chi was trained in martial arts from infancy by his father, Dr. Fu Manchu, and his tutors. As a result of his mastery of the arts, Shang-Chi is sometimes referred to as the Master of Kung Fu. Meanwhile, Rand was 9-years-old when his parents were killed on a journey to the mystical land of K’un-Lun. Rand is subsequently taken in by Yu-Ti, the ruler of K’un-L’un, who trains him in martial arts for the remainder of his childhood.
Both Rand and Shang-Chi’s natural abilities are enhanced with mystical powers. After slaying the dragon Shou-Lao, Rand gains the power of the Iron Fist. This allows him to summon and focus his chi energy, thus, enhancing his abilities to near superhuman levels. Shang-Chi, along his journeys, acquired the Ten Rings of the Jade Emperor, which grant him superhuman strength, speed, durability, stamina, and flight. The rings can be controlled telepathically, as well, making them useful as weapons. The similarities between Rand and Shang-Chi are strong, but who is more powerful?
So, who would win in a fight?
Ultimately, when Iron Fist and Shang-Chi are pitted together in the comic books, their fights often end in stalemates. The two truly are very closely matched—they are both martial arts experts, have trained since childhood, and can tap into superhuman forces due to mystical forces and artifacts. However, Shang-Chi ultimately comes out as the superior opponent. The fact is, Iron Fist may actually have more strength than Shang-Chi, but it can’t be denied that Shang-Chi has the skill level necessary to make him a force to be reckoned with.
Power-wise, Iron Fist can summon an incredible amount of force with his powers. He can literally stop a train with a single punch when he summons his chi. Among his opponents, Iron Fist has taken out the likes of Black Panther, Hercules, and Luke Cage with little more than a punch. However, his downfall is that he doesn’t have complete control over his powers. When he uses them, he drains energy quickly, so he can’t sustain them for a long time.
Meanwhile, Shang-Chi’s fighting skills are just slightly above those of Iron Fist. After all, Shang-Chi has trained since infancy, made his body into a sheer weapon, and perfected his skill and technique. The fact is, Shang-Chi honed his skills to almost superhuman proportions before he even gained additional powers from the Ten Rings. He really has no limit to his power and was never raised, as Iron Fist was, to be a martial artist who relied on mystical powers, too. Iron Fist may have more raw energy, but he has less skill and control than Shang-Chi, and he has weaknesses. Shang-Chi, meanwhile, has better technique, skills, and additional superhuman abilities that raise him to a whole different level than Iron Fist.
(featured image: Marvel Comics)
