Shang-Chi vs. Captain America: Who Is The MCU's Best Martial Artist?

At this point in the MCU, it's become clear that Captain America and Shang-Chi are the top two contenders for the MCU's best hand-to-hand fighter. The MCU boasts several heroes with some level of martial arts training, such as Black Widow and Winter Soldier, but Chris Evans' Captain America and Simu Liu's Shang-Chi are a cut above. What they've been able to do in their movies - both with weapons and without - highlight just how skilled they really are.

There was a time when there was no doubt who the MCU's best martial artist was. The impressive displays of Steve's martial arts talents during his fights with Iron Man, Spider-Man, and more all served as evidence of his superiority to the MCU's other martial artists. Steve being ahead of everyone else wasn't surprising, especially when considering what's expected of a live-action take on the character. After all, it's partially Steve's fighting skills that make him capable of keeping up with heroes like Thor and Iron Man in the comic books. But now, thanks to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the MCU has a second character whose martial arts experience makes him a force to be reckoned with.

Shang-Chi's Martial Arts Skills Are Better Than Captain America's

If there's any character who can rival Steve's martial arts skills in the MCU, it's Shang-Chi. While Captain America's prowess isn't in question, it's worth noting that his background can't compare with Liu's character. Steve didn't actually being his training until he was in his early twenties. For that reason, he couldn't have had more than a few years of fighting experience under his belt before taking on the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. Even if Captain America was trained by fighters associated with several martial arts disciplines, there's a limit to what he could have learned in such a short time.

Shang-Chi, on the other hand, was conditioned for fighting at a much earlier age. He was just a child when the Mandarin made him start his martial arts lessons. Due to hours and hours of extensive practice, Shang-Chi was able to master multiple forms of kung fu. Unlike Steve, His entire childhood was devoted to fighting. Looking at the time invested in his training and what's been shown of him so far, there's a good chance his skills are at least slightly better than Steve's.

Why Captain America Would Still Beat Shang-Chi

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers looking up in Captain America Civil War

A fight between Captain America and Shang-Chi wouldn't be decided by martial arts alone. Any advantage that Shang-Chi would gain from his deep kung fu background would be offset by the super soldier serum. Steve may land less hits on Shang-Chi, but it wouldn't be necessary for him to match him blow for blow. Steve isn't an MCU powerhouse, but his strength easily outclasses all non-powered humans. Though it would likely be a hotly contested matchup, the victory should go to Captain America.

NEXT:Shang-Chi Sets Up A Perfect What If Season 2 Episode