Martial artists flocking to guard the rich

Increased security concerns among China's nouveau riche have created a niche market for protection services, luring more martial arts practitioners to become bodyguards.

Standing close to Jack Ma, the Chinese mainland's richest man, at a series of recent events was a man of average build in his 30s with brush-cut hair.

Li Tianjin, Ma's security assistant or personal bodyguard, stood out among the billionaire's entourage with his composed presence, watching every move made by his employer, the founder and chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group.