Briefly describes Chinese Martial Arts life?

Hi,
I have no idea about Chinese Martial Arts. I just knew that the Internal and external styles are there. What is the importance of empty hand competition and why suits are necessary here? Like defiance, is here checking the quality of a person. About the suit and equipment I got some idea from "WKC Martial Arts Supplies". While I saw this site supplies site I have an interest of the equipment and ideas about the suit. So can anyone briefly describe the answer of my question?