Drunken Boxing
Drunken Boxing or Drunken Fist (also known as Zui Quan in Chinese) is a variation of Chinese martial arts styles. It is exactly what it sounds like: martial arts practiced under the influence of alcohol. However, the style is called Drunken Boxing only because of how it appears when it is performed, as if the practitioner is drunk and holding a cup of alcohol (it is not actually performed under the influence of alcohol). They should be staggering, swaying, leaning backwards and forwards, all the while holding an imaginary cup. Strikes are performed from these awkward positions.
There are several types of Chinese martial arts that feature Drunken Boxing, including Choy Li Fut.
The Origins of Drunken Boxing
There are several variations of the mythological origins of Drunken Boxing, including one that states it originated in the Shaolin Temple.
Another legend states that Drunken Boxing was created by monks (most likely not of the Shaolin Temple), who despite being inebriated, managed to defend themselves and the monastery they resided in against intruders or enemies.
One popular myth is that all the techniques from Drunken Boxing are attributed to the Eight Drunken Immortals, a number of mythological figures from Taoism who got drunk while attending a banquet. When they were attacked by guards and forced to leave, they managed to defend themselves even while drunk. These Eight Drunken Immortals were Liu Dong Bin, Lam Choy Wah, Ho Sen Ku, Cho Quat Kau, Cheung Guo Lo, Han Sing Tu, Han Chung Li and Tit Gwai Li.