Drunken Boxing (Zui Quan) 醉拳 Zuì quán

A family of styles imitating a drunkard's swaying, falling and unpredictable rhythm while hiding strikes. Includes the Eight Drunken Immortals.

Key characteristics

• Feigned imbalance
• Falls and rolls

Forms & curriculum

• Eight Drunken Immortals
• Drunken Lohan

What training looks like

Classes typically combine stances and footwork (basics), conditioning, solo forms (taolu, kata or hyung) and partner drills. Sparring is introduced gradually, usually with protective gear.

Questions to ask a school

• How is sparring introduced and supervised?
• What do a beginner's first three months look like?
• Is there a family, health or seniors class?
• How are injuries prevented?