(video) Jackie Chan’s Intense Training in Drunken Master
Jackie Chan’s Intense Training in Drunken Master
One of the most memorable aspects of Drunken Master (1978) is the rigorous and unconventional training that Wong Fei-hung (played by Jackie Chan) undergoes under the legendary Beggar So. The film showcases traditional Chinese martial arts training, pushing both the character and Jackie Chan himself to the limits.
The Brutal Training of Wong Fei-hung
After Wong Fei-hung’s reckless behavior lands him in trouble, his father sends him to train under Beggar So, a feared and highly skilled martial artist known for his harsh teaching methods. This training becomes a defining moment in the film, turning Wong from a cocky troublemaker into a disciplined fighter.
1. Endurance & Strength Training
Beggar So’s training is designed to build incredible strength and endurance. Some of the most grueling exercises include:
- Carrying Water Buckets: Wong Fei-hung must hold heavy buckets of water using outstretched arms, forcing him to develop arm strength and balance.
- Horse Stance Training: He is made to squat in a deep horse stance for extended periods while balancing bowls of water on his legs, punishing any movement that spills the water.
- Climbing & Stretching: Extreme flexibility training is emphasized, with Wong having to do the splits between objects while holding up his body weight.
2. Coordination & Reflex Training
Drunken Fist requires exceptional agility and body coordination. To develop this:
- Balancing Exercises: Wong must walk across uneven surfaces with jars of water, forcing him to perfect his stability.
- Dodging Attacks: Beggar So throws objects at Wong, training him to react quickly and avoid strikes with fluid movement.
3. Mastering the Drunken Fist Style
Drunken Fist (Zui Quan) is a deceptive and highly effective kung fu style that mimics the movements of a drunkard. It requires:
- Loose, Flowing Movements: Wong learns to appear unsteady while actually maintaining perfect control.
- Unpredictable Attacks: Drunken Fist relies on misleading opponents with erratic movements, making strikes unpredictable.
- Internal Energy & Precision: Wong drinks wine to “unlock” the full potential of Drunken Fist, enhancing his fluidity and adaptability in combat.
Jackie Chan’s Real-Life Training for the Role
Jackie Chan, already a highly skilled martial artist, still had to push himself to perform the demanding choreography of Drunken Master. He trained intensively to perfect the Drunken Fist technique, requiring extreme flexibility, balance, and precise execution of the style’s intricate movements. Unlike traditional kung fu, Drunken Fist relies on rapid transitions between relaxed and explosive strikes, making it incredibly difficult to master.
The Impact of the Training Sequences
The training scenes in Drunken Master are some of the most iconic in martial arts cinema, blending grueling physical challenges with Jackie Chan’s signature humor. They not only showcase the depth of traditional kung fu training but also highlight the transformation of Wong Fei-hung from an arrogant fighter into a true martial arts master.
This film set a new standard for kung fu movies, influencing countless films and making Jackie Chan a household name in the world of action cinema!
Jackie Chan’s Intense Training in Drunken Master
