drunken master
Inebriated martial artist
Drunken master refers to a martial arts style that mimics the movements of an intoxicated person—stumbling, swaying, and unpredictable footwork that disguises powerful strikes.
The term gained wide recognition through kung fu films, particularly Jackie Chan's Drunken Master (1978).
More broadly, it describes anyone whose apparent impairment masks surprising competence: He codes like a drunken master—looks chaotic but the output is flawless.
- kung fuChinese martial discipline
- martial artsCodified fighting systems
- fight choreographyDesigning staged combat
- stumblingWalking clumsily, almost falling
- wineFermented grape beverage
Jackie Chan · intoxicated · sway · unpredictable · monk · temple · comedy · acrobatic · flask · stagger · dodge · balance · technique · opponent · bamboo · training · wobble · strike