|
Drunken Monkey Form
or Drunken Monkey Pole Form.This style is different from Zui Quan (Drunken
Fist), as the practitioner is imitating gestures of an intoxicated monkey,
rather than a human fighter.Drunken Monkey does not begin with drunken-like
gestures, but rather the drunken aspect enters the forms in the middle
section when the practitioner plays the movements of a monkey drinking
stolen wine. |
|
 |
|
The Drunken Monkey
style is visually completely different when compared to Zui Quan and is
shorter in sequence. This style, however, is considered more artistically
beautiful, acrobatic and agile compared to Zui Quan. This does not
necessarily mean that it is more or less effective in actual combat.
Contrary to claims in movies, actually being drunk doesn't improve drunken
monkey or drunken fist. It's based on the concept of imitating being drunk,
actually being drunk is not required and may impair one's speed and ability
to perform complex movements. |
|
The form is short and simple, consisting of a few dozen or so movements.
Much of the moves are performed at a low ground level, with rolling,
tumbling and falling techniques. There are also many unusual grappling and
blocking techniques. The higher level attacks include eye pokes and throat
hits, as well as blocks and punches (with punching being exceptional, as
monkeys generally do not attack with their fists). There are also many
middle attacks such as kicks aimed to the stomach area, and lower attacks
to the lower abdomen, groin and legs.
The "Monkey-Hands" Technique: Relaxed hand strikes with the palm
facing downward and fingers drooping towards the ground, used to deflect
hand strikes and kicks, and also to strike with the fingers towards the
throat and eyes.
The "Monkey-Claws" Technique: This attack is
basically a strike with the palm facing forward and hitting with the
fingers and striking downward, like any animal's clawing motion. It is
used to hit the face and eyes, and can also be used to grapple the
opponent's wrist.
Low Kicks and Ground Kicks: There are many
kicks in Drunken Monkey, primarily aimed at the lower portions of the body
(legs, groin, abdomen) and executed from a low position or from lying on
the ground.
|
