Tag: Combat

Frank Hickman has become one of the most prominent wrestling coaches in the MMA world for the last few years. He went from high-level college wrestler to co-founding Bangtao Muay Thai and coaching MMA world champions.

Name:	Frank Hickman
Hometown:	Castle Hayne, North Carolina
Background:	Wrestling
Gym:	Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Tiger Muay Thai (2016 to 2020)
Notable Fighters:	Weili Zhang, Alexander Volkanovksi, Israel Adesanya, Loma Lookboonmee, Peter Danesoe

Here is the journey of wrestling coach and Bangtao gym co-founder Frank Hickman. Check out coach Frank’s journey to becoming one of the best wrestling coaches in MMA and becoming a gym owner.

Frank Hickman’s High School Wrestling Career 

Frank Hickman grew up in North Carolina wrestling since he was a kid. He was always on the wrestling mats with his brother George Hickman, who was also a standout wrestler.

In high school, Frank followed in his brother’s footsteps as an accomplished wrestler. While wrestling at Riverside High School, Hickman won two regional titles and earned an overall record of 201-23.

In his four years in high school, Frank was a top ten ranked wrestler three times in the 145 lbs division.

Frank Hickman’s Collegiate Wrestling Career 

Just like his brother George, Frank Hickman also earned a scholarship to wrestle at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. After spending a year as a red shirt freshman, Frank got his chance in the 2009-10 season.

During that season, Frank wrestled at 141 and 149 lbs and earned an overall record of 17-4. Going on to win the PSAC Championship as a sophomore.

Frank’s next two years were a step up for him as he qualified for the NCAA tournament in the 2010-11 season. In the next season, Hickman topped his performance by making it to the quarter finals of the tournament.

For Hickman’s last season as a collegiate wrestler, he finished 13th all-time in school wins(103). He also made it in as the 9th seed at that year’s NCAA tournament.

Appalachian State Wrestling Assistant Coach Frank 

After finishing his collegiate wrestling career, Frank would transition into a role as a wrestling coach. His success in college led him to getting a job as the assistant wrestling coach at Appalachian State University.

He would spend the next couple of years working under head coach John Mark Bentley.

Frank Joins Tiger Muay Thai 

After spending a few years coaching high school and college wrestling, Frank got a call from his brother George. His older brother had been traveling the world fighting and became the head coach of Tiger Muay Thai.

George wanted his brother to move to Phuket, Thailand, and work with him as the gym’s wrestling coach. Frank didn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and joined his brother in Thailand.

Together, the Hickman brothers helped grow Tiger Muay Thai into one of the world’s best fight camps. They helped train everyone from Petr Yan, Izzy Adesanya, and Alexander Volkanovski while working at Tiger Muay Thai.

Frank also had a stint working as the wrestling coach at Syndicate MMA in between coaching at Tiger Muay Thai and then Bangtao.

Frank Hickman: The Car Salesman

Skipping back a bit, it took Frank around two years in between being able to make his way to Thailand. In between coaching college wrestling and coaching in Thailand, Frank worked at a car dealership.

He was a finance manager for a Mini Cooper dealership. When he was saving money to travel to Thailand, Frank actually sold his car. Then to continued working at the dealership, his salesman friend would sneak him keys to drive unsold Mini Coopers.

Frank’s boss from the dealership was actually also one of his and George’s old wrestling coaches. His boss gave his blessing and Frank moved on to go coach wrestling in Thailand.

Hickman Co-Founds Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA 

After helping grow Tiger Muay Thai into an internationally recognized fight gym, the Hickman brothers left the gym. They, along with BJJ coach Alex Schild and S&C coach Andrew “Woody” Wood had a plan to open their own gym.

The four loved Phuket and from their experience working at Tiger Muay Thai knew how to build a great gym. After getting financial backers and finding a location on Bang Tao Beach, their gym would soon be built.

They would call their gym Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA. Their mammoth Muay Thai and MMA camp had its grand opening in 2022 and has exploded in popularity.

Bangtao has hosted numerous seminars with world champion fighters from Jon Jonest to Georges St. Pierre. In just two years, Frank and his partners have made Bangtao a world class fight camp.

Hickman’s Notable MMA Fighters

In his near decade of coaching, Frank Hickman has trained some of the world’s best fighters. Here are five notable MMA fighters that Frank has spent extensive time coaching.

Weili Zhang 

Weili Zhang came to Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA a year ago to train with the Hickman brothers. They got the UFC strawweight champ ready for her title defense against the contender.

Zhang credits both Frank and George for elevating her wrestling and is eager to work with them again.

Alexander Volkanovski 

While working at Tiger Muay Thai, Frank first started working with former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. Since the late 2010s, Volkanovski has made numerous trips to train alongside Frank and George.

He most recently made a trip to their new Bangtao gym in preparation for his last two fights. The Hickman brothers have a great relationship with Alex and love working with him.

Israel Adesanya 

Another City Kickboxing fighter that has spent extensive time working with Frank is former champ Israel Adesanya. The former UFC middleweight champion worked with Frank and George for many years at Tiger Muay Thai.

Frank was one of the main wrestling coaches that helped Izzy improve his grappling after going into MMA full-time. You will most likely see Frank working more with Adesanya in the future.

Loma Lookboonmee 

Frank also worked as the wrestling coach of the very first Thai MMA fighter to enter the UFC in Loma Lookboonmee. Hickman helped Lookboonmee in her transition to MMA by helping develop her wrestling game.

Lookboonmee has improved her overall MMA record to 9-3 and most recently won a decision at a recent UFC FN event. Loma is on a mission to become the first Thai UFC champion.

Peter Danesoe

Another fighter, who trains under Frank Hickman that you need to keep an eye on is Peter Danesoe. The Thai MMA fighter started his career at 0-2, but has gone 6-1 since working with the Hickman brothers. 

Danesoe has looked good and recent performances and you could likely see him in one of the big organizations soon.

Frank Hickman’s Legacy

Frank Hickman has had an incredible journey to get where he is currently at. He went from standout collegiate wrestler to co-founding one of the best fight camps in the world and coaching champions. 

His star is only rising as an MMA coach and you’ll definitely hear more from him in the future.

Anyone who has watched pro wrestling or practiced amateur wrestling is familiar with the suplex. It’s one of the most explosive and flashy moves, which is why it became popular within pro wrestling.

Let’s go over the history of the suplex and how it became one of the most-known moves in the world. Read below to learn about the move’s history in wrestling and details for executing basic suplexes.

What is a Suplex?

The suplex is a classic wrestling move that has been a staple of pro wrestling and amateur wrestling for many years. This technique is classified as a “back arch” or “high amplitude throw” in wrestling, which can be a high-scoring technique.

Most of the general public is aware of suplexes due to the exposure from pro wrestling. Within pro wrestling, many variations of these “high amplitude throws” are used.

History

The suplex has been a part of amateur wrestling for centuries. No one person can be credited for inventing the move as it’s used in many forms of wrestling.

Ancient wrestling cultures such as in Greece, India, Africa, China, and Japan likely contributed to the technique’s evolution. Early forms of wrestling practiced within these areas all used variations of the suplex within them.

In modern amateur wrestling, suplexes are some of the most high-impact techniques that can be executed. If a wrestler is able to execute the technique with good form, they will be granted more points.

The History of the Suplex in Pro Wrestling

In modern pro wrestling, the suplex gained popularity as a dramatic and impactful move. They have been classically used by wrestlers to showcase their strength and athleticism.

Suplexes have always been used since the first pro wrestling shows took place in the early 20th century. Early 20th-century wrestler and strongman George Hackenschmidt commonly used suplexes in his matches.

One of the pro wrestlers, who is credited for popularizing the use of suplexes in modern pro wrestling is Karl Gotch. Karl was a legitimate elite-level wrestler, who used a realistic style of pro wrestling, which included suplex variations.

Gotch is credited with teaching Japanese wrestling legends Antonio Inoki, Billy Robinson, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, and Satoru Sayama(Tiger Mask).

In pro wrestling today, the suplex has numerous variations and is a staple of the sport.

Pro Wrestling Suplex Variations

As mentioned above, there are numerous variations of suplexes used within pro wrestling. Here are seven of the most used variations with descriptions below.

• German Suplex: Named after Karl Gotch, the German suplex is a belly-to-back variation of the move. This is the classic style of the move, where the opponent is lifted as the wrestler’s back arches. The opponent is slammed to the mat into a pinning position.
• Belly-to-Back: The belly-to-back suplex variation is similar to the German style with a few variations. With a belly-to-back, a wrestler can lift their opponent over their head or shoulder. The opponent will either land on their back, side, or stomach in this variation.
• Belly-to-Belly: The belly-to-belly variation is done by a wrestler controlling the front of their opponent’s body. Lifting their opponent up and putting them on their back.
• Exploder Suplex: This variation is characterized by its explosive lifting motion. Where the wrestler quickly hoists their opponent overhead before releasing them to the mat.
• Fisherman’s Suplex: In this variation, the wrestler hooks their opponent with one arm and wraps the other arm around their head. Once in control, the wrestler lifts their opponent and slams them to the mat.
• Dragon Suplex: Popularized in Japan, this variation starts from a waist lock from the back, where the opponent is lifted and released midair.
• T-Bone Suplex: The T-bone variation is executed from front bodylock, where the opponent is thrown overhead onto their back.

The Legalities

Over the years, amateur wrestling organizations and governing bodies have refined and standardized the rules for using suplexes. These rules for suplexes were added to ensure the safety of competitors.

For example, a suplex can be used as long as a wrestler does not drop their opponent on their head. In BJJ, similar rules are enforced, so competitors don’t drop or spike an opponent, which will cause injury.

Within MMA, the use of suplexes is totally legal and any type of suplex can be used. However, just like with the other types of combat sports, fighters cannot spike an opponent on their head.

Despite the strict regulations, suplexes remain fundamental components of wrestling. As combat sports evolve and in particular amateur wrestling, the suplex will remain an integral technique of these sports.

Belly to Belly Suplex Technique

The belly-to-belly variation of this technique is a legitimate wrestling move that is super effective. To begin this move, you can either have double underhooks or be in a 50/50 position with your opponent.

Either way, you start, you must maintain a low bodylock with your hands locked together on your opponent’s lower back. This is so your suplex is explosive when you step in and throw them.

The first step of the belly-to-belly is an outside step, where you step to the outside. Your foot goes to the outside and you place it behind your opponent’s foot as you bring your hips in.

As your hips come around, the rest of your body follows, hold your opponent tight, and throw them to their back.

There are different belly-to-belly setups and hand positioning, but they all follow the same principles. Have a good low bodylock, bring your hips/body under your opponent’s, and lift with your legs.

Belly to Back Suplex Technique

Suplexes from the back are effective and powerful techniques to take your opponent down. To get to your opponent’s back, you will need to execute a duck under.

This is performed from either an underhook or arm control, where you lift your opponent’s arm up and go to their back. Once you’re on your opponent’s back, your hands need to be clasped tightly around their waist.

Your chest must also be touching your opponent’s back so as to not give them space to turn and escape.

The key to a good belly-to back suplex is throwing your opponent on your back and not landing on your head. To ensure that you don’t injure yourself, you will have to drill arching your back doing suplexes. 

A good arch requires your heels to come off the mat as you pop your hips and arch your back. If done correctly, your body will not touch the match.

Do the drills as described in the video above before you begin doing belly-to-back drills with a partner.

Tips For Doing a Suplex

No matter what type of suplex, you execute, you will have to remember important tips and details. Here are some important things to remember when executing suplexes.

• Body Control: No matter which type of suplex you try, you must first have a good bodylock on your opponent. If you don’t have a good bodylock on their lower body, you won’t execute the technique.
• Body Positioning: In order to lift your opponent involves correct body positioning. You must be controlling your opponent’s body with your body positioning under their hips in order to suplex them. 
• Arch Your Back: Remember on a traditional belly-to-back throw you must arch your back. By not arching properly, you will either land on your head or your opponent will land on top of you.
• Lift With Your Legs: Always lift with your legs and never just your arms. Remember this and your opponent will go up no problem.
• Don’t Fall On Your Head: Remember, you’re suplexing your opponent and not yourself. Remember to use proper technique and not to fall on your head.

Wrap Up

The suplex and its numerous variations are must-know techniques if you practice any form of grappling. Not only are they explosive grappling techniques, but they are easy to learn. Remember the tips above and definitely consider adding suplexes to your repertoire.

Combat sports are full of spectacles and few have been as big as the Korean giant Hong Man Choi. The Techno Goliath has done it all from fighting in every combat sport to being a rapper and entertainer.

Here is a synopsis of the fighting career of the Korean giant Hong Man Choi. Read everything below about Choi’s extensive fighting career, military service, and time as a Korean entertainer.

Birth Name:	Choi Hong-man
Date of Birth:	October 30, 1980
Place of Birth:	Jeju, South Korea
Native Name:	???
Nicknames:	The Techno Goliath, Korean Colossus, Che Man
Nationality:	South Korean
Height:	2.18 m (7 ft 2 in)
Weight:	159.5 kg (352 lb; 25 st 2 lb)
Division:	Super Heavyweight
Style:	MMA, Kickboxing, Ssireum

Hong Man Choi’s Childhood & Discovering Martial Arts 

Choi Hong-man(Hong Man Choi) was born into a modest family in the South Korean city of Jeju City. Growing up, he faced challenges due to his incredible size. 

Being a giant Korean, Hong Man Choi stood out and got a lot of attention. Surprisingly, Choi was bullied in junior high despite his large size.

He opened up a little about that experience in 2012 on the Korean talk show No Comment. “When I was in junior high, I was an average student, who loved to dance and be stylish. The popular kids didn’t like me, so they used to hit me.”

His large size led him to develop a passion for sports. Due to his height, Choi got involved with basketball. He would then get into Korean martial arts, where he developed a talent and began competing.

Choi’s Ssireum Fighting Career 

The first combat sport that Hong Man Choi entered was the Korean wrestling style known as ssireum. Due to his large size, Choi excelled at the is form of wrestling.

In 2003, Choi was ranked as the top heavyweight in ssireum wrestling. At the ssireum world championship, he beat his rival Younghyun Kim to win the title.

This was(at the time) the most watched ssireum match in the history of the sport until their next match. The two rivals would meet the following year in 2004, where Kim won the rematch.

This ssireum match broke the world record for the largest mass between two competitors. Between Choi and Kim they were at a combined weight and height of 757 lbs(343.3 kg) and 14 ft 3 in(4.35 m).

Hong Man Choi’s K-1 Kickboxing Debut

After accomplishing everything he could within ssireum, Choi would transition over to kickboxing. The giant allegedly holds a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo to go along with being a champion Korean wrestler.

Already being a star in Korea, fans sold out the arena in Seoul to see Choi make his K-1 kickboxing debut. This was the first time an international audience got to see the Korean giant and they were blown away.

The Techno Goliath made quite a debut in his home country of South Korea. He knocked out Japanese fighter Wakashoyo in the first round. 

Choi then met sumo legend Akebono, who was also transitioning into kickboxing. Hong Man Choi would win the first of many meetings against Akebono with a first round TKO stoppage.

Then in his third and final fight of the night, Choi beat former Thai champion Kaoklai Kaennorsing by decision. Winning the K-1 World Grand Prix in his home country of South Korea.

Hong Man’s K-1 Career Until 2008

After winning the tournament, Choi became an instant international combat sports star. The Techno Giant would continue on what would be the biggest winning streak of his kickboxing career.

Choi would KO Tom Howard in his next match and beat Akebono again in their second meeting. This win set him up with a huge match against kickboxing superstar Bob Sapp.

In this bout, Choi would get the majority win over Sapp and move his pro kickboxing record to 6-0. His undefeated streak would end in his next bout as he lost a decision to K-1 legend Remy Bonjasky. Knocking him out of the 2005 K-1 Grand Prix.

Despite this loss, Hong Man went on another 3-fight winning streak. During this winning streak, Choi earned the biggest win of his career over the legendary Semmy Schilt.

The Techno Giant then went on a losing streak losing to kickboxing legend Jerome Le Banner and Mighty Mo. Despite the losses, Choi would win his next three fights which included Gary Goodridge and a rematch with Mo.

Unfortunately for Hong Man Choi, he would drop three fights before his hiatus that included Banner(again), Badr Hari, and Ray Sefo.

Choi’s Early MMA Career 

Around the time, Hong Man Choi was becoming a star in K-1, the promotion also began running MMA shows. Being one of the promotion’s biggest stars, he began getting offers to fight in MMA.

Choi won his pro MMA debut by 1st round TKO against Bobby Olgun. For his next two bouts, Choi would basically be thrown to the wolves. 

He suffered two TKO losses in a row against MMA legends Fedor Emilianenko and Mirko Cro-Cop.

In 2009, before Hong Man Choi went on his hiatus from fighting, he entered the Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix. This tournament of odd attractions had Choi matched up in the first round against former baseball player Jose Canseco.

The former baseball star had little to no formal fighting training and was beaten in the first minute by Choi. In the second round of the tournament, Choi lost by submission to Japanese MMA star and pro wrestler Ikuhisa “Minowaman” Minowa.

It would be six years before we saw Hong Man Choi compete again.

Hong Man’s Military Service & Health Scare 

In 2009, Choi took a hiatus from fighting to complete his mandatory military service in South Korea. The giant oddly failed two military physicals before entering, which sent him to see doctors.

It was revealed that Choi’s vision was being affected by a tumor. The tumor was removed June 9th, 2009 and Choi completed his mandatory military service.

Hong Man Choi: The Rapper & Entertainer 

For a six year period from 2009 to 2015, Choi went on a hiatus from fighting. During this time, the Techno Giant pursued careers as an entertainer and singer.

His career as a singer began a year prior as became a duo with Korean model Kang Su-hee. The duo would go by the name Beauty & The Beast and make one album together.

Choi’s first job during his hiatus from fighting was making his film debut in the Japanese movie Goeman. His next venture would be TV as he co-starred in the Japanese series Kaibutsu-kun.

Along with these ventures into acting and singing, Choi would also make various appearances on reality and talk shows. He was also the spokesman for different brands, like Lotte’s Ice Cream.

Choi’s Return to MMA

In 2015, Hong Man Choi would make his return to fighting in 2015. Many fight critics believed the long layoff would affect the Techno Giant negatively and they were right.

Choi would lose his return to MMA by first round KO against Carlos Toyota at Road FC 24. Despite that loss, Hong Man won his next two bouts with Road.

The last MMA match of his career would be a rematch against Mighty Mo at Road FC 033 under MMA rules. Choi suffered a vicious knockout, which would be the subsequent end of his MMA career.

Choi’s Return to Kickboxing

In 2016, Hong Man Choi would also make his return to kickboxing, where he had more success. Just like in his MMA debut, the effects of the long layoff were apparent.

Choi lost his return to kickboxing in 2016 against Chinese kickboxer Zhou Zhipeng in China. Hong Man bounced back in his next bout, but dropped the last 2 kickboxing bouts of his career. His last match took place in 2019, where he lost by KO in under a minute.

Where is Hong Man Choi Now? 

Since Hong Man Choi’s last fight in 2019, he quietly made an exit from professional fighting. In his years after fighting, Choi chose a life away from the spotlight to try other things.

After ending his fighting career, Hong Man has now shifted his focus to his many business ventures. Despite being done with fighting, Choi will still make appearances in various TV programs.

What is the Legacy of Hong Man Choi?

Hong Man Choi wasn’t the best fighter ever, but the Techno Goliath was one you always watched. Anytime Choi stepped into the cage or squared-circle, people tuned in to see him. 

Choi fought various legends in combat sports and had a style and big personality all his own. We were always entertained watching Hong Man fight and appreciated him as a fighter and entertainer.

One of the most popular creators within the YouTube fitness community is Dr. Mike Israetel. He is the host and co-creator of the widely popular YT channel Renaissance Periodization.

Let’s take a look at Mike Israetel’s background and what he covers on his successful YouTube channel.

Dr. Mike’s Background

Dr. Mike Israetel is a doctor in sports physiology, a bodybuilder, and a popular YouTube personality. Israetel earned his Ph.D. in sports physiology from Eastern Tennessee State University.

He is widely recognized for his expertise in exercise science, sports nutrition, and strength training. Dr. Israetel has contributed significantly to the fitness industry through his research, writing, and coaching.

Mike has been involved in various coaching roles and working with various athletes from bodybuilding, powerlifting, and combat sports. His coaching approach emphasizes evidence-based practice and individualization programmed to each athlete’s needs.

Dr. Israetel has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers on various topics. Everything from sports nutrition, hypertrophy, periodization, and strength training. 

His work often bridges the gap between scientific research and physical application. Thus, making these concepts accessible to everyone from athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts.

Mike Israetel’s Youtube Channel: Renaissance Periodization

How most people know Dr. Mike Israetel is from his widely popular YouTube channel Renaissance Periodization. On his YouTube channel, Mike covers a wide range of topics from fitness, training, and supplementation.

• Training Techniques: Providing insights to various training methodologies, exercises, techniquess and program strategies.
• Nutrition Guidance: He offers evidence-based advice on nutrition strategies for enhancing performance, improving body composition, and overall health. This includes discussions on macronutrient intake, meal timing, supplementation, and dietary approaches for different fitness objectives.
• Q/A Sessions: The majority of Israetel’s videos are Q/A sessions where he answers some of the most commonly asked questions about fitness. Everything from training, nutrition, and supplementation.
• Workout Critiques: Dr. Mike also does reviews and critiques of celebrity and athlete workouts.

Dr. Mike vs. Celebrity Trainers 

One of Dr. Mike Israetel’s most popular videos is his critiques of celebrity workouts. He is highly critical of many celebrities and their routines.

Mike calls many of the “famous celebrity trainers” charlatans, who have no idea what they’re doing. He has done various harsh and funny critiques of various celebrities.

Some of the celebrities that Israetel has critiqued include:

• Mark Wahlberg
• Michael B. Jordan
• Lebron James
• Chris Hemsworth
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
• Henry Cavill
• Bradley Cooper
• Ben Affleck

Mike’s biggest critique of some celebrity workouts is that many of the exercises they do are dumb and illogical.

Dr. Mike on Steroid Use

Dr. Mike probably has some of the most no-nonsense take on steroid use. He’s done numerous videos on this topic and basically breaks down steroid use like this.

• Steroids can be beneficial if used correctly.
• Extended or overuse of steroids will lead to a variety of health problems.
• Females may become infertile and get mannish features using androgen steroids

Israetel recommends that you should never use steroids since the negatives outweigh the positives. However, if someone is going to use steroids, he recommends low-dose oral steroids. He doesn’t think you should go crazy and start shooting tren everyday.

Mike Israetel’s Critiques Of Mike Mentzer’s Training 

One of Dr. Mike Israetel’s most popular videos of the last year was his critique of Mike Mentzer’s training. Mentzer’s high-intensity to-failure approach has had a renaissance in popularity in recent years, so Mike reviewed Mentzer’s instructional video.

Israetel ‘s main critique of Menzter’s training ideology is his view of single-set lift protocols being the best training style. Dr. Mike points out from multiple studies that multi-set protocols are far more beneficial than single-set protocols.

The other critique of Mentzer’s training was his progression algorithm. In Menzter’s algorithm, you start at 8 reps with X weight, progress to 12 reps, add 10% load, and restart.

Israetel shows a scientifically more proven progression algorithm, in which you gradually add more weights. Adding 2.5-5 lbs to the exercise each time and trying to hit the same rep range. This style of progression shows more steady improvement than Menzter’s approach.

Also, even though this was a critique video, Dr. Mike commended Mentzer for being ahead of his time. He agreed with Mentzer that increased intensity is a must to achieve strength goals/fitness goals.

Israetel also commenced Mike Mentzer on his great form and going full ROM.

The RP Hypertrophy Training App

Dr. Mike collaborated with pro bodybuilders to create the RP Hypertrophy Training App. This is one of the most complete weight training apps ever created. 

Through the hypertrophy app, you can follow scientifically proven training programs to reach your fitness goals. The app does everything from mapping out what exercises you must do, the rep ranges, and for how long.

It also gives dietary tips and lets you make notes on your training. This app has gotten rave reviews online for its attention to detail to help users reach their fitness goals.

Dr. Mike’s Training Session With Famous Bodybuilder/Lifters

One of Mike Israetel’s most popular sections of videos on his channel is his training sessions. He trains various fitness pros from bodybuilders to powerlifters and goes through either his or their routines.

Mike Israetel: BJJ Brown Belt

On top of being a doctor in sports physiology and an NPC bodybuilder, Dr. Mike is also a BJJ practitioner. He currently holds a brown belt in the martial art under Josh Vogel. 

When Mike isn’t making videos or lifting, he’s practicing jiu-jitsu at the Jiu-Jitsu Company in Philadelphia.

Drunken boxing is one of the most known and mysterious forms of kung fu that is still practiced. The style has been depicted in various times within pop culture, but not many know about the true techniques.

Here is the mysterious history of drunken boxing and how it’s been depicted in popular media. Read below to learn about the reported history of drunken boxing, the techniques, and its famous depictions in pop culture.

The Mysterious History of Drunken Boxing

The history of drunken boxing is shrouded in mystery. There are different stories of the style’s origins, but it’s difficult for historians to decipher facts from tall tales.

There are a variety of different accounts of how the drunken fist was created. Here are some of the possible origins of this kung fu style.

Legend of the Eight Immortals(Ba Xian)

One popular legend attributes the creation of drunken boxing to one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology. Among the Eight Immortals, the one that people claim was the creator was Lu Dongbin.

In various depictions of Dongbin, he is described as going into battle carrying a large wine gourd. Various legends describe Dongbin as being very drunk during many of these battles.

He allegedly used his drunk behavior to confuse and outmaneuver his opponents. According to legend, this inspired the creation of drunken boxing.

Taoist Origins 

Another theory about the origins of drunken fist is that the style has roots within the practice of Taoism. Taoist monks are known for their eccentric and unorthodox behavior and unorthodox manner of training.

Many historians believe it is possible that drunken boxing could have formed from the unorthodox training of Taoist monks. They could see these ancient monks practicing the styles of movements like a drunkard would move.

Theatrical Origins

Some other martial arts historians believe that drunken fist was not a formal style that was developed and practiced. Instead, drunken boxing could have very well developed from Chinese opera and theater performances.

Actors playing drunk martial artists would often move in an exaggerated fashion during their fight scenes. Over time, these depictions of drunks fighting in Chinese theater could very well have evolved into a real style. 

Historical Figures

While the origins of drunken boxing are largely mythical, there have been historical figures associated with its development. The martial artist most credited for popularizing the style was Gu Ruzhang.

Gu Ruzhang was a martial artist, who lived in the 19th century during the Qing dynasty. He was also known as Gu Fengming and was widely known for his master of Zui Quan.

Much like the history of Zui Quan, how Ruzhang learned and mastered the style is mostly a mystery. However Gu learned the style, he’s credited with the popularization of drunken boxing and teaching future generations.

Without the work of Gu Ruzhang, Zui Quan(drunken fist), the practice of the martial art could’ve ended.

The Techniques of Drunken Boxing 

The techniques of drunken boxing are some of the most effective of all of the kung fu styles. Many of the techniques used in drunken fist are similar to those taught in other styles like iron-fist or sanda kickboxing.

However, the thing that sets the drunken kung fu style apart from the other styles is the movement. In drunken boxing, practitioners move in motions that make them seem off-balanced and incredibly drunk.

But in reality, the flailing, drunk motions are actually a trap. In reality, the drunken boxer is completely balanced and uses the movement to set up counterstrikes.

The drunken boxer moves in motion of their opponent’s strikes and uses the energy to deliver powerful counter-strikes. Quite an unorthodox fighting method,  but effective.

Emanuel Augustus: The Drunken Boxer

Hardcore boxing fans fondly remember the charismatic and talented boxer, Emanuel Augustus. While “The Drunken Boxer” was not a drunk boxing practitioner, he used many principles from the style.

In his fights, Augustus would regularly perform unorthodox defensive and counter moves, like you’d see in drunken fist style. He created his unorthodox and effective style to win the IBA Light Welterweight title in 2004.

Drunken Boxing in Pop Culture 

What people most know drunken fist from the various depictions of the style within popular films, games, and comics. Most of these depictions are loosely based on drunken boxing, but did help popularize the kung fu style.

Drunken Master & Legend of Drunken Master 

The place where many came to know of the drunken fist style was from the all-time great Jackie Chan films. In 1978, Chan starred in the first entry of the series called Drunken Master.

Jackie Chan starred as Wong Fei Hung, a young mischievous boy, who learned a unique style of kung fu from his alcoholic master. This film was preceded by the even more popular and viewed Legend of Drunken Master in 1994.

In the sequel, is caught in a battle between smugglers, who want to steal ancient Chinese artifacts. He tries to fight them off, but soon realizes that his skills only work when he’s drunk.

Both are kung fu flick classics and credited for re-popularizing the drunken boxing style.

Kung Fu Hustle 

Another popular film with a depiction of a loose interpretation of drunken fist style is from Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle. In this film, a character called “Landlord” is a secret master of Zui Quan and uses it to defend his tenants.

Video Games 

There have been numerous depictions of Zui Quan practitioners in different fighting video games. Most famously within the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter video games.

In Mortal Kombat, there is a character within the series named Bo’ Rai Cho. He appeared in the series for the first time in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. In the game’s story, Cho is a strong ally to the Thunder God Raiden against Shang Tsung’s forces.

Within the Street Fighter series, there is a Zui Quan practitioner named Jaime. He first appeared in Street Fighter 6 and is depicted as a quirky, fun loving character.

The Wrap Up on Drunken Boxing

Overall, Zui Quan or drunken boxing, is a mix of myth, legend, cultural influence, and historical speculation. While the precise origins remain elusive, its unique techniques and distinctive style continue to fascinate martial artists and enthusiasts around the world.