Episode 26 of the original Dragon Ball series, titled is a landmark entry that officially kicks off the climactic championship match of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. It is widely celebrated for introducing the series' first "beam struggle" and for its creative blend of high-speed action and martial arts comedy. Plot Summary: The Master vs. The Student
Unable to counter Drunken Boxing with logic, Goku responds with his own "Crazy Monkey" style, crawling on all fours and using his tail to trip Jackie. Themes and Critical Analysis Dragon Ball Episode 26
In Japan, this episode first aired on August 20, 1986. Episode 26 of the original Dragon Ball series,
A pivotal moment occurs when both fighters simultaneously charge and fire their Kamehameha waves. This results in the franchise’s first-ever beam struggle, where the two energies clash in the center of the ring, briefly blinding the audience before both fighters emerge unscathed. The Student Unable to counter Drunken Boxing with
Jackie Chun employs the Sui-ken (Drunken Fighting) technique, moving unpredictably to confuse Goku.
Based on the original manga by Akira Toriyama , with the TV script adapted by Toshiki Inoue or Takao Koyama.
The primary theme is the lesson Master Roshi intends to teach: "There is always someone better". By staying in disguise, Roshi acts as a final wall for Goku and Krillin to overcome, pushing them to continue training rather than resting on their laurels.