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Aikido

     Partly derived from the earlier Aikijutsu style, Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba in 1942, in an attempt to create a more disciplined, philosophical approach to self-defense. It is a defensive martial art based around using the opponent’s motions against them, concentrating more on disabling than harming opponents. Offensive strikes are not absent from Aikido; they are sometimes necessary to provoke an opponent to attack, thus resulting in something to counteract, and some schools of Aikido train (to varying degrees) with melee weapons, most often the jo, bokken, and tanto (a knife), in order to deal with armed attackers, as well as to further improve the student’s understanding of Aikido’s movement, distancing, and timing.
     Schools: Aikido schools can be found in most major cities throughout the world, though the best training can only be had in Japan.
     Members: Illyana Kane
     Concepts: Philosophers, mystics, working mothers, athletes, students
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Body Flip, Joint Lock
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “Anchor yourself, and do not allow yourself to be moved. That is the essence of Aikido.”

Boxing

     Boxing is a style of fighting that relies solely on punching, and various forms of boxing were practiced by many different civilizations. The form of boxing that is widely practiced today, a multimillion dollar sport, is said to have begun some 700 years ago when St. Bernard taught it to young men to keep them from fighting with knives. Matches were fought bare-fisted and illegally, until in 1865, when the Marquis of Queensberry created a formalized set of rules for boxing that made it a safer, more "merciful" sport.
     Schools: Although it is not taught in the manner of other fighting arts, finding a gym or somewhere similar to learn boxing is exceedingly easy.
     Members: Jade Draconis
     Concepts: Street tough, Golden Gloves champ, bodybuilder
     Prerequisites: Strength 3
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Head Butt, Uppercut
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "Don't give me any of that fancy crap. I hit ’em, they go down. Simple."

Capoeria

     Capoeria is an unusual martial art that originated in Brazil. It was created by slaves brought to Brazil from Africa, who created it in a manner parallel to karate, using whatever was available to them for defense, including sugar cane knives and 3/4 staffs. As slaves, they had to disguise their study of the art, and did so by making dance central to its principles, making it a highly acrobatic, rhythmic form. It was also designed to allow them to fight while their hands were chained, and thus relies heavily on kicks and little on maneuvers which require the use of the hands.
     Capoeria is normally practiced almost as a stylized dance, carried out in a circle known as a roda, to the tune of various percussion and other instruments.
     Schools: Capoeria is virtually unheard of outside its native Brazil, though there are a few schools scattered here and there throughout the world.
     Members: Trinity Hidomory
     Concepts: Tribal warriors, explorers, dancers
     Prerequisites: Dexterity 3
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Foot Sweep, Spinning Thrust Kick
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “Let’s dance a little...”

Jeet Kune Do

     Jeet Kune Do, “the way of the intercepting fist,” is the martial art created by the legendary Bruce Lee. He assembled JKD after studying countless other styles, cataloguing the various techniques and ways in which the human body could be used in combat, and synthesizing them into a simple, versatile fighting style with no patterns or preconceived notions.
     Schools: Since Lee’s death, JKD has become an extremely popular and widely taught style, and instructors of the style can be found in nearly any city.
     Members: Illyana Kane, Jade Draconis
     Concepts: Martial artists of all kinds, Bruce Lee fans, soldiers, street toughs, bodyguards
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Varies
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “Hey, whatever works.”

Jujutsu

     Jujutsu is a Japanese fighting style based on fighting techniques that go back more than 1,200 years, though the term “Jujutsu” (also spelled “Jiujitsu”) was not used until the 1600s, a time when Japanese martial arts as a whole were moving away from weaponed styles to weaponless ones, which were collectively called Jujutsu.
     Jujutsu is primarily a grappling art, the various strikes and weapon techniques having been removed some time ago. Practitioners can make use of leverage, weight, and momentum to throw opponents three times their weight.
     Schools: Jujutsu can be found in schools all over the world.
     Members: Nicholas King
     Concepts: Martial artists of all kinds
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Body Flip, Breakfall, Foot Sweep
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “The harder you attack, the harder you will fall down. You must bend and become stronger for the flexibility it affords.”

Joketsuzoku

     Practitioners of Joketsuzoku are held to an extremely strict code of honor based on the tribal law of the Nǚjié zú. The only ones who are protected under this code, however, are other Nǚjié zú, allies, honorable enemies, and innocents. Respect must be shown to superior martial artists and elders at all times; courtesy to one's host is very important as well. Lethal force is not only expected but encouraged in battle (except for sparring/practice and contests of prowess), but honorable or skilled opponents must always be given the opportunity to surrender.
     This martial art is good at virtually everything: weapons, unarmed combat, power, speed, endurance, and even chi abilities. Its ability to imbue supernatural strength and endurance on its users is simply phenomenal. Perhaps its only real weaknesses are its strict code of honor and inability to deal effectively against multiple attackers. Also, of course, only Nǚjié zú (or those who can convince them to train them) can learn the style, and male members of the Nǚjié zú cannot learn the more powerful moves at all.
     Schools: Almost all Nǚjié zú are taught this art from birth.
     Members: Rahan Akero
     Concepts: Nǚjié zú
     Prerequisites: An honorable alignment is not required, but Amazons refuse to teach their most dangerous techniques to those who are dishonorable.
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers:
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “You're 100 years too early to be facing me.”

Kabaddi

     Kabaddi is a rare and unusual style, which grew out of yoga and Dhyana Buddhism. Monks of ancient India were said to hold great power, but to use that power they had to achieve such a state of tranquillity that it could not be used offensively. The combative uses of these techniques are collectively known as Kabaddi, and it is one of the most difficult styles to master, simply because of the sheer level of control required.
     Schools: Kabaddi schools are exceedingly rare outside of India, and even there they're uncommon.
     Members: Aditi
     Concepts: Zen monks, Yoga instructors, New Agers
     Prerequisites: Chi Mastery 3 or 4
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Head Butt, Slide Kick
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "You must control your feelings; think of nothing but the opponent, and think of your victory only after the battle."

Karate*

     Karate-do, or “the way of the empty hand,” is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, and has since spread all over Japan. It is believed to have been started when Kung Fu was mixed with the Okinawan style known as “te,” meaning “hand,” which, at the time, was a very rough fighting style similar to Western boxing. There are countless different substyles of karate, largely divided into the categories of being Japanese or Okinawan, the difference being that Okinawan styles tend to concentrate more on rigorous physical training, while Japanese styles have longer, more stylistic movements.
     Most Okinawan forms of karate also train to some degree in kobudo, the “ancient martial ways.” This is essentially training in a variety of melee weapons, including the bo, sai, nunchaku, rope/chain, kama, and tonfa, and occasionally others.
     Schools: Dojos for various styles of karate can be found all over the world. It has become one of the most widespread martial arts in existence.
     Quote: “A fight shouldn’t be about money, or even winning or losing. It’s about giving all you have and improving yourself through combat."
     *Note: Refer to the Karate Fighting Appendix for more syles and moves.

     Kyokushin Karate

     Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Korean Masutatsu Oyama who was born under the name Choi Young-Eui. Kyokushin is Japanese for "the ultimate truth." Kyokushin is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline, and hard training. It has been passed down through the generations to those who proved themselves worthy champions. Kyokushin requires that its practitioners summon forth power from their own inner energy, thus making them able to even defy the laws of nature for short periods of time.
     Kyokushin became famous on the street fighting circuit when Ryu Hoshi used it to defeat the former World Warrior Champion, Sagat, with his vicious Dragon Punch that left the former champion forever scarred. Its full contact style has had international appeal (practitioners have over the last 40+ years numbered more than 12 million).
     Schools: Relatively common in Japan, but outside of Japan there is only one school known to exist and that is in the Western US.
     Members: The Nameless Namek, Abby Kiiro, Chief Rendon, Daerius Dred, Hannah Kiiro, Joesph Ash'neel Dar Kane, Reh-Bah Daimao, Renki' Sar Kane, Walker Akero, Zakariah Vent, Zelgato Darkwulfe
     Concepts: Karate masters, fighters, health instructors, rich children
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Ax Kick, Uppercut, Roll With Impact
     Special Maneuvers: Collarbone Breaker (Sakotsu Wari): Overhead Punch, Cyclone Kick (Senpuu Kyaku): Flying Reverse Turning Kick, Dragon Punch (Shoryuken): Rising Uppercut (Forceful), Flaming Dragon Punch: Power Strike (fire) version of the Dragon Punch, Wave Motion Punch (Hadouken): Chi Blast (Forceful) Hurricane Kick (Tatsumaki Sempuu Kyaku): Spinning Strike Flying Reverse Turning Kick
     Quote: “We seek combat not for wealth or power, but for the trials of the fight itself. Trophies and titles are the trappings of others. I seek only the thrill of victory and think only from where my next challenge will come.”

Kempo

     Kempo is an unusual art which dates back hundreds of years. It is believed to have originally been based on a form of Kung Fu known as Chuan Fa (“fist method”), which at that time integrated portions of both the original Chuan Fa style and the art of Shih Pa Lo Han Sho, the original series of exercises that became the basis of Kung Fu, which has been lost until then. Chuan Fa ultimately came to Okinawa, Ryukyu, and Japan, supposedly from a wandering Chinese monk who taught the style to other monks all across Japan. The Chuan Fa style was also brought to Japan by many others over the next few centuries.
     In the 17th century Kempo came to the island of Kyushu in Japan, and was modified over the years to reach its current form, which mixes techniques from different styles of Kung Fu and Jujutsu, though it also shows similarities to Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Aikido/Aikijutsu, and Ninjutsu.
     Schools: Kempo is taught to varying degrees all over the world, though it is most common in Japan.
     Members: Renki' Sar Kane, Abby Kiiro, Chief Rendon, Joesph Ash'neel Dar Kane, Kinji Kenzaki, Walker Akero, Zakariah Vent
     Concepts: Any
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Knife Hand, Roll With Impact
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “The road to perfection is always paved with difficulties. If you have the strength to overcome them, then you will be a true warrior."

Kung Fu*

     Kung Fu (“skill and effort”) is an ancient martial art that originated in China. It is said that a Buddhist monk named Bohdihama traveled from Tibet to China, and came upon the Shaolin monastery. The monks there sought spiritual enlightenment, but while doing so neglected their bodies, and thus were weak and frail. The Tibetan monk taught them a series of exercises for health, that were ultimately developed into the Shaolin Kung Fu style, which is regarded as the first.
     No other style has more sub-styles than Kung Fu, however. There are estimated to be over 1,500 of them, though many are closely guarded secrets, known only on mainland China. Kung Fu includes both internal and external styles, though it is common for students to study two or more such styles.
     Schools: Various styles of Kung Fu are taught in schools all over the world, and is up there with Karate in terms of being widespread.
     Members: Jade Draconis, Rahan Akero
     Concepts: Demons
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Crescent Kick, Knife Hand
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "Just because you have found peace with yourself doesn’t mean you’ve found peace with others."

Liang Hsiung (Demon Wrestling)

     Liang Hsiung ("Shining Evil" or "Brilliant Barbarism") is a fighting style based on how Demons do battle. Practitioners are not necessarily bad people, but it is a brutal fighting style. Combatants wear horns, spurs, and other blades on their bodies while fighting, and much of the combat is in ramming and goring the opponent. The only difference during practice sessions is that they wear a more padded version of the same, on which the blades aren't quite as sharp.
     Demon Armor: This menacing suit of armor provides full coverage, (D8 x 3) + 8 armor, half that for bullets, and 70/35 Encumbrance. Further, it is covered with spikes and spurs and such, which effectively add to the damage of any punch or kick, and also allow the goring attacks (effectively a head butt with spikes). Street clothes can be modified to allow the same range of attacks (except for the goring, for which the helmet is necessary), but the damage bonus is only +1.
     Schools: Liang Hsiung is virtually unknown outside of mainland China.
     Members: Emperor Jasson, General Victoria
     Concepts: Demons
     Prerequisites: Strength 3
     Initial Bonuses: +5 to Health, +1 to Stamina
     Basic Maneuvers: Head Butt, Shoulder Smash
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "Just because we fight like Demons doesn't mean we act like them!"

Saiyajin Training

     Saiyajins have an inborn need to fight, but having the powers is not enough to do the Saiyajin's job. The warrior race also has to work hard, study hard, and (unfortunately) not party hard. Most Saiyajins will spend their lives training to become stronger so that they can prove themselves in battle. Saiyajins like Goku and Vegeta are frequently seen training and improving their fighting skills to keep up with each other's skills and the appearance of new, more powerful foes. The training regimen of a Saiyajin includes martial arts and occult lore. The basic curriculum ranges from the proper use of battleaxes and broadswords to the dining habits of certain cultures. For much of the first year or so after the Saiyajin is born, she has to spend a few hours a day or longer in training. After that, training slows down a bit, but still has to get his or her reps in to keep his or her reflexes sharp and her mind strong.
     In theory, this training regimen is a combination of boot camp and night school. Saiyajins are naturals at most weapons, so they quickly outdo their peers there. The book-learning part takes a lot more effort, though. The ideal Saiyain should be as knowledgeable as the King. Unfortunately, outside of Saiyajin training, that rarely happens. Even then, the monkeys prefer the gym to the library. Given their gifts, thumpage is easier to master than theory.
     Many of the Saiyajin/Human hybrids that appear throughout Rhy'Din possess extreme fighting potential. It is also very common for them to develop the ability to transform into Super Saiyajins at childhood, thought to be particularly likely when the hybrid's Saiyajin parent had achieved the transformation prior to conception.
     Schools: Must find a Master to teach him, there were only about 4 or 8 Saiyajins left in the universe.
     Members: Belldandy Draxus, Jax, Kinji Kenzaki
     Concepts: Saiyajins
     Prerequisites: None
     Initial Bonuses: They get a +1 to any two physica Attributes, and +1 to the following skills: Acrobatics, Kung Fu, Getting Medieval, and Occultism.
     Basic Maneuvers: Claw Hand, Crescent Kick
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "What's wrong? Oh wait, don't tell me. I think I know what you need. A nice trip to the afterlife. One way, of course."

SAMBO

     SAMBO is a powerful Russian style of wrestling, based on brute strength. Originally created as entertainment for the Czars, today it is a distillation of countless styles of Russian wrestling. Practitioners concentrate more on strength and skill than speed; anyone facing such an opponent who assumes that they are clumsy is in for a pile driver.
     Schools: SAMBO schools are rare outside of Russia.
     Members: Bo Bafett, Luke Luigh; anyone can take classes, but Sambo students are primarily big, strong men. Don't be fooled, though; there are woman Sambo wrestlers, but they are as big and intimidating as the men.
     Most students train for about six months and then begin to learn the rest by experience. Sambo students are trained in the harshest environments in Russia, in order to strengthen the fighters.
     Concepts: Circus strongmen, blue-collar workers, giants
     Prerequisites: Strength 3 or 4
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Bear Hug, Suplex
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: "Only the strong win battles."

Special Forces

     Special Forces groups were first implemented after World War II. Elite military squads, they were and still are taught an advanced form of the basic commando hand to hand training, a fairly powerful and very pragmatic style of combat. For fighting game purposes, most of the various military-type characters will know this style; examples include Guile and Cammy of Street Fighter, Ralph, Clark, Heidern, and Leona of King of Fighters, and others.
     Schools: Characters must have had advanced military training to select this style.
     Members: Bo Bafett, Jetta Viko, Luke Luigh, Mike Wolf, Natsumi Etsuko, Quinn MacNamara
     Concepts: Special Ops military personnel, SWAT agent, retired military personnel, survivalist
     Prerequisites: The character must have been part of a military organization of some sort, and must have the Gun Fu skill at at least level 2.
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Body Flip, Foot Sweep, Pin
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “And while you were a little kid, taking karate classes, I was busting my ass for Uncle Sam!”

Wing Chun

     There are legends that this martial began as one for women of smaller stature (the legend of Yim Wing Chun who defeated the warlord whom she was to marry) or that it was used by revolutionaries calling themselves the Red Boat Opera Society. In any case, the emphasis is on close-range fighting without the use of wrestling maneuvers. The opponents are kept so close that you can feel the fight with the skills called Chi Sao (sticky arms) and Chi Gerk (sticky legs). And while you stick to your opponent's limbs, preventing him from attacking, you disable him.
     This style uses only the two fastest basic punches and kicks. Slow attacks and those with circular motions are discouraged. Straight-line punches, chaining punches, and striking with both leg and arm simultaneously (to confuse the opponent) are just some of the strategies. Once you close range and stay there, quick strikes that you can make while defending (deflecting attacks) are favored.
     It is not a popular tournament sport because it teaches strikes to vital areas (such as the eyes and throat) which are particularly dangerous and a "toned down" version of the style is not taught.
     Schools: China
     Members: Rahan Akero
     Concepts:
     Prerequisites:
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers:
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “Wing Chun is not a game. It's for survival... For fighting.”

Wu Shu

     Partly derived from Kung Fu, Wu Shu (“military art”) was created during the period between 2,000 and 771 BC, ultimately forming a complete martial art. During the Warring States period (770 to 221 BC), the leaders advocated Wu Shu in their armies, and hoarded masters of this art. Over time, Wu Shu was further refined, ultimately reaching its present-day form. In communist China, Wu Shu is the official national martial art, and is practiced by millions of people, including virtually all Chinese, espionage agents.
     Today, it is a highly structured style of kung fu, which emphasizes continual motion and highly acrobatic movements, and attacks are by far emphasized over defensive maneuvers. Students will spend time mastering barehanded and melee weapon fighting techniques, and will also receive some amount of political indoctrination.
     Schools: Wu Shu can be found nearly anywhere in China, but is very rare elsewhere.
     Members: Kinji Kenzaki
     Concepts: Circus acrobat, gymnast, dancer, performer in the Peking Circus
     Prerequisites: Dexterity 3
     Initial Bonuses:
     Basic Maneuvers: Axe Kick, Crescent Kick, Knife Hand
     Special Maneuvers:
     Quote: “I do not seek merely to fight; I seek to find perfection in fighting technique.”

AKERO INVESTIGATIONS ©2000-2013 Walker Pennington, Peter Molski, and Tommy Streets. All Rights Reserved.
These character writeups are used with express permission from their players.
EARTH SPECIAL FORCES ©1999-2010 Zak Eltzroth. All Rights Reserved.

USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS © 1997-2010.
All Rights Reserved. ©2011 Walker Pennington.