Post by songstress on Nov 10, 2006 13:44:29 GMT -5
Style Description:
"Eight limbs, eight weapons, eight different ways to destroy my enemies, what more is even needed?"-Kouji the Blade, founder of Happonshi no Mai
That simple quote embodies the Happonshi no mai. The eight limbs are as follows: Two feet, two hands, two elbows and two knees. They are known as an extension of the body in the style, and in later stages of the style are all able to be used flawlessly enough to impress even the greatest taijutsu master. The Happonshi no mai is a fairly obscure taijutsu style when it comes to common knowledge among shinobi. Villages like leaf are known for the infamous Iron fist taijutsu, while mist has their various infamous sword styles, Happonshi no mai is different. It is a village-less style, the bastard son of styles found in the real world, Muay Thai and any sort of basic karate. As such the style houses some very interesting attacks and has a sort of "mysterious" feel to it. Powerful knee and elbow strikes make up the "power" facet of the style while quick round house kicks and boxing oriented punches claim the faster more "speed" oriented side of the taijutsu.
The Happonshi no mai user is taught to be well versed in breaking limbs without thinking once they are in any sort of grapple. As such, they are taught how to throw opponents away as well. All these things give the practitioner of the style a nice choice in how to begin a battle, but of course like any other style a sort of "template" is required. Usually in the Happonshi no mai, most practitioners are decent in more than one style, thus these various little influences from outside styles effect how the user may fight. Of course this really only comes into play when compared to other nin who only know what is "officially" part of the Happonshi no mai. As such, the majority of the Happonshi no mai users are very interesting to watch when in a fight, as they are able to pull out quite a few moves from nowhere. The Happonshi no mai can make for some very brutal battles as well as some drawn out graceful battles that are pleasant to look at, not like the brutal arm breaks and knee shots. The style was created for inducing pain and quick finishes due to this pain, but over the years parts of the style has branched out and as such, the style is not much more of a brutal style. By all means it is brutal enough, just not as much as it was said to be in past wars and battles.
Style History: The dance of the eight limbs was said to be originally used as a deterrent to sword wielding soldiers of years long since passed. According to the legend of the dance of the eight limbs, A small band of mercenaries who once roamed the land signing contracts with any warlord who desired their services had originated the style. Why? Because of the bands extensive exposure to war and the brutal battles that came with it had given them a sort of insight when it came to effective methods of battle. The body can kill just as easily as the weapons that they had wielded. That meant that if leaving weapons behind, they were never at a real disadvantage in battle, while their enemies would be without their swords. Simply because they didn’t have the right hand to hand training with no weapons. As such, the band actually studied what they had seen in battle, and as a result realized that weapons were great, but ones own body worked just as well.
Tossing away their weapons in battle meant that they would have to use their bare hands, which in turn meant that once the enemy was weaponless, they were then at a disadvantage. They style itself had from that point on remained a hand to hand style that was useful in mid-weapon battle, which of course sounds asinine. Of course it took the band of mercinaries years to totally understand what they wanted to do with this method of battle, and after they did, all that was left was mastery of the style. From that day forwards the style developed through experience of the soldiers who had begun to use it. More time passed, and the name had finally come about, Dance of the eight limbs. Supposed Creator if the style, known only as "Kouji the blade", had developed the extensive use of the elbows and knees in a taijutsu style for the first time, as far as the entire band knew of course. The name refers to the eight main "weapons" used to cause the massive damage possible in the workings of the dance of the eight limbs. Two legs, two knees, two fists, and two elbows is the essence of the name and the style known as the Dance of the eight limbs. The small band of mercenaries finally found a place to call their home, and as such formed their own army and civilization of strictly hand to hand and small blunt weapon soldiers.
Blunt weapons such as Tonfa, or other arm covering weapons because they act as a great buffer of taking damage so the users arms and hands are safer than if they were totally bare. Years passed by as the Creator, Kouji had been killed in battle and another face had popped up as the "forefather of the dance of the eight limbs". As history has spoken, many fell and many more arose to the leadership of this hand to hand battle style versus the weapon wielding style of their enemies. The style became mainstream, yet never truly mastered outside of the band, thus was regulated as much as possible by the true masters. It was not until the 5th official decedent claiming to "own" the style that the style gained an even more brutal way to disarm the opponent; Breaking limbs. This gave the dance of the eight limbs user an even greater advantage against disarmed foes. Since that day, the style had once again carried on through the times, all the while remaining a brutal and ingenious taijutsu style. Years later, all official decedents of Kouji the blade had been killed in battle, and as such the style became leaderless and available to any who may wish to attempt to master the style. Of course the style one way or another remained on into the years of the actual shinobi wars, and even on into the present. Not the most well known style ever, yet still with enough users to carry on the name, the dance of the eight limbs has become those who still use its’ life.
Style Basis: Taijutsu
Training Methods: The training methods used to support and condition onself when using the Dance of the eight limbs style seem to be all over the spectrum when it comes to taijutsu training. This mainly includes things like basic weight training, massive repetition of basic movements of the style, climbing, taking massively long runs, Sparring or even simply shadow boxing and kicking. These methods are the most basic of methods, and many practitioners of the style choose the more eccentric modes of training. Things like doing pushups on a perilous cliff, running from another user of the style while navigating through the surroundings of a village, and even on to things such as purposefully getting into useless fights. Of course there is no standard when it comes to training, as it is all pretty much up to the person as to what the training will be.
The dance of the eight limbs, to be worked effectively, requires the user of the style to be in immaculate shape and because of that training is very important to the user. During almost all types of training, just as in the Gouken style, weights are strapped to the arms and legs for harder training. This of course results in a more weathered body, yet it also yields results faster when training with the added weights. Training is important to any practitioner of the style, and as such many a training method has been created by the styles’ various users over its lifetime. As a sort of "bonus" training, the user breaks any sort of material they can find as an everyday exercise. This trains the users limbs to essentially become hard as rock, thus making the user a powerful whirlwind of taijutsu force.
A: Strength
B: Speed
C: Stamina
D: Reserves
E: Control
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Dance of the Eight Limbs/Walk of the ancient protectors-
A ritualistic series of movements and attacks used in the style, that are used as a method of training, and even sometimes a pre-fight ritual to strech for said fight. It involves stomping the ground following a knee strike, shadow kicking, and the arms shooting up and down back and forth going through the motions of the style. Beyond this, the user begins to get so enthralled, that they start to execute these techniques over and over again, while even incorporating new strikes into the dance. When in an offical training session, this dance/walk is required before the real training may begin. Somewhere in the first years of the styles birth, this ritualistic dance had come about as a monk who was part of the mercenary band began this as a way to pray and train together. As such, it really does look like it is some sort of dance that is made to appease the gods into letting the user win the battle at hand. Can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a few hours depending on the situation.
The Eight limbs: The very namesake of the style, the eight limbs include: The Elbows, knees, Fists and legs. Damage output is largely based on the simple fact that users can smoothly attacking with all eight of the limbs. Of course at early stages may be awkward, but when the user really begins to learn this, they become a whirlwind of knees, elbows, fists and legs. Boxing-esque punches, powerful knee and elbow strikes, along spinning and roundhouse kicks are the most common attacks used within the eight limbs.
Defense and technique: Simply put, a Happonshi no mai user can't function correctly in a battle if they don't move, dodge, and defend correctly. Of course any style has some facet of these things going for it, Happonshi no mai just does so in an interesting way. The basic stance when fighting in the Happonshi no mai style is quite simple looking to some, yet very effective for what it does. The user keeps both arms raised up to face height, keeping the elbows bent and the forearm and hands poised to guard. The proficient hand remains taunt and ready while the secondary and remains out in front, the fingers and fist always moving. The right leg is set in place, holding the users weight, while the left leg is held out in front of the body, the foot bouncing and poised to strike. The users entire body seems to bounce, meaning they are ready to move at a moments notice, whether it be in to attack, or backwards to avoid oncoming attacks. When moving, the arms move lower and fix themselves in front of the face so that guarding while on the move is more simple. The Happonshi no mai practicioner uses all and any tough areas of the body to guard the more "soft" areas of the body. This includes using the forearms, shins, feet, shoulders, etc. to guard shots aimed for soft areas.
Standing grapples and breaks: Most fighters are introduced into such close quarters, that grabbing and throwing or grabbing and tweaking a limb is much more effective than any normal punch or knees strike may be. This depends on the situation of course, as knee strikes are certainly possible when this close, but grapples can be much more devistating. As such, the user is trained to, once in a grapple, stay standing and knock the enemy down or throw them away. This gives the user an obvious advantage of space to work with for their next attack. Throws that are used to get an out of a users immediate areas are simple and common in the style, as well as grapples in which the user will break or twist the opponents limbs to cause pain.
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Stage 1
Requirements: Strength 5, Speed 3
Bonus: +5 Strength , +3 Speed , +1 Stamina
The Eight Limbs: The first learning stages of a martial arts style never really is very amazing, and the Happonshi no mai is no different. While it may not be amzingly fast or amazingly powerful yet, even the early stages of the Happonshi no Mai are interesting to watch because they are different. Basic boxing punches, swinging kicks, and single shot elbow and knee strikes are all that has truly been taught at this point. A fairly basic, yet good start as the user builds up to the later stages.
Defense and Technique: Again, not so amazing. Simply put, the user is taught specific types of blocks and the basic way to move within the style. Dodging is possible of course, but not stressed as much as normal defense and overall movement. The user learns that it is ok to block with their shins and other "hard" parts of the body, rather than only the forearm like many other styles teach. Ninety percent of Happonshi no Mai users still have a lot to learn when it comes to their stance and how it effects their ability. Most users take in mind what they can remember of the stance, and wing it the other half of the time.
Stand-up Grapples and Breaks: At this point, grapples and breaks are difficult for the user to perform. Why? because they have learned the basics of the style, and have no more room to learn grapples and breaks in their already full heads. What they do know is that bending a limb the opposite way it should be hurts very bad, and that throwing an opponent away gives them time to rethink the attack.
Techniques:
Katto Ashige (Cut kick): The cut kick or cutting kick is one of the simple yet effective kicks that are are used a good portion of the time in the style. It is a 45 degree angled kick that rises directly from the ground, and is made to aim for the side of the opponents leg. It is faster and harder than some of the other basic kicks of the style, and is a very important stepping stone for later stages. It is meant to slow down the opponents movement with that leg by transferring a good amount of pain almost each and every time the leg is struck. Simple, yet effective and fairly unique to Happonshi no mai.
Oshitsukeru (To Push)
Description: A simple technique is every way shape and form, most anyone can use this attack, yet it is quite useful to most Happonshi no Mai users. Simply put, the user cocks back both arms, and shoots them forwards at the opponents body. When they make contact, the user then pushes out their arms even further, successfully sending the opponent the opposite way a few full steps. Used to gain distance enough to prepare a more damaging attack, this is also used when facing several opponents because it can be done in quick succession in muliple directions fairly simply.
Tachikiru (To Block)
Description: Another fairly simple technique in which the user of the Happonshi no Mai blocks an attack with their shin or forearm. What is different is that the user litterally slams their limb into the attackers, causing pain to accompany a simple block. The user themselves dont feel as much pain usually from startimg from stage two and beyond, as their forearms and shins are hardened through training the elbow and knee strikes. At the first stage, the user still feels normal pain because their limbs are not yet hardened past normal.
Special Techniques: None
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Stage 2:
Requirements: 7 Strength, 7 Speed, 6 Reserves
Bonus: +3 speed, +3 strength, +3 stamina
The Eight Limbs: The user is finally beginning to learn when a knee strike is a better attack than a regular swinging kick, depending on the situation of course. The same goes for an elbow strike and a boxing punch for the same reasons. The user is also taught that striking willy nilly is not a great idea, thus they begin to understand that strikes require pinpoint accuracy to have their fully desired effect. This of course leads to more training in where to strike the enemy, not how hard or fast so much. Beyond what has been stated, the user is now more familiar with the basic strikes, and begins to learn new techniques for actually striking out at the opponent. The user is beginning to fall into their own, and are being noticed more in fights beause they have "eight limbs" rather than the normal four. At this point the users arms and legs, as well as their knees and elbows are resillient. As if the user had two more layers of skin than normal some say. this obviously makes the arm slightly more resillient, as more layers of skin could do.
Defense and Technique: Certainly a step up from the previous stage, the user now learns that blocking is important, and that they do not always need to be on the offensive. This opens the user up to more ways to block an attack and even begins to delve into how to dodge attacks as well. Shifting body weight away from where the attack originated gives a better chance to dodge and always moving does the same. As for actual technique, the Happonshi no Mai user is beginning to understand why the arms always stay in front of the face, and why the lead leg is always bouncing. As one would imagine, this means that the user is beginning to look more like the masters of the style, instead of a wobbly mess.
Standing grapples and breaks: The user is now becoming familiarized with grabbing onto the opponent, whether it be by the hair, the arm, or even the waist. Once latched on, the user can either throw the opponent away, or twist the hell out of their arms or legs. Now that the user knows the basic strikes, they have a bit more room to learn grapples and breaks. While the grapples may look goofy, they are certainly a welcome addition to the style. Actual breaking of bones is not possible yet, but the user now knows how to dislocated a shoulder, or at least attempt to. Throws are simple. Lean with the opponent, push, then lean away letting them continue that way while you stay put.
Regular Techniques:
Hikidasu (To pull out): For lack of a better term, this is the attack that teaches the practicioner how to pull the opponents shoulder of of its socket. Or rather, to attmept to pull it out of its socket. To do this, the user needs to have good positioning, and they must be able to know where to grab and where to pull. At stage two this only happens if the positioning is right about 45% of the time, while as a stage 5 user will be able to do this almost 85% of the time.
Sutore-Topanchi Rendan (Strait punch combonation): A powerful right handed punch with the dominate hand (right), proceeded by two or three fast jabs witht he left hand. Simple enough to any style, but to Happonshi no mai, this is one of the only non-knee and elbow power strikes. With very little pull back the attack, while damaging can come flying at the opponent from nowhere with enough power to knock them back for sure. The first two or three jabs are normal fast punches, used to get the opponent to focus on the left hand, leaving the right hand free for a power attack.
Nibai Sentou(Double punch): The user leaps into the air, and when they are close enough to the opponent, both arms are short forward side by side striking the opponent in the chest with both fists. Ideally, a running start will increase the damage done and make the attack much more flashy looking. The punches come from a downward angle, and as such, even if the attack is blocked the opponent still has to deal with the full weight of the user falling down on them either way.
Hiza Dangan(Knee Shot):The first and most used knee strike in the Happonshi no Mai, the Hiza Dangan is very versitile. The attack consists of a simple looking rising knee strike aimed for the stomach or in some cases even the chin. Using the left leg, the user pushes upwards with the entire strength of the leg, sending the right upwards at a fast speed. Usually knee strikes are faster and have smaller range than this attack, this attack is an all out power attack. This attack usually knocks the wind out of the opponent if struck in the stomach, and knocks them down to the ground if struck in the chin.
Special techniques: None
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Stage 3:
Requirements: 12 Speed, 9 Strength, 8 Reserves
Bonus: +5 Speed, +3 Stamina, +1 Strength
The Eight Limbs: The user begins meld knee strikes and Kicks together as well as elbow strikes and punches together, meaning that the user does not have to think nearly as much when it comes to using all the limbs now. Still, not masterful in any way yet, though the attacks come more naturally now. Beyond this, the user begins training the speed of their attacks, as such can snap a quick punch or a swining kick fairly quickly now. Power strikes take a backseat as of now in the style. At this point the users arms and legs, as well as their knees and elbows are tough. As tough and hard as leather armor some say.
Defense and Technique: Defense, while important is second to dodging at this stage of learning within the Happonshi no mai. Speed training with ones strikes means speed training with ones actual movement speed and with this new found speed, comes movement training, making dodges more fluid and fast. The technique of the style reamians the same, and learning the template of the style remains the users problem at this point.
Standing grapples and Breaks: Because the user stays at a sort standstill with normal attacks of the style, the user begins to have more time to learn grapples. The students master teaches them almost triple what they learned before when it comes to actual types of grapples. Before the hair was just as good a place to grab as the waist, but now the user learns where exactly to grab the opponent. With this training comes a larger repitoir of throwing attacks and basic standing wrist grabs and arm tweaks. Actually breaking the limb has not been taught in the style yet.
Regular Techniques:
Ugoku(To shift): Simply put, the user uses their speed of movement coupled with their knowlege of distributing weight to dodge an attack. For example: The user will look as though they are comitting to an attack, letting the opponent come to meet or even block the attack. Then, cutting the attack off, the user shifts their weight to one side, and ducks down moving quickly in that direction. As a result, the opponent will see an attack one moment, and be attacked from elsewhere another. This of course makes it hard to block, as following the attack is more difficult now. This is used in a very versitile manner, even allowing the user to do this when being attacked. To Do that, the user simply makes a decision on what the opponent is going to do, and as result, the user will choose a direction, then quickly shift their weight, and quickly move in chosen direction.
Yuuhi Hiza(Flying Jump Knee): One of the more "flashy" looking knee techniques of the style, this involves the user running at the opponent and leaping into the air. As the user leaps, he/she rises the preferred knee up as high as possible. The result is a crushing knee blow to the opponents body. The more running speed the user has the more damaging the attack is of course, though even with two or so quick steps forward the user is able to preform this technique. Opponents with strength lower than the users, are knocked back substantially.
Mayakashi(Fake): The user fakes one attack, and attacks with another. Simple as that. What is interesting about this technique is that the user knows exactly what they have in mind, and because of that the fake attacks are so real its ridiculous. If the fake is a strait punch, the user literally stops inches before contact, sending the real strike the spit second after the fake is stopped, as such this is confusing as hell in the opponents eyes. The improved control over previous stages of the style allow for this to happen.
Uketomeru(To Catch): When a attack is headed in the direction of the user, the user takes a quick step to either side, and catches the attacking limb in their arms. This allows the user to preform any sort of standing grapple or a throw to be executed. This is a great technique to start off with if the foe is foolish enough to simply attack all out with a single punch or kick in the start of battle. This is also the beginning to a quick finish in most battles, as a debilitating throw or break can occur at the very start of the battle.
Special Techniques: None
"Eight limbs, eight weapons, eight different ways to destroy my enemies, what more is even needed?"-Kouji the Blade, founder of Happonshi no Mai
That simple quote embodies the Happonshi no mai. The eight limbs are as follows: Two feet, two hands, two elbows and two knees. They are known as an extension of the body in the style, and in later stages of the style are all able to be used flawlessly enough to impress even the greatest taijutsu master. The Happonshi no mai is a fairly obscure taijutsu style when it comes to common knowledge among shinobi. Villages like leaf are known for the infamous Iron fist taijutsu, while mist has their various infamous sword styles, Happonshi no mai is different. It is a village-less style, the bastard son of styles found in the real world, Muay Thai and any sort of basic karate. As such the style houses some very interesting attacks and has a sort of "mysterious" feel to it. Powerful knee and elbow strikes make up the "power" facet of the style while quick round house kicks and boxing oriented punches claim the faster more "speed" oriented side of the taijutsu.
The Happonshi no mai user is taught to be well versed in breaking limbs without thinking once they are in any sort of grapple. As such, they are taught how to throw opponents away as well. All these things give the practitioner of the style a nice choice in how to begin a battle, but of course like any other style a sort of "template" is required. Usually in the Happonshi no mai, most practitioners are decent in more than one style, thus these various little influences from outside styles effect how the user may fight. Of course this really only comes into play when compared to other nin who only know what is "officially" part of the Happonshi no mai. As such, the majority of the Happonshi no mai users are very interesting to watch when in a fight, as they are able to pull out quite a few moves from nowhere. The Happonshi no mai can make for some very brutal battles as well as some drawn out graceful battles that are pleasant to look at, not like the brutal arm breaks and knee shots. The style was created for inducing pain and quick finishes due to this pain, but over the years parts of the style has branched out and as such, the style is not much more of a brutal style. By all means it is brutal enough, just not as much as it was said to be in past wars and battles.
Style History: The dance of the eight limbs was said to be originally used as a deterrent to sword wielding soldiers of years long since passed. According to the legend of the dance of the eight limbs, A small band of mercenaries who once roamed the land signing contracts with any warlord who desired their services had originated the style. Why? Because of the bands extensive exposure to war and the brutal battles that came with it had given them a sort of insight when it came to effective methods of battle. The body can kill just as easily as the weapons that they had wielded. That meant that if leaving weapons behind, they were never at a real disadvantage in battle, while their enemies would be without their swords. Simply because they didn’t have the right hand to hand training with no weapons. As such, the band actually studied what they had seen in battle, and as a result realized that weapons were great, but ones own body worked just as well.
Tossing away their weapons in battle meant that they would have to use their bare hands, which in turn meant that once the enemy was weaponless, they were then at a disadvantage. They style itself had from that point on remained a hand to hand style that was useful in mid-weapon battle, which of course sounds asinine. Of course it took the band of mercinaries years to totally understand what they wanted to do with this method of battle, and after they did, all that was left was mastery of the style. From that day forwards the style developed through experience of the soldiers who had begun to use it. More time passed, and the name had finally come about, Dance of the eight limbs. Supposed Creator if the style, known only as "Kouji the blade", had developed the extensive use of the elbows and knees in a taijutsu style for the first time, as far as the entire band knew of course. The name refers to the eight main "weapons" used to cause the massive damage possible in the workings of the dance of the eight limbs. Two legs, two knees, two fists, and two elbows is the essence of the name and the style known as the Dance of the eight limbs. The small band of mercenaries finally found a place to call their home, and as such formed their own army and civilization of strictly hand to hand and small blunt weapon soldiers.
Blunt weapons such as Tonfa, or other arm covering weapons because they act as a great buffer of taking damage so the users arms and hands are safer than if they were totally bare. Years passed by as the Creator, Kouji had been killed in battle and another face had popped up as the "forefather of the dance of the eight limbs". As history has spoken, many fell and many more arose to the leadership of this hand to hand battle style versus the weapon wielding style of their enemies. The style became mainstream, yet never truly mastered outside of the band, thus was regulated as much as possible by the true masters. It was not until the 5th official decedent claiming to "own" the style that the style gained an even more brutal way to disarm the opponent; Breaking limbs. This gave the dance of the eight limbs user an even greater advantage against disarmed foes. Since that day, the style had once again carried on through the times, all the while remaining a brutal and ingenious taijutsu style. Years later, all official decedents of Kouji the blade had been killed in battle, and as such the style became leaderless and available to any who may wish to attempt to master the style. Of course the style one way or another remained on into the years of the actual shinobi wars, and even on into the present. Not the most well known style ever, yet still with enough users to carry on the name, the dance of the eight limbs has become those who still use its’ life.
Style Basis: Taijutsu
Training Methods: The training methods used to support and condition onself when using the Dance of the eight limbs style seem to be all over the spectrum when it comes to taijutsu training. This mainly includes things like basic weight training, massive repetition of basic movements of the style, climbing, taking massively long runs, Sparring or even simply shadow boxing and kicking. These methods are the most basic of methods, and many practitioners of the style choose the more eccentric modes of training. Things like doing pushups on a perilous cliff, running from another user of the style while navigating through the surroundings of a village, and even on to things such as purposefully getting into useless fights. Of course there is no standard when it comes to training, as it is all pretty much up to the person as to what the training will be.
The dance of the eight limbs, to be worked effectively, requires the user of the style to be in immaculate shape and because of that training is very important to the user. During almost all types of training, just as in the Gouken style, weights are strapped to the arms and legs for harder training. This of course results in a more weathered body, yet it also yields results faster when training with the added weights. Training is important to any practitioner of the style, and as such many a training method has been created by the styles’ various users over its lifetime. As a sort of "bonus" training, the user breaks any sort of material they can find as an everyday exercise. This trains the users limbs to essentially become hard as rock, thus making the user a powerful whirlwind of taijutsu force.
A: Strength
B: Speed
C: Stamina
D: Reserves
E: Control
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Dance of the Eight Limbs/Walk of the ancient protectors-
A ritualistic series of movements and attacks used in the style, that are used as a method of training, and even sometimes a pre-fight ritual to strech for said fight. It involves stomping the ground following a knee strike, shadow kicking, and the arms shooting up and down back and forth going through the motions of the style. Beyond this, the user begins to get so enthralled, that they start to execute these techniques over and over again, while even incorporating new strikes into the dance. When in an offical training session, this dance/walk is required before the real training may begin. Somewhere in the first years of the styles birth, this ritualistic dance had come about as a monk who was part of the mercenary band began this as a way to pray and train together. As such, it really does look like it is some sort of dance that is made to appease the gods into letting the user win the battle at hand. Can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a few hours depending on the situation.
The Eight limbs: The very namesake of the style, the eight limbs include: The Elbows, knees, Fists and legs. Damage output is largely based on the simple fact that users can smoothly attacking with all eight of the limbs. Of course at early stages may be awkward, but when the user really begins to learn this, they become a whirlwind of knees, elbows, fists and legs. Boxing-esque punches, powerful knee and elbow strikes, along spinning and roundhouse kicks are the most common attacks used within the eight limbs.
Defense and technique: Simply put, a Happonshi no mai user can't function correctly in a battle if they don't move, dodge, and defend correctly. Of course any style has some facet of these things going for it, Happonshi no mai just does so in an interesting way. The basic stance when fighting in the Happonshi no mai style is quite simple looking to some, yet very effective for what it does. The user keeps both arms raised up to face height, keeping the elbows bent and the forearm and hands poised to guard. The proficient hand remains taunt and ready while the secondary and remains out in front, the fingers and fist always moving. The right leg is set in place, holding the users weight, while the left leg is held out in front of the body, the foot bouncing and poised to strike. The users entire body seems to bounce, meaning they are ready to move at a moments notice, whether it be in to attack, or backwards to avoid oncoming attacks. When moving, the arms move lower and fix themselves in front of the face so that guarding while on the move is more simple. The Happonshi no mai practicioner uses all and any tough areas of the body to guard the more "soft" areas of the body. This includes using the forearms, shins, feet, shoulders, etc. to guard shots aimed for soft areas.
Standing grapples and breaks: Most fighters are introduced into such close quarters, that grabbing and throwing or grabbing and tweaking a limb is much more effective than any normal punch or knees strike may be. This depends on the situation of course, as knee strikes are certainly possible when this close, but grapples can be much more devistating. As such, the user is trained to, once in a grapple, stay standing and knock the enemy down or throw them away. This gives the user an obvious advantage of space to work with for their next attack. Throws that are used to get an out of a users immediate areas are simple and common in the style, as well as grapples in which the user will break or twist the opponents limbs to cause pain.
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Stage 1
Requirements: Strength 5, Speed 3
Bonus: +5 Strength , +3 Speed , +1 Stamina
The Eight Limbs: The first learning stages of a martial arts style never really is very amazing, and the Happonshi no mai is no different. While it may not be amzingly fast or amazingly powerful yet, even the early stages of the Happonshi no Mai are interesting to watch because they are different. Basic boxing punches, swinging kicks, and single shot elbow and knee strikes are all that has truly been taught at this point. A fairly basic, yet good start as the user builds up to the later stages.
Defense and Technique: Again, not so amazing. Simply put, the user is taught specific types of blocks and the basic way to move within the style. Dodging is possible of course, but not stressed as much as normal defense and overall movement. The user learns that it is ok to block with their shins and other "hard" parts of the body, rather than only the forearm like many other styles teach. Ninety percent of Happonshi no Mai users still have a lot to learn when it comes to their stance and how it effects their ability. Most users take in mind what they can remember of the stance, and wing it the other half of the time.
Stand-up Grapples and Breaks: At this point, grapples and breaks are difficult for the user to perform. Why? because they have learned the basics of the style, and have no more room to learn grapples and breaks in their already full heads. What they do know is that bending a limb the opposite way it should be hurts very bad, and that throwing an opponent away gives them time to rethink the attack.
Techniques:
Katto Ashige (Cut kick): The cut kick or cutting kick is one of the simple yet effective kicks that are are used a good portion of the time in the style. It is a 45 degree angled kick that rises directly from the ground, and is made to aim for the side of the opponents leg. It is faster and harder than some of the other basic kicks of the style, and is a very important stepping stone for later stages. It is meant to slow down the opponents movement with that leg by transferring a good amount of pain almost each and every time the leg is struck. Simple, yet effective and fairly unique to Happonshi no mai.
Oshitsukeru (To Push)
Description: A simple technique is every way shape and form, most anyone can use this attack, yet it is quite useful to most Happonshi no Mai users. Simply put, the user cocks back both arms, and shoots them forwards at the opponents body. When they make contact, the user then pushes out their arms even further, successfully sending the opponent the opposite way a few full steps. Used to gain distance enough to prepare a more damaging attack, this is also used when facing several opponents because it can be done in quick succession in muliple directions fairly simply.
Tachikiru (To Block)
Description: Another fairly simple technique in which the user of the Happonshi no Mai blocks an attack with their shin or forearm. What is different is that the user litterally slams their limb into the attackers, causing pain to accompany a simple block. The user themselves dont feel as much pain usually from startimg from stage two and beyond, as their forearms and shins are hardened through training the elbow and knee strikes. At the first stage, the user still feels normal pain because their limbs are not yet hardened past normal.
Special Techniques: None
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Stage 2:
Requirements: 7 Strength, 7 Speed, 6 Reserves
Bonus: +3 speed, +3 strength, +3 stamina
The Eight Limbs: The user is finally beginning to learn when a knee strike is a better attack than a regular swinging kick, depending on the situation of course. The same goes for an elbow strike and a boxing punch for the same reasons. The user is also taught that striking willy nilly is not a great idea, thus they begin to understand that strikes require pinpoint accuracy to have their fully desired effect. This of course leads to more training in where to strike the enemy, not how hard or fast so much. Beyond what has been stated, the user is now more familiar with the basic strikes, and begins to learn new techniques for actually striking out at the opponent. The user is beginning to fall into their own, and are being noticed more in fights beause they have "eight limbs" rather than the normal four. At this point the users arms and legs, as well as their knees and elbows are resillient. As if the user had two more layers of skin than normal some say. this obviously makes the arm slightly more resillient, as more layers of skin could do.
Defense and Technique: Certainly a step up from the previous stage, the user now learns that blocking is important, and that they do not always need to be on the offensive. This opens the user up to more ways to block an attack and even begins to delve into how to dodge attacks as well. Shifting body weight away from where the attack originated gives a better chance to dodge and always moving does the same. As for actual technique, the Happonshi no Mai user is beginning to understand why the arms always stay in front of the face, and why the lead leg is always bouncing. As one would imagine, this means that the user is beginning to look more like the masters of the style, instead of a wobbly mess.
Standing grapples and breaks: The user is now becoming familiarized with grabbing onto the opponent, whether it be by the hair, the arm, or even the waist. Once latched on, the user can either throw the opponent away, or twist the hell out of their arms or legs. Now that the user knows the basic strikes, they have a bit more room to learn grapples and breaks. While the grapples may look goofy, they are certainly a welcome addition to the style. Actual breaking of bones is not possible yet, but the user now knows how to dislocated a shoulder, or at least attempt to. Throws are simple. Lean with the opponent, push, then lean away letting them continue that way while you stay put.
Regular Techniques:
Hikidasu (To pull out): For lack of a better term, this is the attack that teaches the practicioner how to pull the opponents shoulder of of its socket. Or rather, to attmept to pull it out of its socket. To do this, the user needs to have good positioning, and they must be able to know where to grab and where to pull. At stage two this only happens if the positioning is right about 45% of the time, while as a stage 5 user will be able to do this almost 85% of the time.
Sutore-Topanchi Rendan (Strait punch combonation): A powerful right handed punch with the dominate hand (right), proceeded by two or three fast jabs witht he left hand. Simple enough to any style, but to Happonshi no mai, this is one of the only non-knee and elbow power strikes. With very little pull back the attack, while damaging can come flying at the opponent from nowhere with enough power to knock them back for sure. The first two or three jabs are normal fast punches, used to get the opponent to focus on the left hand, leaving the right hand free for a power attack.
Nibai Sentou(Double punch): The user leaps into the air, and when they are close enough to the opponent, both arms are short forward side by side striking the opponent in the chest with both fists. Ideally, a running start will increase the damage done and make the attack much more flashy looking. The punches come from a downward angle, and as such, even if the attack is blocked the opponent still has to deal with the full weight of the user falling down on them either way.
Hiza Dangan(Knee Shot):The first and most used knee strike in the Happonshi no Mai, the Hiza Dangan is very versitile. The attack consists of a simple looking rising knee strike aimed for the stomach or in some cases even the chin. Using the left leg, the user pushes upwards with the entire strength of the leg, sending the right upwards at a fast speed. Usually knee strikes are faster and have smaller range than this attack, this attack is an all out power attack. This attack usually knocks the wind out of the opponent if struck in the stomach, and knocks them down to the ground if struck in the chin.
Special techniques: None
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Stage 3:
Requirements: 12 Speed, 9 Strength, 8 Reserves
Bonus: +5 Speed, +3 Stamina, +1 Strength
The Eight Limbs: The user begins meld knee strikes and Kicks together as well as elbow strikes and punches together, meaning that the user does not have to think nearly as much when it comes to using all the limbs now. Still, not masterful in any way yet, though the attacks come more naturally now. Beyond this, the user begins training the speed of their attacks, as such can snap a quick punch or a swining kick fairly quickly now. Power strikes take a backseat as of now in the style. At this point the users arms and legs, as well as their knees and elbows are tough. As tough and hard as leather armor some say.
Defense and Technique: Defense, while important is second to dodging at this stage of learning within the Happonshi no mai. Speed training with ones strikes means speed training with ones actual movement speed and with this new found speed, comes movement training, making dodges more fluid and fast. The technique of the style reamians the same, and learning the template of the style remains the users problem at this point.
Standing grapples and Breaks: Because the user stays at a sort standstill with normal attacks of the style, the user begins to have more time to learn grapples. The students master teaches them almost triple what they learned before when it comes to actual types of grapples. Before the hair was just as good a place to grab as the waist, but now the user learns where exactly to grab the opponent. With this training comes a larger repitoir of throwing attacks and basic standing wrist grabs and arm tweaks. Actually breaking the limb has not been taught in the style yet.
Regular Techniques:
Ugoku(To shift): Simply put, the user uses their speed of movement coupled with their knowlege of distributing weight to dodge an attack. For example: The user will look as though they are comitting to an attack, letting the opponent come to meet or even block the attack. Then, cutting the attack off, the user shifts their weight to one side, and ducks down moving quickly in that direction. As a result, the opponent will see an attack one moment, and be attacked from elsewhere another. This of course makes it hard to block, as following the attack is more difficult now. This is used in a very versitile manner, even allowing the user to do this when being attacked. To Do that, the user simply makes a decision on what the opponent is going to do, and as result, the user will choose a direction, then quickly shift their weight, and quickly move in chosen direction.
Yuuhi Hiza(Flying Jump Knee): One of the more "flashy" looking knee techniques of the style, this involves the user running at the opponent and leaping into the air. As the user leaps, he/she rises the preferred knee up as high as possible. The result is a crushing knee blow to the opponents body. The more running speed the user has the more damaging the attack is of course, though even with two or so quick steps forward the user is able to preform this technique. Opponents with strength lower than the users, are knocked back substantially.
Mayakashi(Fake): The user fakes one attack, and attacks with another. Simple as that. What is interesting about this technique is that the user knows exactly what they have in mind, and because of that the fake attacks are so real its ridiculous. If the fake is a strait punch, the user literally stops inches before contact, sending the real strike the spit second after the fake is stopped, as such this is confusing as hell in the opponents eyes. The improved control over previous stages of the style allow for this to happen.
Uketomeru(To Catch): When a attack is headed in the direction of the user, the user takes a quick step to either side, and catches the attacking limb in their arms. This allows the user to preform any sort of standing grapple or a throw to be executed. This is a great technique to start off with if the foe is foolish enough to simply attack all out with a single punch or kick in the start of battle. This is also the beginning to a quick finish in most battles, as a debilitating throw or break can occur at the very start of the battle.
Special Techniques: None