Post by songstress on Nov 10, 2006 13:49:39 GMT -5
Ekitai-Kenfu is known to be one of the oldest traditional, internal taijutsu styles of the Renchishin Family (Internal as in it was created within the Family itself). Ekitai, refers to the word “Fluid”, that is commonly used to describe the movement of water. Water, has no shape nor form, the only way water can maintain such a thing, is if it were to be put into a container. Basically, water takes its shape because of its surroundings. And like water, the user must be able to act during any situation that they are put in. Ken, refers to the word “Fist”, indicating a method of unarmed combat. Fu, simply refers to the word “Style”, notifying that this is a form for combat. The name (Ekitai-Kenfu) illustrates the strong emphasis placed on the motion of the body (Moving like water or) being subordinate to conscious control. So, the form the body takes is an external expression of the internal state of mind. This is the premises behind the Ekitai-Kenfu as a method of combat.
This style was originally known as Herutsu Nentou Roku Kyohaku Ken (Heart [and] Mind Six Star Fist). The Six stars refer to the Three Internal Harmonies. The heart or desire harmonizes with the intent; the intent harmonizes with chakra (or vital energy); Chakra harmonizes with the physical strength. The Three External Harmonies, the shoulders coordinates with the hips; the elbows coordinate with the knees; the hands coordinate with the feet. The user’s internal process coordinates with the external movement, unifying the person as a whole.
History has it, that Renchishin Ratsuichi, of Sand Village, was the first to teach what would seem to be the hard concept of the style. This Renchishin was active during most of the battles fought with Sand Village, and was a master of a spear fighting style. (He had the reputation of possessing “divine” skill with his spear. The style he used is now-a-days called “Ekitai-Kenfu Buki Kakkou: Imon no Arekuruu Kaze kyou Mizu” [Fluid-Fist Style Weapon Form: Tale of the Raving Wind and Water]). After what was a long period of peace for the Sand, Ratsuichi is quoted for saying:
"I have protected myself in violent times with my spear. Now that we are in a time of peace and our weapons have all been destroyed, if I am unarmed and meet the unexpected. . .how shall I defend myself?”
In answer to his own question, Ratsuichi took the concept of the Herutsu Nentou Roku Kyohaku Ken, Imon no Arekuruu Kaze kyou Mizu, and began to work on creating an unarmed style. The reason that he used his spear style to come up with an unarmed combat form, was because some of the movements used with the spear, could easily be converted from weapon, to hand-to-hand. Also, he wished for the style he was conjuring, to have a weapon form to it, so that the future users wouldn’t be confined to just using their hands if not wished. With years of extensive experimenting and training of oneself, Ratsuichi is known to be the Renchishin whom created the Ekitai-Kenfu.
Description
-Basic Outlining-
A style that was created by the famous spear wielder Renchishin Ratsuichi, it consists of using a fluid type motion to connect each attack dealt into a combo or to throw their opponent off balance when they come in contact. (As in, opponent punches at user; user uses the opponent's strength against them.)
To get technical, when using this form of fighting, you can easily get the person off balance in the blink of an eye. For when using this style, the user concentrates on having a small compact wave of pressure in front of their palm/hand/leg/etc. When their opponent attacks them and they use their palm to redirect the attack, that compact wave of pressure is sent throughout their opponent’s body, going directly toward their head.
This wave of pressure viciously shakes the cochlea, the circular canals and vestibule located within the ear. Once this is messed with, the opponent ultimately loses their balance, giving the user the chance to flip/throw/attack the opponent.
-Movement Outline-
The direction of movement in the Ekitai-Kenfu is predominately linear. The users walk through the forms coordinating the motions of their entire bodies into one focused area. The hands, feet and torso all arrive together and the nose, lead hand and lead foot aligned along the same vertical axis. The arms are held in front of the body, and the user lines up his/her centerline with the opponent’s centerline. A familiar saying of the Ekitai-Kenfu is that “The hands do not leave the (area of) the heart and the elbows do not leave the ribs.”
Unlike most open palmed styles, kicks are used as frequently as punches in this fighting form. Great emphasis is ‘placed upon the ability to generate power with the whole body and focus it into one pulse which is released in a sudden burst’.
It is also characterized by powerful swinging movements and the ability to strike effectively with every part of the body. Walking forward while coordinating the movements of the arms generating the power of the body. There is also the importance of conditioning the body to receive strikes, or even to receive the strike, coordinate the force of the strike and send it back at the opponent. This system is very powerful and aggressive in nature, and the movements are at times simple and straightforward.
-Technique Outline-
The techniques that follow the Ekitai-Kenfu are characteristically aggressive in nature. The fighters of this style prefer to move into the opponent with a decisive strike at the earliest opportunity. The style prizes both the motion of the body and the concept of simultaneous attacks and defense. Like the concept of the style implies, the form or shape of the movements is only a physical expression of one’s internal state (intent). A fundamental principle underlying the Ekitai-Kenfu is that the mind controls and leads the movements of the body.
-Training Outline (Methods of Training)-
Training of the Ekitai-Kenfu fighter includes basic movements designed to condition and develop the striking ability of the Seven Stars (The head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and feet). From there, the student will progress to learning basic forms. The basic form practice consists of repeating single movements while walking forward in various straight-line patterns. Later, the single movements are combined into linked forms. The techniques are relatively simple and straight-forward, relying on the ability to generate force with almost any part of the body.
Another method of training that goes with this style, would be stance keeping, the holding of static postures for prolonged periods of time. It is from this posture that all of the subsequent movements in the style are created, and what most teachers place great importance upon when training.
-Other Information-
The Ekitai-Kenfu is closely related to the practices used by the Hyuuga when performing their Jyuuken (Gentle Fist). The Hyuuga being used as an example because their style of fighting is also a style which uses an open palm. This style emphasizes large and extended postures, strict and precise movements and powerful palm and fist strikes. The forms of the Ekitai-Kenfu are also similar to those of the Jyuuken, but the movements are smaller, with the arms held closer to the body.
The footwork is light and agile, and the style stresses a relatively “softer” approach to applying technique. A greater importance is placed upon evasiveness than in other styles, and techniques are to be applied without clashing with the opponent’s force.
-Ekitai-Kenfu-
It is the oldest of the ‘internal’ taijutsu arts of the Renchishin, and the only internal art proven effective on the battlefield. Based on the movements of the spear, the strategies and techniques are designed to subdue an opponent in the shortest possible amount of time (as prolonged exchanges were not conducive to survival in mass battle situations).
The basic fighting strategy of the Ekitai-Kenfu dictates an aggressive “take no prisoners” attitude, with the goal to incapacitating an opponent as quickly as possible. There are no flashy or overly complicated techniques; the art is a study in practical efficiency. The fact that Ekitai-Kenfu fighters have been among the small percentage of the most elite Renchishins for the pass hundreds of years in Sand Village lends credibility to the art’s efficacy in training, strategy and application.
-Usage of Pressure-
Since the principles of this Art were gleamed from battlefield experience, and because the Art was designed to be applied against a potentially armed and armored opponent, it favored direct, incapacitating techniques which would quickly end the encounter. Striking precise vital points (often protected by armor), complicated leverage techniques, prolonged grappling encounters and the use of force against force were all impractical under the above mentioned battlefield conditions. Continuous, vicious attacks with shocking strikes and quick debilitating takedowns were the techniques of choice.
Ratsuichi wished to figure away to form a ‘shocking’ strike that would both damage and disorient the opponent no matter where the user connected. These blows he wished to create, wouldn’t be aimed at any specific ‘vital points,’ but rather through the enemy’s center of mass; this would insure maximum shock and transfer of energy into the opponent. With this in mind, Ratsuichi found a method of doing this, and that method was the “Usage of Pressure”. (He would first try and mimic the ways of the Hyuuga, attempting to use his own chakra to strike his opponent internal. But after seeing that his body wasn’t “built” to do such a thing, he gave up on that idea.)
The concept of using “Pressure” instead of “Chakra” came to him only after failing in using “Chakra” itself. Although he knew he wasn’t a Hyuuga, the usage of chakra was still up in the air to be used. But to use pressure, was something that interested him, since he has never seen it be done. The Ekitai-Kenfu already spoke much of the importance of the ability to generate power with the whole body and focus it into one pulse which is released in a sudden burst. There had to be more added to this concept, adding more to the effect of the ‘shocking’ strike that he wished to achieve.
It is easy for a normal Ekitai-Kenfu fighter to generate such energy and send a devastating blow to their opponent. But to add the usage of pressure to that one strike could be a deadly thing. For you see, the pressure could be commonly used to either come before the striking of the palm, right with the striking of the palm, or right after the palm has done its strike. Somewhat of a double hit-concept.
This type of pressure control soon branched out to Ratsuichi easily being able to disorientate a person just with the touch of his hand. For he concentrated in having a compact wave of pressure (Generally circling around the user’s hands) that constantly circled around his body as if it were an aura of some sort. The way that this is achieved, was by Ratsuichi having a constant flow of chakra right below his skin. This chakra served as a "buffer", creating an off-set of both chakra and air. With this, a light swirl of chakra goes around the body, swirling up air and compressing it simultaneously. So, when the user moves they pull pressure from the body.
Note: Renchishin Ratsuichi often refers to this as Kikou (A method of controlling internal energy When using the term “internal energy”, one thinks of chakra.) Basically, this allowed his output of chakra to become more precise. [Example; the user being able to exert chakra from out of their nose, right cheek, etc.])
This helped out greatly, for when he touched his opponent, he was able to control that compacted pressure wave and transfer it right into his opponent. Unlike the Hyuuga that were able to use their chakra to damage the opponent internally, the Renchishin direct a wave of pressure into their opponents head unknowingly, and use that pressure to violently shake the balancing system within their ears.
When doing so, the opponent ultimately becomes unbalanced, giving the Ekitai-Kenfu fighter a chance to attack their opponent while they are venerable. Also, with more work in experimenting with pressure, Raitsuichi found another method of using the pressure he manipulates. With the addition of being able to disorientate an opponent, an Ekitai-Kenfu fighter is also able to use the force of pressure to blow things back/away.
(Basically, using chakra to manipulate pressure waves, and bend it to the user’s will. [This includes using pressure to harm a person])
-Strategies-
If an opponent closes the distance with a committed attack (A punch, kick, push, tackle, sword thrust, etc.), the basic aggressive nature of the Ekitai-Kenfu’s strategy prefers a simultaneous defense and counterattack. Ideally, at the point of time the opponent expects to connect with his own attack, he finds his attack neutralized and in the same instant feels the pain of the counterattack. Once the opponent is stunned, the Ekitai Fighter follows up relentlessly until the opponent is defeated.
In a “hand-to-hand” fight, the fighter prefers to attack first, thereby drawing the opponent into reacting. Using the opponent’s reaction to his own advantage, the Ekitai Fighter continues pressing the attack, never allowing the opponent time to regroup.
In a standing grappling situation, the fighter seeks to avoid clinching and wrestling for an advantageous position; holds are preempted or broken by ‘shocking’ (The disorientating of pressure method) the opponent from close range with one of the ‘Seven Stars’ (Head, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, and foot) thus giving the Ekitai Fighter the advantage and opportunity to follow up, and, as usual, he continues to press the attack.
The overall flow of the typical Ekitai-Kenfu technique generally follows the pattern of first making a physical connection with the opponent, then immediately setting up a shocking strike and ending the fight with finishing strikes or a fast and hard takedown.
-Conclusion-
The aggressive nature of the Ekitai-Kenfu can be summed up in these words:
Fierce
Sudden
Wicked
Quick
Violent
First and Sharp
The study of its strategies and techniques provides a fascinating view of the mindset of the warriors of old. To this present day, some of the warriors other than the Renchishin (Of which now are known to be the most useless Ninja Family in Sand Village), are known to still keep the old teaching and training methods alive.
Style Type:
Ninjutsu
Other Information
The Ekitai-Kenfu is divided up into four primary aspects:
Hands
The hands are seen as the most dangerous part of an Ekitai-fighter, and it is for that reason that this is divided into three different pieces:
Fingers (Includes Knuckles)
The first division of the hand is the fingers, which includes the knuckles. This part of the hand illustrates the external, or ‘hard’, aspect of the style which allows the user to use their brute strength against their opponent.
Palms (Includes Back of Hand)
The second division of the hand is the palm, which includes the back of the hand. This part of the hand illustrates the internal, or ‘soft’, aspect of the style. These are strikes used the most within the Ekitai-Kenfu, often used as both offensive and defensive, where the user redirects incoming strikes.
Wrist
The third and final division of the hand is the wrist. These are seen as the secondary foundation of the hand, giving the user the ability to use their wrists when striking. The use of attacking a foe with the wrist comes as a secondary function, often used to chain in attacks.
Legs
Like the finger division of the hand, the legs of an Ekitai-fighter exemplifies the external form of the style. These kicks normally illustrate direct explosive attacks, coupled with high-kicking aerial maneuvers, where the speed with the legs aren’t as important as they are within other taijutsu, but usage of nimble kicks are.
Body
The body aspect of this style actually pertains to how effective a user is at using their body to move in the way of the Ekitai-Kenfu. Gathering energy with their movements, combined with the natural fluidity of the style. Also, flexibility is looked at, as well as the muscular tone of the body.
Pressure Control
The controlling of pressure, one of the main aspects that makes the Ekitai-Kenfu a renowned and deadly taijutsu. This part of the style is commonly used to catch an opponent off guard, disorientating them quickly or acting as a secondary-strike of the user’s physical attacks. There are many aspects the shroud the Pressure System of the Ekitai-Kenfu, which in turn makes it a difficult style to learn.
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Stage I:
Stat Requirements: Speed 4, Strength 4
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +4
Hands -
The starting out hand form of the Ekitai-Kenfu is very basic, this part of the user’s body probably being soft (compared to the other fighters of this style that are at a higher level). The focus of this stage isn’t the power or strength of each strike, rather the accuracy and precision of them. Here, there is an emphasis on insight; teaching the user how to block or parry an attack, and to quickly come in for a counter. And when striking with either the palm, finger, or wrist, the user’s attack lands exactly where they intended it to. These are the fundamental basis of the first stage, the first few stepping stones to the higher stages, where knowledge and practice are taught over anything else, preparing the user for the future aspects of the style.
Legs -
The kicks of this style are also as basic as the punches, but can be executed faster than that of a hand strike. When striking with the legs the user may become off-balance, seeing how they are not accustomed to lifting their legs from the ground to strike. So, this stage of the Ektiai-Kenfu focuses on the same basic subjects of the hands; the lifting of the leg to execute accurate and precise kicks, coupled with balancing so that user is able to carry out such strikes with the legs.
Body -
Like both the Hand and Leg aspects, the Body starts off at the bottom, the basics. Here, the user’s speed is not really important, since this stage focuses on the basic movement of the style. It is said that when the right movements are achieved, the user will be moving so fluidly that the eyes won’t be able to pick up their movement. So, this is what the user is working on; the movement of the body. They learn to generate energy from the whole body, starting from the feet (while walking), transferring that energy to the knees, that transfer to the hips, then goes to the shoulders.
The shoulders transfer that same energy from the legs into the elbow, and the elbow finally transfer it to the hands. That striking hand (combined with its own natural force), lets the energy gathered from the legs explode outward while attacking, creating excess force. Those are the simple steps the user is learning, but is separated by the upper and lower body:
Upper Body Strikes:
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand.
Lower Body Strikes:
Hips, knee, ankle, foot.
Pressure Control -
At this stage, the user has limits to what they are capable of doing when it comes to manipulating the pressure around them, since they are just learning how to do such a thing. The only possible aspect of the style that they are able to grasp, is to enforce both their ‘hands’ and ‘legs’ with pressure. This pressure forms a primary layer over the hand or leg which, at this stage, help the user become more familiar with manipulating pressure. While striking though, there is a significant difference between them and those of over styles, for these strikes are capable of pushing an opponent back, the distance being an inch at best.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]
Special Techniques
All Three Techniques Sacrificed
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Stage II:
Stat Requirements: Speed 7, Strength 7, Control 6
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +2
Accumulated Bonus Points: Speed +10, Strength + 6
Hands-
At this stage, the knuckles of the user have become harder than in the last level, the toughness of the knuckles highly noticeable. The user can now focus more strength into their arms while striking, giving them more of an edge when attacking. These strikes, wether coming from the knuckles, palm, or wrist, leave bruises that cause a stringing sensation to occur upon the opponent. This part of the Ekitai-Kenfu comes naturally to the practitioner, since they balance out the ‘hard’ aspects of the style, with the ‘soft’ teachings.
The notion upon precise and accurate strikes are still being stressed, still teaching the user how to pin-point opening areas and vigorously training them so they react fast enough to strike. A new emphasis is shown upon the defensive half of the hand method, where the user is taught to guide their opponent’s physical attack away from them, hopefully creating an opening for an attack.
Legs -
Becoming familiarized with the shifting of weight and movements of their own body, the user is now most likely to turn their body’s weight into a kick. This makes for a more effective strike, and also, the user is capable of keeping their balance while striking in this way. These kicks can still be executed faster than that of a hand strike, and also can be easily chained in while the user is performing a combo (with the hand, or leg).
Body -
In this stage, the user is still somewhat working on the basic concept of the stepping method of the Ekitai-Kenfu. When performing these steps while striking, the energy gathered with them can easily be felt by the opponent, or seen by whatever they hit. Now, coupled with the user still learning the steps, they also strictly work on how “fluid” their movements are. The practitioner of the style is also very nimble and flexible, having the ability to go from one position to the other quickly, and capable of bending back to where their head touches the ground (and bring themselves back up with ease). This helps the user be more effective in evading incoming strikes.
Pressure Control -
Here, the pressure control of the Ekitai-Kenfu truly begins With the ability to collect pressure with both the upper and lower body, the user finally learns how to use it to help them while striking. When attacking, the user gathers currents of pressure, or, wind, which swirls around the user’s physical attack, acting as if it were a secondary strike. This ‘secondary attack’ holds the same strength properties as the user, but also, can actually ‘push’ their opponent away (like the first stage). At this stage, the distance is held at one clear foot.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]
Special Techniques
Nijitekishou: Kizu (Secondary Palm: Cut)
This technique illustrates the deadliness of the Ekitai-Kenfu of which Ratsuichi worked on. With this technique under the fighter’s belt, they hold the capability to actually ‘sharpen’ the affects of their ‘Secondary Strike’. Being in its beginning stages, the winds gathered by a strike only leave minor cuts on the skin of an opponent.
Two Techniques Sacrificed
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Stage III:
Stat Requirements: Speed 10, Strength 10, Control 8; Water Walking
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +4
Accumulated Bonus Points: Speed +15, Strength +10
Hands -
Here the user is becoming more proficient when it comes to using their hands, they, capable of moving them speedily in most of the directions they want. A drastic improvement. With this comes their heightened ability to intercept incoming attacks, being capable of using their hands to parry and reverse these techniques. The hardness of their knuckles can easily be felt, but nothing more has changed from this stage compared to the last.
Legs -
Once again, in this level, the user’s kicks have not changed much from the previous one. The power of the kicks can still be felt, but the sturdy form of each kick is now being refined. The user is capable of drastically connecting each kick thrown into a line of combos. Finding it easy for themselves to use one leg when performing a combo, if they wished.
Body -
The basic steps of the Ekitai-Kenfu have finally been mastered in this stage, the user easily able to gather energy in any position they are in. The movement of the user also increases the amount of damage that is dealt to an opponent. It’s explained as a whip snapping against an object. While running, the user can be noted to have more of a linear form, attempting to form themselves a bit more “aerodynamically”. The user also is searching for a more “comfortable” position for them to be moving in.
Pressure Control-
The air currents that are collected around an Ekitai-Kenfuist can now be felt by those standing near them. In the past, this is said to show a fighter’s ‘unshakeable presence’ while either standing idle and eating, or, in the mists of battle. The ‘secondary strike’ that is created when an Ekitai-fighter attacks has changed somewhat in this stage. The gathered pressure around each strike now begins to swirl slightly now, giving it the capability of creating a more grievous (or deeper) feel when the opponent is struck. At this stage, the distance that an opponent can be pushed away stands at a sturdy, two feet.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]
This style was originally known as Herutsu Nentou Roku Kyohaku Ken (Heart [and] Mind Six Star Fist). The Six stars refer to the Three Internal Harmonies. The heart or desire harmonizes with the intent; the intent harmonizes with chakra (or vital energy); Chakra harmonizes with the physical strength. The Three External Harmonies, the shoulders coordinates with the hips; the elbows coordinate with the knees; the hands coordinate with the feet. The user’s internal process coordinates with the external movement, unifying the person as a whole.
History has it, that Renchishin Ratsuichi, of Sand Village, was the first to teach what would seem to be the hard concept of the style. This Renchishin was active during most of the battles fought with Sand Village, and was a master of a spear fighting style. (He had the reputation of possessing “divine” skill with his spear. The style he used is now-a-days called “Ekitai-Kenfu Buki Kakkou: Imon no Arekuruu Kaze kyou Mizu” [Fluid-Fist Style Weapon Form: Tale of the Raving Wind and Water]). After what was a long period of peace for the Sand, Ratsuichi is quoted for saying:
"I have protected myself in violent times with my spear. Now that we are in a time of peace and our weapons have all been destroyed, if I am unarmed and meet the unexpected. . .how shall I defend myself?”
In answer to his own question, Ratsuichi took the concept of the Herutsu Nentou Roku Kyohaku Ken, Imon no Arekuruu Kaze kyou Mizu, and began to work on creating an unarmed style. The reason that he used his spear style to come up with an unarmed combat form, was because some of the movements used with the spear, could easily be converted from weapon, to hand-to-hand. Also, he wished for the style he was conjuring, to have a weapon form to it, so that the future users wouldn’t be confined to just using their hands if not wished. With years of extensive experimenting and training of oneself, Ratsuichi is known to be the Renchishin whom created the Ekitai-Kenfu.
Description
-Basic Outlining-
A style that was created by the famous spear wielder Renchishin Ratsuichi, it consists of using a fluid type motion to connect each attack dealt into a combo or to throw their opponent off balance when they come in contact. (As in, opponent punches at user; user uses the opponent's strength against them.)
To get technical, when using this form of fighting, you can easily get the person off balance in the blink of an eye. For when using this style, the user concentrates on having a small compact wave of pressure in front of their palm/hand/leg/etc. When their opponent attacks them and they use their palm to redirect the attack, that compact wave of pressure is sent throughout their opponent’s body, going directly toward their head.
This wave of pressure viciously shakes the cochlea, the circular canals and vestibule located within the ear. Once this is messed with, the opponent ultimately loses their balance, giving the user the chance to flip/throw/attack the opponent.
-Movement Outline-
The direction of movement in the Ekitai-Kenfu is predominately linear. The users walk through the forms coordinating the motions of their entire bodies into one focused area. The hands, feet and torso all arrive together and the nose, lead hand and lead foot aligned along the same vertical axis. The arms are held in front of the body, and the user lines up his/her centerline with the opponent’s centerline. A familiar saying of the Ekitai-Kenfu is that “The hands do not leave the (area of) the heart and the elbows do not leave the ribs.”
Unlike most open palmed styles, kicks are used as frequently as punches in this fighting form. Great emphasis is ‘placed upon the ability to generate power with the whole body and focus it into one pulse which is released in a sudden burst’.
It is also characterized by powerful swinging movements and the ability to strike effectively with every part of the body. Walking forward while coordinating the movements of the arms generating the power of the body. There is also the importance of conditioning the body to receive strikes, or even to receive the strike, coordinate the force of the strike and send it back at the opponent. This system is very powerful and aggressive in nature, and the movements are at times simple and straightforward.
-Technique Outline-
The techniques that follow the Ekitai-Kenfu are characteristically aggressive in nature. The fighters of this style prefer to move into the opponent with a decisive strike at the earliest opportunity. The style prizes both the motion of the body and the concept of simultaneous attacks and defense. Like the concept of the style implies, the form or shape of the movements is only a physical expression of one’s internal state (intent). A fundamental principle underlying the Ekitai-Kenfu is that the mind controls and leads the movements of the body.
-Training Outline (Methods of Training)-
Training of the Ekitai-Kenfu fighter includes basic movements designed to condition and develop the striking ability of the Seven Stars (The head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and feet). From there, the student will progress to learning basic forms. The basic form practice consists of repeating single movements while walking forward in various straight-line patterns. Later, the single movements are combined into linked forms. The techniques are relatively simple and straight-forward, relying on the ability to generate force with almost any part of the body.
Another method of training that goes with this style, would be stance keeping, the holding of static postures for prolonged periods of time. It is from this posture that all of the subsequent movements in the style are created, and what most teachers place great importance upon when training.
-Other Information-
The Ekitai-Kenfu is closely related to the practices used by the Hyuuga when performing their Jyuuken (Gentle Fist). The Hyuuga being used as an example because their style of fighting is also a style which uses an open palm. This style emphasizes large and extended postures, strict and precise movements and powerful palm and fist strikes. The forms of the Ekitai-Kenfu are also similar to those of the Jyuuken, but the movements are smaller, with the arms held closer to the body.
The footwork is light and agile, and the style stresses a relatively “softer” approach to applying technique. A greater importance is placed upon evasiveness than in other styles, and techniques are to be applied without clashing with the opponent’s force.
-Ekitai-Kenfu-
It is the oldest of the ‘internal’ taijutsu arts of the Renchishin, and the only internal art proven effective on the battlefield. Based on the movements of the spear, the strategies and techniques are designed to subdue an opponent in the shortest possible amount of time (as prolonged exchanges were not conducive to survival in mass battle situations).
The basic fighting strategy of the Ekitai-Kenfu dictates an aggressive “take no prisoners” attitude, with the goal to incapacitating an opponent as quickly as possible. There are no flashy or overly complicated techniques; the art is a study in practical efficiency. The fact that Ekitai-Kenfu fighters have been among the small percentage of the most elite Renchishins for the pass hundreds of years in Sand Village lends credibility to the art’s efficacy in training, strategy and application.
-Usage of Pressure-
Since the principles of this Art were gleamed from battlefield experience, and because the Art was designed to be applied against a potentially armed and armored opponent, it favored direct, incapacitating techniques which would quickly end the encounter. Striking precise vital points (often protected by armor), complicated leverage techniques, prolonged grappling encounters and the use of force against force were all impractical under the above mentioned battlefield conditions. Continuous, vicious attacks with shocking strikes and quick debilitating takedowns were the techniques of choice.
Ratsuichi wished to figure away to form a ‘shocking’ strike that would both damage and disorient the opponent no matter where the user connected. These blows he wished to create, wouldn’t be aimed at any specific ‘vital points,’ but rather through the enemy’s center of mass; this would insure maximum shock and transfer of energy into the opponent. With this in mind, Ratsuichi found a method of doing this, and that method was the “Usage of Pressure”. (He would first try and mimic the ways of the Hyuuga, attempting to use his own chakra to strike his opponent internal. But after seeing that his body wasn’t “built” to do such a thing, he gave up on that idea.)
The concept of using “Pressure” instead of “Chakra” came to him only after failing in using “Chakra” itself. Although he knew he wasn’t a Hyuuga, the usage of chakra was still up in the air to be used. But to use pressure, was something that interested him, since he has never seen it be done. The Ekitai-Kenfu already spoke much of the importance of the ability to generate power with the whole body and focus it into one pulse which is released in a sudden burst. There had to be more added to this concept, adding more to the effect of the ‘shocking’ strike that he wished to achieve.
It is easy for a normal Ekitai-Kenfu fighter to generate such energy and send a devastating blow to their opponent. But to add the usage of pressure to that one strike could be a deadly thing. For you see, the pressure could be commonly used to either come before the striking of the palm, right with the striking of the palm, or right after the palm has done its strike. Somewhat of a double hit-concept.
This type of pressure control soon branched out to Ratsuichi easily being able to disorientate a person just with the touch of his hand. For he concentrated in having a compact wave of pressure (Generally circling around the user’s hands) that constantly circled around his body as if it were an aura of some sort. The way that this is achieved, was by Ratsuichi having a constant flow of chakra right below his skin. This chakra served as a "buffer", creating an off-set of both chakra and air. With this, a light swirl of chakra goes around the body, swirling up air and compressing it simultaneously. So, when the user moves they pull pressure from the body.
Note: Renchishin Ratsuichi often refers to this as Kikou (A method of controlling internal energy When using the term “internal energy”, one thinks of chakra.) Basically, this allowed his output of chakra to become more precise. [Example; the user being able to exert chakra from out of their nose, right cheek, etc.])
This helped out greatly, for when he touched his opponent, he was able to control that compacted pressure wave and transfer it right into his opponent. Unlike the Hyuuga that were able to use their chakra to damage the opponent internally, the Renchishin direct a wave of pressure into their opponents head unknowingly, and use that pressure to violently shake the balancing system within their ears.
When doing so, the opponent ultimately becomes unbalanced, giving the Ekitai-Kenfu fighter a chance to attack their opponent while they are venerable. Also, with more work in experimenting with pressure, Raitsuichi found another method of using the pressure he manipulates. With the addition of being able to disorientate an opponent, an Ekitai-Kenfu fighter is also able to use the force of pressure to blow things back/away.
(Basically, using chakra to manipulate pressure waves, and bend it to the user’s will. [This includes using pressure to harm a person])
-Strategies-
If an opponent closes the distance with a committed attack (A punch, kick, push, tackle, sword thrust, etc.), the basic aggressive nature of the Ekitai-Kenfu’s strategy prefers a simultaneous defense and counterattack. Ideally, at the point of time the opponent expects to connect with his own attack, he finds his attack neutralized and in the same instant feels the pain of the counterattack. Once the opponent is stunned, the Ekitai Fighter follows up relentlessly until the opponent is defeated.
In a “hand-to-hand” fight, the fighter prefers to attack first, thereby drawing the opponent into reacting. Using the opponent’s reaction to his own advantage, the Ekitai Fighter continues pressing the attack, never allowing the opponent time to regroup.
In a standing grappling situation, the fighter seeks to avoid clinching and wrestling for an advantageous position; holds are preempted or broken by ‘shocking’ (The disorientating of pressure method) the opponent from close range with one of the ‘Seven Stars’ (Head, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, and foot) thus giving the Ekitai Fighter the advantage and opportunity to follow up, and, as usual, he continues to press the attack.
The overall flow of the typical Ekitai-Kenfu technique generally follows the pattern of first making a physical connection with the opponent, then immediately setting up a shocking strike and ending the fight with finishing strikes or a fast and hard takedown.
-Conclusion-
The aggressive nature of the Ekitai-Kenfu can be summed up in these words:
Fierce
Sudden
Wicked
Quick
Violent
First and Sharp
The study of its strategies and techniques provides a fascinating view of the mindset of the warriors of old. To this present day, some of the warriors other than the Renchishin (Of which now are known to be the most useless Ninja Family in Sand Village), are known to still keep the old teaching and training methods alive.
Style Type:
Ninjutsu
Other Information
The Ekitai-Kenfu is divided up into four primary aspects:
Hands
The hands are seen as the most dangerous part of an Ekitai-fighter, and it is for that reason that this is divided into three different pieces:
Fingers (Includes Knuckles)
The first division of the hand is the fingers, which includes the knuckles. This part of the hand illustrates the external, or ‘hard’, aspect of the style which allows the user to use their brute strength against their opponent.
Palms (Includes Back of Hand)
The second division of the hand is the palm, which includes the back of the hand. This part of the hand illustrates the internal, or ‘soft’, aspect of the style. These are strikes used the most within the Ekitai-Kenfu, often used as both offensive and defensive, where the user redirects incoming strikes.
Wrist
The third and final division of the hand is the wrist. These are seen as the secondary foundation of the hand, giving the user the ability to use their wrists when striking. The use of attacking a foe with the wrist comes as a secondary function, often used to chain in attacks.
Legs
Like the finger division of the hand, the legs of an Ekitai-fighter exemplifies the external form of the style. These kicks normally illustrate direct explosive attacks, coupled with high-kicking aerial maneuvers, where the speed with the legs aren’t as important as they are within other taijutsu, but usage of nimble kicks are.
Body
The body aspect of this style actually pertains to how effective a user is at using their body to move in the way of the Ekitai-Kenfu. Gathering energy with their movements, combined with the natural fluidity of the style. Also, flexibility is looked at, as well as the muscular tone of the body.
Pressure Control
The controlling of pressure, one of the main aspects that makes the Ekitai-Kenfu a renowned and deadly taijutsu. This part of the style is commonly used to catch an opponent off guard, disorientating them quickly or acting as a secondary-strike of the user’s physical attacks. There are many aspects the shroud the Pressure System of the Ekitai-Kenfu, which in turn makes it a difficult style to learn.
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Stage I:
Stat Requirements: Speed 4, Strength 4
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +4
Hands -
The starting out hand form of the Ekitai-Kenfu is very basic, this part of the user’s body probably being soft (compared to the other fighters of this style that are at a higher level). The focus of this stage isn’t the power or strength of each strike, rather the accuracy and precision of them. Here, there is an emphasis on insight; teaching the user how to block or parry an attack, and to quickly come in for a counter. And when striking with either the palm, finger, or wrist, the user’s attack lands exactly where they intended it to. These are the fundamental basis of the first stage, the first few stepping stones to the higher stages, where knowledge and practice are taught over anything else, preparing the user for the future aspects of the style.
Legs -
The kicks of this style are also as basic as the punches, but can be executed faster than that of a hand strike. When striking with the legs the user may become off-balance, seeing how they are not accustomed to lifting their legs from the ground to strike. So, this stage of the Ektiai-Kenfu focuses on the same basic subjects of the hands; the lifting of the leg to execute accurate and precise kicks, coupled with balancing so that user is able to carry out such strikes with the legs.
Body -
Like both the Hand and Leg aspects, the Body starts off at the bottom, the basics. Here, the user’s speed is not really important, since this stage focuses on the basic movement of the style. It is said that when the right movements are achieved, the user will be moving so fluidly that the eyes won’t be able to pick up their movement. So, this is what the user is working on; the movement of the body. They learn to generate energy from the whole body, starting from the feet (while walking), transferring that energy to the knees, that transfer to the hips, then goes to the shoulders.
The shoulders transfer that same energy from the legs into the elbow, and the elbow finally transfer it to the hands. That striking hand (combined with its own natural force), lets the energy gathered from the legs explode outward while attacking, creating excess force. Those are the simple steps the user is learning, but is separated by the upper and lower body:
Upper Body Strikes:
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand.
Lower Body Strikes:
Hips, knee, ankle, foot.
Pressure Control -
At this stage, the user has limits to what they are capable of doing when it comes to manipulating the pressure around them, since they are just learning how to do such a thing. The only possible aspect of the style that they are able to grasp, is to enforce both their ‘hands’ and ‘legs’ with pressure. This pressure forms a primary layer over the hand or leg which, at this stage, help the user become more familiar with manipulating pressure. While striking though, there is a significant difference between them and those of over styles, for these strikes are capable of pushing an opponent back, the distance being an inch at best.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]
Special Techniques
All Three Techniques Sacrificed
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Stage II:
Stat Requirements: Speed 7, Strength 7, Control 6
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +2
Accumulated Bonus Points: Speed +10, Strength + 6
Hands-
At this stage, the knuckles of the user have become harder than in the last level, the toughness of the knuckles highly noticeable. The user can now focus more strength into their arms while striking, giving them more of an edge when attacking. These strikes, wether coming from the knuckles, palm, or wrist, leave bruises that cause a stringing sensation to occur upon the opponent. This part of the Ekitai-Kenfu comes naturally to the practitioner, since they balance out the ‘hard’ aspects of the style, with the ‘soft’ teachings.
The notion upon precise and accurate strikes are still being stressed, still teaching the user how to pin-point opening areas and vigorously training them so they react fast enough to strike. A new emphasis is shown upon the defensive half of the hand method, where the user is taught to guide their opponent’s physical attack away from them, hopefully creating an opening for an attack.
Legs -
Becoming familiarized with the shifting of weight and movements of their own body, the user is now most likely to turn their body’s weight into a kick. This makes for a more effective strike, and also, the user is capable of keeping their balance while striking in this way. These kicks can still be executed faster than that of a hand strike, and also can be easily chained in while the user is performing a combo (with the hand, or leg).
Body -
In this stage, the user is still somewhat working on the basic concept of the stepping method of the Ekitai-Kenfu. When performing these steps while striking, the energy gathered with them can easily be felt by the opponent, or seen by whatever they hit. Now, coupled with the user still learning the steps, they also strictly work on how “fluid” their movements are. The practitioner of the style is also very nimble and flexible, having the ability to go from one position to the other quickly, and capable of bending back to where their head touches the ground (and bring themselves back up with ease). This helps the user be more effective in evading incoming strikes.
Pressure Control -
Here, the pressure control of the Ekitai-Kenfu truly begins With the ability to collect pressure with both the upper and lower body, the user finally learns how to use it to help them while striking. When attacking, the user gathers currents of pressure, or, wind, which swirls around the user’s physical attack, acting as if it were a secondary strike. This ‘secondary attack’ holds the same strength properties as the user, but also, can actually ‘push’ their opponent away (like the first stage). At this stage, the distance is held at one clear foot.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]
Special Techniques
Nijitekishou: Kizu (Secondary Palm: Cut)
This technique illustrates the deadliness of the Ekitai-Kenfu of which Ratsuichi worked on. With this technique under the fighter’s belt, they hold the capability to actually ‘sharpen’ the affects of their ‘Secondary Strike’. Being in its beginning stages, the winds gathered by a strike only leave minor cuts on the skin of an opponent.
Two Techniques Sacrificed
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Stage III:
Stat Requirements: Speed 10, Strength 10, Control 8; Water Walking
Stage Bonus: Speed +5, Strength +4
Accumulated Bonus Points: Speed +15, Strength +10
Hands -
Here the user is becoming more proficient when it comes to using their hands, they, capable of moving them speedily in most of the directions they want. A drastic improvement. With this comes their heightened ability to intercept incoming attacks, being capable of using their hands to parry and reverse these techniques. The hardness of their knuckles can easily be felt, but nothing more has changed from this stage compared to the last.
Legs -
Once again, in this level, the user’s kicks have not changed much from the previous one. The power of the kicks can still be felt, but the sturdy form of each kick is now being refined. The user is capable of drastically connecting each kick thrown into a line of combos. Finding it easy for themselves to use one leg when performing a combo, if they wished.
Body -
The basic steps of the Ekitai-Kenfu have finally been mastered in this stage, the user easily able to gather energy in any position they are in. The movement of the user also increases the amount of damage that is dealt to an opponent. It’s explained as a whip snapping against an object. While running, the user can be noted to have more of a linear form, attempting to form themselves a bit more “aerodynamically”. The user also is searching for a more “comfortable” position for them to be moving in.
Pressure Control-
The air currents that are collected around an Ekitai-Kenfuist can now be felt by those standing near them. In the past, this is said to show a fighter’s ‘unshakeable presence’ while either standing idle and eating, or, in the mists of battle. The ‘secondary strike’ that is created when an Ekitai-fighter attacks has changed somewhat in this stage. The gathered pressure around each strike now begins to swirl slightly now, giving it the capability of creating a more grievous (or deeper) feel when the opponent is struck. At this stage, the distance that an opponent can be pushed away stands at a sturdy, two feet.
Techniques:
[Missing In Action]