Maniwa Nen Ryu
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No Attribute or Alignment restrictions.
Skill Cost: 15 years (8 years as a Secondary Martial Art Style).

This style was founded in 1368 by Soma Shiro Yoshimoto (who was later known as Nen Ami Jion). In 1494, this art was taken to the village of Maniwa by Higuchi Kaneshige. After this period, the style gradually became associated with the village and was style taught to inhabitants for the village's defense. This school is widely known for its strong swordsmen. The primary sword used by this school is the daito (long sword). This school also teaches Naginatajutsu (naginata techniques), Sojutsu (spear techniques), and Kusarigamajutsu (Kusarigama techniques). Unarmed combat techniques are based off Jujutsu. Yadomejutsu is also taught by this school. Maniwa Nen Ryu focuses on extremely strong kokyu and kiai training. The school is also marked by seemingly clumsy postures and footwork which look awkward to the untrained, but are actually performed by a great deal of subtle technique. Training employs the fukuro shinai, quilted gauntlet, and padded headgear for protection. Techniques of this style work well against both armored and unarmored opponents. Since the death of the previous headmaster, Higuchi Sadahiro, the school has been led by the Maniwa Nen Ryu Hozonkai, under the direction of the Higuchi family. Training for this style can be found in Maniwa Village, Gunma Prefecture Japan.

Costume: Keikogi (quilted, navy-blue jacket) and Hakama.
Stance: Their stances are often extremely low and the front leg is severely bent, while the back leg is straight.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +10 to Chi
Add +2 to P.E.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +4 to Spd.
Add +5 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Breakfall, Combination Parry/Attack, Multiple Dodge.
Hand Attacks: Knife Hand, Palm Strike, Punch.
Basic Foot Attacks: Backward Sweep, Snap Kick, Trip/Leg Hook.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None
Special Attacks: Backward Thrust (New!), Death Strike (New!), Elbow, Hilt Strike (New!), Knee, Shoulder Throw (New!).
Holds/Locks: None
Weapon Kata (Select three): W.P. Daito (Large Sword), W.P. Fukuro Shinai (Blunt), W.P. Kusarigama (Axe & Chain), W.P. Naginata (Polearm), W.P. Yari (Spear).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind, Knockout/Stun, Pull Punch.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receives Yadomejutsu Kata. Select a total of ONE (1) Martial Art Power from among Martial Art Techniques or Special Kata. Except for Yadomejutsu Kata, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Languages: Japanese
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Daito (Large Sword), W.P. Fukuro Shinai (Blunt), W.P. Kusarigama (Axe & Chain), W.P. Naginata (Polearm), W.P. Yari (Spear).
Philosophical Training: Zen Buddhism.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Hakko Denshin Ryu (4 Years), Hontai Yoshin Ryu (5 Years), Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu (3 Years), Kogusoku (3 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike from Behind.
2nd: +2 to Parry, +2 to Maintain Balance.
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee, Gains Kiaijutsu Martial Art Technique.
4th: +2 to Strike.
5th: +1 Attack per Melee, Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20.
6th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Death Strike on a Natural 20.
7th: +1 to Strike, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques or Special Kata.
8th: +1 Attack per Melee, +2 to Maintain Balance.
9th: Add +10 to Chi.
10th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Strike.
11th: +2 to Parry, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques or Special Kata.
12th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +1 to Maintain Balance.
13th: +1 Attack per Melee.
14th: +2 to Dodge, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 19 or 20.
15th: +1 Attack per Melee, Select One (1) Chi Mastery Power
Why Study Maniwa Nen Ryu?
A well rounded style that teaches a variety of techniques.