Shito-Ryu Karate
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: None.
Skill Cost: 10 Years (5 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style).

Shito-ryu, along with goju-ryu, wado-ryu and shotokan, is one of the four major karate systems of Japan proper (the Japanese islands excluding Okinawa). It was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1899-1952), who, like most of karate's old masters, was descended from Okinawa's so-called warrior (bushi) class or aristocracy. Technically, the karate of most shito-ryu factions looks pretty much the same. Not surprisingly, there are minor differences in the kata between the various groups, mostly due to the proclivities of their founders. Regardless, all shito-ryu looks a lot like shorin-ryu in application. A long, linear style, even its goju-ryu-type kata (those derived from Higaonna) are performed in a lighter, more angular and rangy fashion than they are in schools derived from naha-te alone. Shito-ryu is much like shotokan in that it relies heavily on the reverse punch and front kick. The style also seems to place a strong emphasis on sparring. In so doing, shito-ryu stresses speed, and fighting is generally initiated from a higher, more upright stance than shotokan employs. On the other hand, because the style has so many kata, a great deal of time is spent perfecting any one of its 40 to 60 forms. Shito-ryu has never forsaken its Okinawan roots when it comes to kobujutsu (weapons arts). While Mabuni trained under weapons experts such as Arakaki, many of today's shito-ryu teachers learned most of their kobujutsu from Shinken Taira, the man responsible for popularizing kobujutsu during a time when interest in this peculiarly Okinawan art was at its lowest. It seems that Shito-ryu schools were the most receptive to Taira's art. Both the younger and elder Sakagami, Demura, Hayashi, Kuniba and Kanei Mabuni all trained with Taira at one time or another.

Costume: Karate Gi.
Stance: "Shiko-dachi"(straddle stance) is a stance similar to that the sumo wrestlers assume when they face off with each other before they put their knuckles to the ground. Feet spread approximately two shoulder-widths apart, toes pointed outward at 45�. Weight distributed evenly over both legs. Knees bent deeply and pulled back as far as possible. Torso erect. Lower legs/shins approximately vertical.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +1 to P.S.
Add +1 to P.E.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defensive Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defenses: Breakfall, Disarm.
Hand Attacks: Draw Hand (New!), Backhand, Knife Hand, Palm Strike,.
Basic Foot Attacks: Backward Sweep, Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Trip/Leg Hook.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Death Strike (New!), Hip Throw (New!), Shoulder Throw (New!), Sweeping Throw (New!).
Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata (Pick two): W.P. Bo (Staff), W.P. Nunchaku (Chain), W.P. Sai (Forked), W.P. Tonfa (Blunt).
Modifiers to Attack: Critical Strike, Pull Punch.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Arts Powers: Select a total of TWO (2) Martial Art Powers from among Body Hardening, Special Kata, or Martial Art Techniques. If desired, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Language: Japanese.
Cultural Skills (pick two): Calligraphy, Haiku, Ikebana, Bonsen or Ukio-E.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Bo (Staff), W.P. Nunchaku (Chain), W.P. Sai (Forked), W.P. Tonfa (Blunt).
Philosophical Training: Zen.
If this is your Primary Martial Art Style then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Goju Ryu (3 Years), Kobujutsu (2 Years), Naha Te (6 Years), Shorin Ryu (4 Years), Shotokan (4 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1^st: +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +1 to Strike.
2^nd: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Maintain Balance.
3^rd: +1 to Damage, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Body Hardening, Special Kata, or Martial Art Techniques.
4^th: +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
5^th: +1 Attack per Melee.
6^th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
7^th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Body Hardening, Special Kata, or Martial Art Techniques.
8^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Disarm.
9^th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +2 to Damage.
10^th: +1 to Parry/Dodge.
11^th: +1 Attack per Melee, Death Strike on a Natural 20.
12^th: +1 to Strike.
13^th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Body Hardening, Special Kata, or Martial Art Techniques.
14^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Parry/Dodge.
15^th: +2 to Damage, Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20.
WHY STUDY Shito Ryu?
A decent martial art style with decent weapon skills.