Tetsu Jumoku Ryu (Iron Tree School)
By Ray Bull <mailto:[email protected]>
Entrance Requirements: a minimum Physical Endurance of 10.
Skill Cost: 9 Years (Primary), 6 Years (Secondary)

This classical martial arts school encompasses several arts within it's teachings. Bojutsu, Tetsubojutsu, Tessenjutsu, and Jujutsu techniques can all be found within this bujutsu (martial art). The name of this school is a reference to two different things. The first and most obvious, is the tetsubo. Looking like a thorn-covered branch from a metallic tree, this weapon and it's techniques are the mainstay of this style. The second reference is to the deep, rooted stances a student of this style will enter when using the techniques this art teaches. Whether it be with the tetsubo, or unarmed, a follower of this school is always solid and unmovable. While not as flashy as some styles of kenjutsu, Tetsu Jumoku Ryu is still impressive in it's effectiveness and for the strength shown by it's students.

The history of this art dates back to the Muromachi Period (1542-1573). Tetsu Jumoku Ryu was created for use on the battlefield. This school was founded by Makino Tadakira, a samurai in Oda Nobunaga's army. Tadakira was a commoner who clawed his way up the social ladder. He did this by being one of the best fighters of his era. As Nobunaga's quest for power went on, Makino's renown grew within the army. Elevated from ashigaru (foot soldier) to samurai, Tadakira began learning new techniques from others he served with. Being of common background, Makino did not have access to swords, So he built a library of techniques around the weapons he did have. The staff is known to commoners the world over. Taught to low-level bushi, the tetsubo and it's wide, powerful, sweeping action was devastating against packed groups of soldiers. Tadakira learned how to use the tessen after his elevation to samurai.

Training in this style starts with the bo (staff). Along with the standard striking and parrying techniques, the staff can be used to trip, sweep, and throw an opponent. Training then progresses to the tetsubo (iron staff), the main weapon of this school. Although if you try to trip or sweep an opponent's legs with a tetsubo, you're more likely to break them off at the knee. The final weapon of this style is the tessen (iron fan). This short range weapon is taught to balance out the long range techniques of the other two weapons. Students also learn how to use the tessen so they have a weapon for use off of the field of battle, or inside buildings. Unarmed combat techniques are Jujutsu based with a selection of Sumai techniques added in to round out the options for weaponless combat.

Unfortunately, as a koryu (classical school), this style is fading away. The patience and austere training necessary to master this art, do not make it as popular as the more modern schools of martial arts.

Costume: Standard Judo Gi
Stance:
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add 10 to Chi
Add 1 to P.S.
Add 1 to P.P.
Add 1 to Spd.
Add 5 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: Three (3)
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Maintain Balance
Basic Defense Moves: Dodge, Parry, Automatic Parry
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm, Multiple Dodge, Circular Parry, Breakfall
Hand Attacks: Strike (Punch), Knife Hand, Palm Strike, Single-Knuckle Fist, Power Punch
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Trip/Leg Hook, Backwards Sweep, Reverse-Turning Kick
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick
Special Attacks: Deathblow, Leap Attack, Elbow, Knee, Combination Strike/Parry, Bodyflip/Throw
Weapon Katas: W.P. Bo (Trip/Leg Hook, Backwards Sweep, and Bodyflip/Throw can all be performed using W.P. Bo), W.P. Tetsubo (Iron Staff)(W.P. Tetsubo starts at the third level of experience), W.P. Tessen (Iron Fan)
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Leg Hold, Body Hold, Neck Hold
Modifiers to Attacks: Pull Punch, Knockout/Stun, Critical Strike, Knockout/Stun from Behind, Critical Strike from Behind
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receive Martial Arts Technique: Di Chi Kung. You may also select a total of two (2) Martial Arts Powers from Body Hardening Exercises (including Demon Hunter Body Hardening Exercises), and Martial Arts Techniques.
Languages: Japanese
Cultural: General Repair/Maintenance, Recognize Weapon Quality
Physical: Body Building
Survival: Fasting, Wilderness Survival
Weapon: W.P. Bo, W.P. Tetsubo (Iron Staff)(W.P. Tetsubo starts at the 3rd level of experience), W.P. Tessen (Iron Fan)
Philosophical Training: Bushido
If this is your Primary Martial Arts Style then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time. Isshin Ryu (5 Years), Kyokushinkai (5 Years)
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Damage, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike on a Natural 20, Critical Strike from Behind
2nd: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Maintain Balance, Knockout/Stun from Behind
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Strike
4th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Select one (1) Martial Arts Power from Body Hardening Exercises (including Demon Hunter) or Martial Arts Techniques
5th: +1 to Damage, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 19+
6th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Strike
7th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, Select one (1) Martial Arts Power from Body Hardening Exercises (including Demon Hunter) or Martial Arts Techniques
8th: +1 Attack per Melee, Critical Strike on a Natural 18+
9th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage
10th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Select one (1) Martial Arts Power from Body Hardening Exercises (including Demon Hunter) or Martial Arts Techniques
11th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Maintain Balance
12th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Strike
13th: +1 to Damage, Double Existing Chi
14th: Select one (1) Zenjorike, Select one (1) Martial Arts Power from Body Hardening Exercises (including Demon Hunter) or Martial Arts Techniques
15th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
Why Study TETSU JUMOKU RYU?
Because this is a solid, physical style that teaches battlefield techniques.