Excellent thread, well researched. Wu Xing would definately be good for Shujinko and also Shang Tsung, as these have both absorbed the fighting styles of countless martial artists

Good to see some good threads in this forum! You have obviously researched a lot and can see what influences from where they come from would alter there style.

This...truly shocks me sometimes.... *shocked* A reaaaaaalli well thought out thread. Good job. Maybe the MK Team will actually attempt to do the same amount of research as u and get the same results.

You deserve dragon points.... >< i wish I had the ability to give them,lol

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Interesting ideas, some of which I agree with, but I don't agree with Sub-Zero and Noob Saibot using Wing Chun as that is not really designed for taller people like them. Also, I thought Wing Chun has Snake and Crane influences rather than Leopard and Crane influences...

Anyway, here are my picks for some of the characters....

Sub-Zero

Dragon: a Chinese martial art style that imitates the movements of the mythical creature; there is more than one Dragon style; apparently, Sub-Zero uses the Southern Dragon style, but I think the Northern style would be more suiting; the origins of the Dragon style are not very clear though many attribute it's origins back to the Shaolin temple some centuries ago;

in general, Dragon style uses both hard and soft techniques and methods, starting out hard and external and eventually learning and utilizing its internal aspects; there are both linear and circular techniques; I think that Dragon's well-roundedness and complexity fits Sub-Zero quite nicely. If the gameplay of the MK games expanded on the different fighting styles and did them correctly, Sub-Zero's Dragon style would truly be badass.

Scorpion

Ninpo Taijutsu: This is a traditional Japanese martial art that's been around for centuries and a lot of its techniques and influences can be traced back to China. Ninpo Taijutsu is the unarmed fighting art of the Ninja. There have been 73 or so known Ryu-Ha (note: Shirai Ryu, which is the name of Scorpion's ninja clan, is the name of one of the 73 Ninjutsu Ryu-Ha that existed long ago and was one of the oldest known ones along with Shinto Ryu, Hakuun Ryu, and Negishi Ryu).

It's also called Ninjutsu (Note: -jutsu is correct term, not -jitsu). However, Ninjutsu doesn't necessarily refer to the fighting art of the ninja. In literal definition, Ninjutsu actually refers to methods of espionage, information gathering, those sorts of things. In fact, none of the known traditional Ninjutsu books (Ninpiden, Shoninki, Bansensukai) make reference to any martial arts fighting techniques.

The reason why I use the term Ninpo Taijutsu is because it's the more modern term for it and more accurate if you think about it. Ninpo refers to the spiritual aspects of Ninja training. It's said to be the "higher order" of Ninjutsu. Ninpo is kind of like the Ninja equivalent to Bushido. Both Ninpo and Bushido are influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism. However, Bushido is also influenced by Confucianism while Ninpo is also influenced by Shugendo. In addition, the type of Buddhism that influences Bushido and Ninpo is not the same type of Buddhism. Bushido is influenced by Zen Buddhism while Ninpo is influenced by Mikkyo Buddhism.

Taijutsu means "body art" or "body method(s)"...in this case, referring to unarmed combat. Like I said before, many of the techniques used in Ninpo Taijutsu originate from China. Ninpo Taijutsu can be broken down into this:

Koshijutsu: refers to the techniques of attacking muscles and pressure points, therefore being more of an internal martial art; this is basically the core of Ninpo Taijutsu's techniques; Koshijutsu itself is a martial art

Koppojutsu: refers to techniques of attacking the bones; Koppojutsu and Koshijutsu are complimentary to each other in various ways; Koshijutsu is soft, circular, and long-ranged while Koppojutsu is hard, linear, and short-ranged. Like Koshijutsu, Koppojutsu is its own martial art and they both originate from China

Dakentaijutsu: specializes in striking techniques; also has Chinese origins; generally, a very linear, hard hitting style

Jutaijutsu: refers to techniques and methods of grappling moves like throwing, joint-locks, etc.; there's a Samurai fighting art that's a Jutaijutsu style though Jutaijutsu doesn't necessarily refer to a Samurai fighting art

Taihenjutsu: not a style on its own...it refers to body movements like evasion, rolling, breakfalls, etc.

There are only 3 actual styles of Ninpo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) that exist and they are:

Togakure Ryu
Gyokushin Ryu
Kumogakure Ryu

Togakure Ryu is taught in the 3 X-Kan schools, but Gyokushin Ryu and Kumogakure Ryu are rarely taught; I guess Scorpion's Ninjutsu style would be largely based off of Togakure Ryu. I see him as more of the aggressive, offensive fighter so I think it would be fitting for his Ninjutsu style to mainly focus on Koppojutsu and Dakentaijutsu techniques and methods.

To sum it up, Scorpion is the only true ninja of the MK series so it would be very fitting for him.

Noob Saibot

Tall Monkey: Also known as Standing Monkey, this is one of the 5 forms of Tai Sheng Men, the Monkey style of Kung Fu. Tall Monkey is a Northern, long-ranged style of Chinese martial arts that is designed for tall people and has a more upright positioning. In general, Monkey kung fu uses lots of rolling, tumbling, breakfalling, acrobatics, and deception. It is a very complex style therefore being much harder to master than certain other martial arts styles; I think it's very fitting for Noob Saibot given him being once part of the Lin Kuei, an ancient Chinese clan of assassin warriors and Monkey kung fu is rather ninja-like in various ways

Frost

Tong Bei Quan: Tong Bei is a Northern Chinese martial art and it's the martial art that Frost used to win the tournament that Sub-Zero held. It is sometimes referred to as the White Ape style, but unlike other animal-imitation styles, Tong Bei imitates the mentality of the White Ape instead of its actual fighting techniques. Tong Bei goes back many centuries ago and is a soft-hard style.

Sonya

Tae Kwon Do: Tae Kwon Do (way of the foot and hand) is a relatively modern Korean martial art that has influences from traditional Korean martial arts like Tae Kyon as well as a very large influence from Shotokan, a Japanese style of Karate. Due to its large Shotokan influences, Tae Kwon Do is generally a linear, external style of martial arts. Tae Kwon Do focuses a lot on kicking techniques and uses a wide array of them.

I think Tae Kwon Do fits Sonya perfectly as it's more of a mobile style and I see Sonya using higher, more mobile stances as well as lots of kicks. Tae Kwon Do was initially taught to the Korean military and since Sonya is a military type character, it would be fitting. I also find it fitting for her due to its linear, external properties.

Jax

Muay Boran: Muay Boran is the predecessor to Muay Thai. It's an extremely violent and dangerous style of fighting and emphasizes the usage of extermely powerful elbow and knee strikes. There are of course lots of hard hitting, powerful fist strikes and kicks and such. Also, Muay Boran uses joint-locks and throws and I see Jax as using lots of that in addition to hard-hitting, close-ranged techniques, so overall, I see this as more fitting for him as opposed to Muay Thai.

I do think that Combat Sambo would also suit him as it's more suited for military combat and in general, Sambo is heavily grappling based with its influences from various grappling arts like Judo, Jujutsu, Greco-Roman Wrestling, etc.

Johnny Cage

Gosoku Ryu: Gosoku Ryu (hard-fast style) is a modern Karate style that is mainly derived from Shotokan but is also derived from Goju Ryu, Judo, and Aikido. It allows for personalization and stresses combat effectiveness. I just tried to think of a Karate style in which JC could add his own uniqueness to it and I think Gosoku Ryu is a perfect fit. The name of the style definitely suits his fighting style in my mind as him being dynamic and fast and all that.

Liu Kang

Jun Fan: This is a modern style of Kung Fu created by Bruce Lee himself. Initially, it was a modified form of the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu, but it later evolved as the martial arts part of Jeet Kune Do; Jun Fan uses the moves and principles that Bruce Lee taught and used but of course utilizes the principles of Jeet Kune Do, therefore allowing for personalization and freedom; Since Liu Kang is the Bruce Lee of MK, this would obviously be perfectly fitting for him just like how Ninpo Taijutsu perfectly fits Scorpion.

Kung Lao

Shaolin Fist: Shaolin Fist can refer to Shaolin martial arts in general, but it is also a style itself. My choice for this is rather self-explanatory.

Kai

Lost Monkey: Lost Monkey is another one of the 5 forms of Tai Sheng Men. It's a very very deceptive style of Monkey in which the practicioner appears to be innocent and confused. It uses lots of fakes as well as light footwork. I think with the whole handstand thing and the way his body type was and all, it'd be perfect. Also, he's kind of a character who is somewhat lost and is trying to find his way in life. However, I'm not so sure about the style choice for him now as he seems to be more buff than before. Maybe he could use Stone Monkey, which is designed for more physically strong people.
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I think that's all I'll say for now as that was a lot to type...I'll come back with more later if possible.

My bro here said it all for me really. He's an expert with this sort of stuff and I agree with him 100% here.

I never took height into consideration; that could be interesting too.


I also think it'd be cool if they made the characters proportionate to their stats; Make Goro look legitimately 2 feet taller than Noob Saibot.

Good looking. Alot of these styles actually fight the characters. But what about a second style? Obviously you have the intellect and motivation for finding alternate styles of the characters you listed.

Finally someone with the same concerns than I have had since MKDA came out. Obviously a lot of work has been used to this thread and its fun to see someone with alittle effort!!!!

Going to the styles I agree most of them, and those ones that I dont... I really dont have information enough to start saying otherwise...

but yes..it seems kinda unlogical to give a ninja (scorpion) a style that is not related to Ninjutsu (Hapkido here), cos correct me if I'm wrong but wasnt the rivalry between Scorp and Subby in MK1 about opposing clans. yeah and about subby killing scorp (because of the opposing clans).

When thinking about the history of MK, and the Lin Kuei and Shirai ryu it was a rogue lin kuei member (Takeda) that formed the Shirai ryu, and developed his own method of fighting (ninjutsu, yes I know it stands for the art of stealth) from the techniques learnt with the Lin Kuei, but considered it far more superior compared to the original one. Thus the mocking outfit of the Lin kuei uniform.

Also it could be learnt by any human with enough practice and the use of weapons compensated the use of "special powers" that some of the Lin Kuei's had (subby's icepowers, and smokes smokish thing) They were family line powers if I remember correctly. So the Shirai ryu had to arm themselves to be able to match the Lin kuei's abilities.

So why would a shirai ryu member use Hapkido if he is tought from day one that the techniques taught in the clan are superior to others? Dumb logic from whoever decided to give it to scorp (I'm blaiming boon cos scorp is his favorite, and the moves hapkido had were amongst, if not the, coolest ones in the games) The fact that i loved in the first games were that they had actually done some backround recearch for them (Shirai Ryu, Lin Kuei and the Black dragon all are mentioned in japanese/chinese history) and when the characters are based on spmewhat true organizations, why not make them use the true styles/methods they actually used(not sure about the kokuryu-kai =black dragon on what they used, but I'm betting dirty tactics

this kind of reasoning goes for almost all characters as most of them have styles that do not fit the character at all (well some do like jun fan and liu and lao and shaolin fist) but most dont...so give thecharaters styles that suit them and their personality...

(giving aikido, which is a style that requires years of disclipned practice and emphasis inner strenght and peacfulness, to a mercenary thug like kano, who would use dirty tactics and backstabbing to his advantage. Or giving a japanese form of karate which emphasises on strong hard hits and kicks used offensively instead of "ninja"like techniques to Subby, just does not make sense imo....

Yeah, it would be good to see actual height distinctions.

To Legacy: Good question. For the 10 characters I've talked about, here are the 2nd styles I would have for them:

Sub-Zero

Kori Blade: This is the weapon Sub-Zero created through flash-freezing water vapor. It's a big, heavy-looking sword and is more power-based. Now, I don't exactly like the idea of Sub-Zero being a power-based character, but to give him that whole leader-type feel and given how Kori Blade kicked ass in MKD, I think he should keep it. This weapon will be a long-ranged weapon.

Scorpion

Shinobiken: In actual Japanese history, there were no real "Ninja swords". The type of sword that the ninja probably would've used is a sword with a wakizashi-length blade on a katana-length handle with a katana scabbard. This was meant to deceive the opponent. All Japanese swords have curvature to them so the whole "ninja straight sword" thing is not fact though apparently, the swords that the ninja used had less curvature to them due to less quality steel. This weapon will be about medium-ranged.

Noob Saibot

Wraith's Scythe: He had this weapon in MK4. I just came up with the name Wraith's Scythe to give it a bit of an edge...I guess. Now, I know Chrome might come in here and blabber about the lack of effectiveness that the Scythe has in actual combat, but like I said before, if Zasalamel in Soul Calibur 3 can use a scythe, why can't Noob Saibot? Anyway, this will be a long-ranged weapon style.

Frost

Ice Daggers: These are the weapons Frost created through flash-freezing water vapor. She can't make swords and such like Sub-Zero can due to her Kori powers not being strong enough. But still, this will be a close-ranged, speed-based weapon style.

Sonya

Kali Sticks: These are the weapons that Sonya used in MKDA. They are short-ranged weapons that come in pairs and are used in Filipino martial arts like Escrima.

Jax

Mae Sun Sowks: These are very short-ranged weapons from Thailand made from bone or hard wood. They are similar to that of the Tonfa. I think this would go very well with Muay Boran.

Johnny Cage

Nunchaku: This is a short-ranged weapon used in Okinawan Kobudo/Kobujutsu and is taught in some Karate schools. This would go well with Gosoku Ryu and the fact that Johnny Cage is a flashy fighter.

Liu Kang

Quadspade: This is the sword that is located in his tomb in Earthrealm at the Wu Shi Academy. I just thought it would be fitting because of that and also if Johnny Cage were to use the Nunchaku. This weapon would be medium-range to long-range

or

3-Section Staff: The name is rather self-explanatory. 3 wooden short staffs are linked together and are somewhat similar to that of the Nunchaku. The 3-Section Staff can be found used in various Chinese martial arts and since Liu Kang is Chinese and trains in various Chinese martial arts, it would be fitting as well as a substitute for the Nunchaku should Johnny Cage have that weapon. This will be more of a medium to long-range weapon.

Kung Lao

Broadsword: I'm referring to a Chinese Broadsword. This is the weapon Kung Lao used in MKDA. I just think it would go well with his Shaolin Fist style, and I personally liked it.

Kai

Ghurka Knife: This is the weapon he used in MK4/MKG. It's a short-ranged weapon. I believe it's Indian in origin or at least somewhere around there.

To ToraRyu: Yeah, I know exactly where you're coming from. Kano having Aikido and the whole Black Dragon backstory they did in MKDA pissed me off.
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Anyway, here are 5 more characters:

Mileena

Mian Chuan: Also known as Continuous Fist, this is a Northern Chinese martial art that is mostly close-ranged and is big on counter-attacks. Gameplay-wise, this was her top style in MKD so I think she should keep it.

Sai: This is a short-ranged Okinawan weapon that comes in pairs and are basically like daggers. This is Mileena's trademark weapon ever since her debut in MK2 so you get the idea.

Kitana

Tantui: Tantui is a Northern Chinese martial art that specializes in various kicking techniques thus the reason behind its name, which means "springing leg". Tantui exercises are found in certain other Chinese martial arts such as Cha Chuan.

or

Cha Chuan: Cha Chuan is a Northern Chinese martial art and one of most beloved of the Long Fist styles. It's part of the Jiaomen (Muslim style) branch of Chinese martial arts. It's a graceful, beautiful style that combines various strikes and kicks with throws and takedowns. This style is known for its unusual timing in its techniques and favors the use of broken rhythm.

or

Chuojiao: Translated as the "Penetrating Foot" or "Foot Poking" style, Chuojiao is a Northern Chinese martial art that specializes in various kicking techniques. It's said to be one of the oldest recorded Chinese martial arts and various fighting styles have incorporated Chuojiao into their fighting system.

Steel Fans (Tessen): This is a relatively close-ranged weapon style that comes in pairs and is Kitana's trademark weapon ever since her debut in MK2.

Sindel

Tantui: Tantui is a Northern Chinese martial art that specializes in various kicking techniques thus the reason behind its name, which means "springing leg". Tantui exercises are found in certain other Chinese martial arts such as Cha Chuan.

or

Cha Chuan: This is the style she used in MKD though it was spelled Zha Chuan. Cha Chuan is a Northern Chinese martial art and one of most beloved of the Long Fist styles. It's part of the Jiaomen (Muslim style) branch of Chinese martial arts. It's a graceful, beautiful style that combines various strikes and kicks with throws and takedowns. This style is known for its unusual timing in its techniques and favors the use of broken rhythm.

or

White Crane (Bai He Quan): White Crane is a Southern Chinese martial art that imitates the movements of the White Crane. It's a soft-hard style that specializes in agility. The Crane is said to be a nurturing animal in a motherly sort of way, and I think that kind of suits Sindel.

Whip: Well, I think Sindel has that sort of dominatrix type thing going on and I think it'd be kind of sexy for her. *shrugs*

Jade

Fu Jow Pai: Fu Jow Pai is the Black Tiger style of Kung Fu. It used to be known as Hark Fu Moon. This is an aggressive style of Kung Fu, and I always felt Jade was more of the aggressive fighter. Also, her UMK3/MKT fighting stance reminds me of Fu Jow Pai so that's why I feel she should use this style.

Bo: The Bo is a long staff and Jade's trademark weapon ever since UMK3. I personally prefer the way it was back then in terms of looks.

Tanya

Gou Chuan: Also known as Dog Boxing, this is a Southern Chinese martial art often favored by women. This martial art specializes in takedowns and ground fighting. As strange as this may sound, the fighting stance of this style involves both hands and feet to be on the ground, therefore resembling a dog. The reason for this choice is because of two reasons:

1. It's often favored by women.
2. Tanya is a bitch, but another definition of bitch is a female dog.

Yue Chuan: This is Tanya's 2nd style in MKD and apparently, she learned it while in Outworld. I don't know too much about this style, but apparently, it contains elements from Northern and Southern Chinese martial arts as well as traces of animal techniques.

Nice work SubZero7th.

I like the sound of the Tantui style for Kitana. I think she would primarily rely on kicks during her fighting, so that seems to fit. And the Fans are pretty much a given.
Also, for Sindel, I like the sound of The White Crane Style. It even sounds elegant and graceful, like a Queen should be. And a whip would be great for Sindel.
I also like the style choices you gave Kai too earlier.

SubZero7th, you seem to be quite knowledgable about fighting styles, so perhaps you (or others) could comment on these styles I though of for Sareena. (I was trying to do something similar in finding styles that would personally suit each character when I made my fanfic for MK7, but well I dont know that much about martial arts, and didnt have enough time to go into it. Also I though it would still be a three style system, and only got a few done) .

Sareena
Fighting Style 1: Hsing-Yi Chuan.
Mind-body boxing. This style encompasses self defence, self healing and mind-body co-ordination. I thought it would suit Sareena since she has to maintain her aural form (self healing) and mind body co-ordination may be a discipline she had to get to grips with when fighting in her human form (since her real from is demonic and on-human).

Fighting Style 2: Bak Fu Pai.
White Tiger Kung Fu. This style is similar to Fu Jow Pai. It incorporates kicks, punches and combo attacks. Just thought it might balance her out, since the other seemed to focus primarily on arm based attacks.

Weapon Style: Chakra (2 Chakrum)
Razor ring type things. I wanted her to have something different to the kama hooks she had in MKM:SZ, since Nitara got the Kama in MKDA. I think these close range weapons would suit her, no other real reason.

Hey there MKKitana. Yeah, Tantui would be cool to see for Kitana. If I'm not mistaken, Tantui and Cha Chuan do have some similarities. Smoke's style in MKD, Mi Tzu Chuan, is rather similar to Tantui and Cha Chuan in terms of techniques.

Regarding Sareena, well...given the unarmed style choices, it sounds like you want her to be more of the offensive fighter. The weapon idea sounds kind of interesting. I have 2 questions to ask you:

1. What are the reasons behind your style choices?
2. What 2 styles out of those 3 would you pick since each character will have only 2 styles?

I gave my main reason for those styles in my original post. Wen i was describing them I gave reasons as to why I chose them.

Of those, I would choose Hsing-Yi Chuan and Chakra. This is ebcause like i said, i think Hsing-Yi Chaun would suit her, as she is a demon, holind a human form. She'd have to be pretty disciplined (mind-body co-ordiation important perhaps) and the self healing aspect might aid in her sustaining her form. In addition, it seems pretty offensive, and Sareena's background as an assassin may make her more offensive than defensive.

Id choose Chakra as her second style, for a few reason. i would personally like to see her have a weapon, and something new (which these would be). In addtion, they could be used both offensively and defensively, and this may be to her advantage, as the hand to hand is more on the offensive side.

lol, sorry about that. But um, yeah, interesting choices. Xing Yi does seem to be more striking-based overall. I guess it would be interesting to see. I had been thinking about that being a style for Ermac. There are like 3 main Xing Yi styles so maybe they can both have Xing Yi, but different kinds.

Yeah, im kidna not keen on the idea of style sharing though, but I know its gonna happen. I just hope theyre logical sharings, (eg Sindel and Kitana, or Kenshi and Ermac, or Sub Zero and Smoke. people who trained togehter etc) and like you say, that they use it differently.

I can also see why it would fit Ermac. my only real problem is that Xing Yi wasnt that great for either Kira or Kano. They'd have to improve it a lot.

This topic is quite brilliant, well written guys.

The only thing i can add is that i think Jax should have Vale Tudo.
Nightwolf IMO does not fit this style at all.

I've seen by looking at Craig Marduk from the Tekken series, that big guys IMO work well with Vale Tudo.

And honestly i think it suits him perfectly. Most common Vale Tudo fighters supposedly use some Muay Thai (not sure but it looks like it) and Wrestling techniques amongst others.

And as Jax is a big guy AND has had Muay Thai in DA i think a Vale Tudo style (similar to Marduk) should belong to Jax.

Of course dont base it on Marduk, have "Jax-esque" moves thrown in of course!