Combat 2nd edition
Styles
There are thousands of martial arts styles across the world. Most martial arts styles are founded in the Far East. There is a difference between a "martial art" and a "fighting system"; the difference is primarily in the essence of the style's traditions and technique. The best way to explain the difference is that a fighting system can be mastered in one's lifespan. A martial art can never be truly mastered; it is infinite in design (hence the reference to it as an "art"). This is reflected in the game somewhat by the differing XP costs between the Abilities of Brawl and Martial Arts.
I also liken the difference in the game by allowing select Maneuvers only to the Martial Arts Skill (and its secondary brethren, like Do and Kailindo). To me, a style that does not teach the use of ch'i is not a martial arts style, only a fighting system. Not surprisingly, that rules out most styles of Western origin. But there are also a number of Asian styles that gloss over it in favor of brute force and technique, such as mhuy thai. Any styles that do not teach ch'i and its most formidable aspects are fighting systems, and can (and should be, since otherwise would be a waste of XP…since no classical Western boxer would or could learn the Atemi Strike Maneuver) be pursued with the Brawl Talent.
Readers will note mention of styles being considered "external" or "internal" sometimes. This is a generalizing statement about a style, as generalizing as calling a style "hard" or "soft". Most styles provide elements of both. However, most styles do emphasize one over the other. An "internal" style is a meditative martial arts system that emphasizes the development of inner energies (that the Chinese call ch'i). An "external" style is an aggressive martial arts system that emphasizes practical self-defense applications first, and development of ch'i comes later. The main difference is that a practitioner of an external style is more capable of self-defense sooner than the internalist. However, the internalist is far more likely to learn the most esoteric techniques (i.e., Chi-Channeling Maneuvers) as soon as they meet the prerequisites. For example, a student of hsing-i could learn the Kongjin Maneuver as soon as they reach *** Martial Arts, whereas a karateka probably wouldn't learn that Maneuver until they reach **** Martial Arts or more, simply due to the nature of training. The downside to internal martial arts means that even focusing on development of such energies does not make it easier or faster. This will reflect in the game by doubling the learning time per dot of Martial Arts. Thus, while it may take the average student to achieve master rank of an external style in 20-30 years, it'd take an internalist 40-60 years to do the same.
Note that discussing these styles is really an generalization. To say a practitioner of a certain style is potentially capable of any particular way or techniques is fallacy. This is because differences occur not on a style level but a school level. This is especially true when one looks at the reflection of American schools of martial arts. Many American masters actually know little of their own styles' secrets. It is not surprising to find in the West a karate or tae kwon do school that is little more than kickboxing. Fortunately, this is not as true as it was 20-30 years ago. The East is more open with the West about the secrets of martial arts nowadays. But there are still die hard instructors who believe, for example, that karate is "punch/kick/sit-up/push-up/punch/kick" and nothing more.
The styles below comprise only a small percentage of the martial arts in the world today. Whether they are "martial arts" or merely "fighting systems" will often not be discussed. The styles are listed by nationality or region. Due to the nature of the modern world, some styles have evolved in the United States. However, these styles will be listed under the home country that best represents them (for example, Jeet Kune Do will be listed under China) with a note explaining their American origins.
A final note: almost every culture in the world, modern and ancient, has devised methods of common wrestling. Many of these methods were or still are practiced today as sports. Generally, the intention of all these methods is to pin, overbear, or otherwise subdue one's opponent to win. But a few styles demanded a fight to the death. Players who wish to choose "wrestling" for their character's style can simply call it wrestling. Most often, that's what the fancy-sounding Asian word for such a style means when translated anyway! Styles that emphasize grappling will be listed below, however (such as jujutsu).
