Martial arts for the man-at-arms

[Anders]

That's what I thought. Striking arts would be dangerous to use when there's metal armor involved... How about Sumo Wrestling?

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Anders

That's what I thought. Striking arts would be dangerous to use when there's metal armor involved... How about Sumo Wrestling?

For a fantasy world, it's actually quite suitable as a supplement for armoured warriors. GURPS Martial Arts doesn't include it for historical styles, prefering a combination of Brawling* and Wrestling, but that's no reason to avoid it for fantasy styles.

*Which can be used or slamming.

[Polydamas]

Originally Posted by Icelander

Brawling* ... *Which can be used or slamming.

And pommel striking, which works when armed, does extra damage, and avoids the realistic danger of breaking your hand.

[Ulzgoroth]

Unarmed striking isn't good against armor, and is mostly inferior to using a weapon in any case. But having armor yourself is a considerable plus if it does come down to hitting somebody, and there are likely to be plenty of bodies to hit that aren't heavily armored.

Defense Boxing from Pyramid 3-61 being an example of taking this pretty far.

[Anders]

I probably won't be using styles - I don't need the detail - but it's still useful to know which skills would be good.

[gilbertocarlos]

Cheap plate would make mail very rare, so, having the average DR higher, you should expect more 2 handed weapons.

[Anders]

Originally Posted by gilbertocarlos

Cheap plate would make mail very rare, so, having the average DR higher, you should expect more 2 handed weapons.

Plate is probably not cheap, since only Dwarves can make it and they are very finicky with who they sell to.

[jason taylor]

Several Ancient Greeks pointed out that martial arts skills were of limited use in a closed formation. So a lot depends on how the culture fights.

[doulos05]

Originally Posted by Anders

I probably won't be using styles - I don't need the detail - but it's still useful to know which skills would be good.

Even if you won't be using it, review the period martial styles in MA for skill lists, it will make sure you haven't missed anything.

[CraigM]

Originally Posted by Anders

That's what I thought. Striking arts would be dangerous to use when there's metal armor involved... How about Sumo Wrestling?

It's what the PC fighter in my campaign uses (or at least did, before he started relying on shield rushes instead). It's good for closing distance; a slam is usually more effective than a move and attack, and lower risk than a committed or all-out lunge.

It also comes in handy when trying to capture a fleeing opponent alive, or if they're in town unarmed. The fighter puts the target down, then the entire party joins the kerbstomping...