Sumo in Martial Arts Styles

[nanoboy]

In the Martial Arts book, there is really only one style with the Sumo skill-- Sumo Wrestling. That makes sense, of course, as few real-world martial arts would include such techniques. Among characters, I'm sure that the Sumo skill is the least used of the six unarmed martial arts skills. (In my experience, the skills are used in the following order, from most popular to least popular: Brawling, Karate, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, and Sumo.) Still, it's a compelling skill. I mean, it's up front and aggressive. You bowl people over. It seems like a fun one to use a lot.

Okay, I've already said that it's not common for real-world styles, and that this makes sense, so how about fantasy or science fiction styles? Would certain races or species use them? Have you designed any for your games? Have you seen them in action?

I'm going to include two here that I have written for my Gulf of Gardon fantasy setting.

Southern Axe Fighting [6]

Many of the Nallian and Backonian warriors have learned the grand tradition of Southern Axe Fighting. Most nobles are taught it, starting from a young age, especially in Backonia, where the only way to get ahead is to be able to win fights. The style has evolved to fill the roles of dueling combat and battlefield combat.

Stylists will typically charge into battle, throwing an axe or two before switching to their primary weapon. Individual preference for one- or two-handed weapons dictates what that primary weapon might be. Many warriors bring both kinds, starting with an axe and shield, then switching to a two-handed axe once their shield has been destroyed. Generally, the favorite weapons are axe, throwing axe, pick, great axe, warhammer, and medium and large shields.

The style is fundamentally aggressive. Fighters always wear armor, so they often take risks to their defenses to deal a devastating blow to their enemy. In duels, the fighter will focus on destroying some part of the enemy’s defense. This means slamming into the opponent to knock him down, sweeping his legs, hooking his shield, attacking his weapons, or occasionally feinting. Then, the warrior will make Committed Attacks and All-Out Attacks until his opponent is defeated. On the battlefield, stylists prefer to break into the enemy’s line and start hacking away. Committed Attacks and All-Out Attacks are commonly used in these situations. However, in the tradition of Southern warfare, shield walls are often formed.

Skills: Axe/Mace, Shield (Shield), Sumo Wrestling, Thrown Weapon (Axe/Mace), Two-Handed Axe/Mace
Techniques: Back Strike (Axe/Mace); Back Strike (Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Close Combat (Axe/Mace); Close Combat (Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Hook (Axe/Mace); Hook (Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Spinning Attack (Axe/Mace); Spinning Attack (Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Sweep (Axe/Mace); Sweep (Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Trip (Sumo Wrestling)
Cinematic Skills: None
Cinematic Techniques: None
Perks: Dirty Fighting; Form Mastery (Any Axe/Mace Weapon or Any Two-Handed Axe/Mace Weapon); Power Grappling; Reach Mastery (Any Two-Handed Axe/Mace Weapon); Shield-Wall Training; Shoves and Tackles (Axe/Mace, Sumo Wrestling, or Two-Handed Axe/Mace); Style Adaptation (Southern Pugilism); Sure-Footed (Uneven)
Optional Traits
Secondary Characteristics: Improved ST and HT
Advantages: Combat Reflexes, Fearlessness, Fit or Very Fit, High Pain Threshold
Disadvantages: Berserk, Callous, Overconfidence
Skills: Boxing, Brawling, Broadsword, Pole-Arm, Spear, Tactics, Wrestling

Southern Pugilism [4]

Southern Pugilism is the formal name for the unique boxing style of prize-fighters from the Southern Culture. These fighters typically come from lower class individuals trying to prove their worth in the world. Given the warrior culture of the South, they are often honored as quality individuals when they win a few fights. Often, prize-fighters from other regions are either surprised when they fight Southern Pugilists or are reluctant to fight them without special rules in place.

The unique tendencies of these fighters lie in their use of take-downs and practice of keeping up the fight when they are down. Southern Pugilists will use the common boxing techniques of feinting and keeping cautious until an opening is found. However, when that opening arises, they tend to knock the opponent down before landing several punches. Many such fighters also like to lure their opponent into a situation in which they can use their Trip technique. Other dirty tactics, as well as their horrific Wrench Spine technique, have earned them a reputation as dishonorable opponents.

Skills: Boxing; Games (Prize-Fighting); Sumo Wrestling
Techniques: Aggressive Parry (Boxing); Counterattack (Boxing); Counterattack (Sumo Wrestling); Disarming (Boxing); Ear Clap (Boxing); Feint (Boxing); Ground Fighting (Boxing); Low Fighting (Boxing); Low Fighting (Sumo Wrestling); Trip (Sumo Wrestling); Uppercut (Boxing); Wrench Spine (ST and Sumo Wrestling, if the appropriate Perk is selected)
Perks: Dirty Fighting; Power Grappling; Skill Adaptation (Wrench Spine defaults to Sumo Wrestling-4)