{"id":3219,"date":"2022-04-05T08:01:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T12:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/?p=3219"},"modified":"2022-04-04T10:13:37","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T14:13:37","slug":"mas-oyama-street-fighter-ryu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/mas-oyama-street-fighter-ryu\/","title":{"rendered":"Mas Oyama: Street Fighter Ryu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ryu: A Study on Design and&nbsp;Inspiration<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This article is centered around a article originally posted on arttronik.wordpress.com on January 21, 2012, a now defunct website.  The subject matter seems worth saving as it relates to  Mas Oyama&#8217;s legacy and the history of Kyokushin and Karate in popular culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3220\" width=\"442\" height=\"327\" title=\"ryu-3rd\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike.jpg 800w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-768x568.jpg 768w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-600x444.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-400x296.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><figcaption>Street Fighter Ryu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>The first <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Street-Fighter-V-Champion-PlayStation-4\/dp\/B081P74CMG\/?&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=jnrenterpri00-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=2fd174b9f0a70d4ad5701a154a4d0b29&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Street Fighter<\/strong><\/a> game in the series was released in 1987, during the height of Martial arts media enthusiasm.  The timing was perfect, we had Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee (posthumously), Mas Oyama, and many others.  Martial Arts movies were the rage from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Revenge-Ninja-Blu-ray-Sho-Kosugi\/dp\/B00U0SSCOS\/?&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=jnrenterpri00-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=b8239fed765b7def2d1da340e7e39d88&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325\" target=\"_blank\">Revenge of the Ninja<\/a> to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Karate-5-Movie-Collection-Part-Next\/dp\/B08PY5LN4M\/?&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=jnrenterpri00-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=f44568231648636595a23e9cb4dff823&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325\" target=\"_blank\">The Karate Kid<\/a>, everyone was busting a move!<\/p>\n\n\n<p><script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Revenge-Ninja-Blu-ray-Sho-Kosugi\/dp\/B00U0SSCOS\/?&#038;_encoding=UTF8&#038;tag=jnrenterpri00-20&#038;linkCode=ur2&#038;linkId=9d1ae10f180d4ade8c6bc86d0a6f4029&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325\" rel=\"noopener\">Revenge of the Ninja<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This article commemorates the 2022, 35th anniversary of Street Fighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In the \u201890\u2019s, one of Capcom\u2019s crowned achievements in arcade fighting was the game known as Street Fighter II. Countless arcade go-ers and SNES\/Genesis owners competed head to head for fun and competition in this impressive game. The intricate amount of detailed styles of gameplay in Street Fighter II certainly led to hours of fun and close calls-and all of the fun gameplay was further enhanced by impressive stage visuals, catchy music and sharp character designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Of the designs, Ryu, the main character; is one of the most notable designs in all of video gaming.  I\u2019d probably say that despite age, nationality or even understanding of Street Fighter-many people have seen Ryu or have at least heard of him. His design is well thought-out and inspired a generation of various other designs based on his appeal, moveset, and character. His design shines for many reasons, but the one that resonates most with me would be its \u201cintricate simplicity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Strange oxymoron there, I know. But in its own way-it makes sense. Rather trying to explain it myself, I think a very reputable source places my sentiments best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em>\u201cRyu is a guy with black hair wearing a red \u201chachimaki\u201d (headband) and a white karate gi with tattered sleeves. And Ken is a guy with long blonde hair paired with a bright red gi. That\u2019s who they are. From my point of view, they are complete and perfect as they are. I couldn\u2019t imagine adding something to this sublime blend of characteristics. On the surface, they may seem simple\u2026lacking in distinguishing characteristics, but isn\u2019t this simplicity \u2014 characters boiled down to their bare essence \u2014 the very thing that lends them their uniqueness? I could only hope that I\u2019d manage to design such simple perfection in my career.\u201d<\/em><br><em>&#8211; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/capcom.fandom.com\/wiki\/Daigo_Ikeno\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Daigo Ikeno<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Daigo Ikeno is the amazing character designer and artist who\u2019s worked at Capcom since the 90\u2019s. He has amazing work, and the quoted text above is from his interview during the development of Street Fighter 4. Frankly, I think he hit the nail on the head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here is a good place to discuss some of the intricacies of Ryu\u2019s character and lend some insight into what I found to be the characters\u2019 inspiration and reference. All of this is based on a combination of my own research and some other sources on the web-which I\u2019ve credited. If you happen to notice something that I didn\u2019t note, please let me know in the comments section! I\u2019d enjoy having discussions with everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I\u2019m going to discuss Ryu\u2019s design in two main topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Inspiration and reference for Ryu\u2019s design<\/li><li>Inspiration and reference for Ryu\u2019s attacks, and animations.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So, lets step back for a moment. I started this whole post telling you that Street Fighter II was great. But\u2026..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">\u2026there was a game before it! Haha, yes, I\u2019m talking about Street Fighter! (Or Fighting Street, for some purists.) The original Street Fighter is the actual first appearance of Ryu. I like to think that a majority of his design was established here, and only further enhanced in Street Fighter II. We\u2019ll get to those points in a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sf1_01.jpg\" alt=\"Street Fighter\" class=\"wp-image-4264\" title=\"sf1_01\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sf1_01.jpg 551w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sf1_01-165x300.jpg 165w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sf1_01-400x726.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><figcaption>Street Fighter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So this is how Ryu appeared in his character illustration in Street Fighter. Art by CRMK.<br><br>Here is how Ryu appeared in game, and on the art of the arcade cabinet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"658\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-658x1024.jpg\" alt=\"ryu originalartwork\" class=\"wp-image-4265\" title=\"ryu-originalartwork\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-658x1024.jpg 658w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-768x1194.jpg 768w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-800x1244.jpg 800w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-600x933.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork-400x622.jpg 400w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-originalartwork.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px\" \/><figcaption>ryu originalartwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Akiman<\/strong> is the genius designer who created Ryu, and most of the cast of the entire Street Fighter franchise. Akiman is practically the nucleus of what held together the Capcom Design Team. CRMK\/Bengus, Kinu Nishimura, Edayan, and Ikeno, all pretty much worked from the precedent set by Akiman (and later, CRMK). He is really truly at a level that is beyond most character designers-to this day. His work is often seen in animation and games currently.  So, when Akiman designed Ryu I think he had a chain of thoughts, a few identified here.  One of the most notable Karateka of this century, <strong>Masatasu Oyama<\/strong>, founded <strong>Kyokushinkai karate<\/strong>. This style has emphasis on hard hitting strikes, and practicality. Mas Oyama fully believed that one was to immerse themselves in the art, and had to become one with the fist. This oneness was seen as \u201cultimate truth\u201d and required devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"331\" height=\"214\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-2.jpg\" alt=\"ryu oyama compared 2\" class=\"wp-image-4268\" title=\"MasOyama\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-2.jpg 331w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-2-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/><figcaption>Ryu Oyama compared<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">(The image above was most likely the inspiration for Ikeno\u2019s drawing of Evil Ryu.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evilryu.jpg\" alt=\"evilryu\" class=\"wp-image-4267\" title=\"evilryu\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evilryu.jpg 550w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evilryu-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evilryu-400x618.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><figcaption>Ikeno\u2019s drawing of Evil Ryu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Well, just how devoted was Oyama?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>VERY devoted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Mas Oyama<\/strong> was known to take his \u201cyamagomori\u201d or, solitary training retreats.  During these, he\u2019d train alone in the mountains, perfecting his art and becoming closer to his \u201ctruth\u201d.  During these ascetic retreats, he was focused, regimented and becoming one with his body via his training. This intense training in many martial arts has been noted to develop spiritual connections.  A note I find interesting is that Oyama was said to have read Musashi\u2019s \u201cBook of Five Rings\u201d as his sole reading during one of his training retreats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Aside: A fun parallel between Musashi and Ryu can be seen in Takehiko Inoue\u2019s amazing biographical-fiction manga, Vagabond and the Street Fighter mangas: Street Fighter Zero and Ryu Final by Masahiko Nakahira. \u00a0Each contain a wanderer gaining strength through battle and battling a darker inner violence. This violence is only tamed through reaching enlightenment via mastering their respective arts.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Not only did Oyama dedicate himself to training alone, he opened his own dojo in 1953. He taught in Japan, and also decided to expand his art and demonstrated his karate around the world.  Oyama didn\u2019t only train against other martial artists &#8211; Mas Oyama was also known to fight bulls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Yes. BULLS. Mas Oyama is credited for fighting and defeating bulls as his training. Talk about devotion and training!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So, its fair to say that a bit of Ryu\u2019s personality is derived but Oyama. This however, is only the tip of the iceberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Oyama\u2019s students, also are key points to Ryu\u2019s character.  <strong>Sonny Chiba<\/strong> was a student of Mas Oyama AND starred as Mas Oyama in his film \u201c<strong>The Karate Bullfighter<\/strong>\u201d or \u201c<strong>The Champion of Death<\/strong>\u201d, depending on the nation in which the film was released.  In the poster of this film you see Chiba (as Oyama) fighting bulls!  This film was also inspired by a comic written by legendary writer Kajiwara Ikki, titled \u201cKarate Baka Ichidai\u201d (A Karate Crazy Life!) Of note, Chiba ALSO starred in a film titled \u201c<strong>The Street Fighter<\/strong>\u201d.  Let\u2019s pause from talking about Mas Oyama\u2019s students for just a moment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The comic I just mentioned, \u201cKarate Baka Ichidai\u201d is a subject worth delving into. This book was written with a heavy emphasis on Mas Oyama\u2019s life and points out lots of great things about Oyama in a entertaining way.  As the book is hard to find in print and scanned online, I can link you to a short video of the opening. Take a look at this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Karate Master (1973) Opening - Karate Baka Ichidai\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-6Ed-ygptk8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>A Karate Crazy Life!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Pretty awesome, I\u2019d say! So, in that opening we kinda get a glimpse into the feel of the comic and what Mas Oyama stood for.  Take a look at his expressions and strikes! I can certainly see Akiman finding this mood to be fitting of a main character!  Also, I think a few subtle things here may have had led to a spark of a design idea. Check out this image I created below. I think it\u2019ll all become clearer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"368\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared.jpg\" alt=\"ryu oyama compared\" class=\"wp-image-4266\" title=\"oyama to ryu comparison copy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared.jpg 500w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-400x294.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption>ryu oyama compared<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Take a look at that hair, the furrowed and thick brow-and open and steady expression! I really think that this was the birth of Ryu.  It\u2019s also possible that the intro influenced some game ideas as well. The breaking of stone in the intro was similar to a bonus game in Street Fighter. (And its a bit of a stretch, but perhaps kicking the wine bottle led to the idea of the wine cellar barrel breaking bonus stage in SF2\u2026? Haha, or not.)<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"699\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1.jpg\" alt=\"3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1\" class=\"wp-image-4269\" title=\"3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1.jpg 978w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1-800x572.jpg 800w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1-600x429.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1-400x286.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 978px) 100vw, 978px\" \/><figcaption>3rdbonusstagestreetfighter1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Let\u2019s discuss \u201cKarate Baka Ichidai\u201d and Oyama a little more.  In \u201cKarate Baka Ichidai\u201d, Mas Oyama fought many fighters &#8211; notably a boxer with straightforward and fast strikes (Similar to \u201cMike\u201d in SF and \u201cM. Bison\u201d in SF2.) and also challenged Muay Thai fighters. This is rooted in fact.  Oyama was said to have fought and also sent students to fight Muay Thai practitioners in real life. \u00a0Starting to sound like Street Fighter?  It gets better! I read this bit of info online and it was too good to NOT share.  It strongly coincides with my own ideas and research. \u00a0Apparently, in the \u201cKarate Baka Ichidai\u201d comic, the main character fights Reiba ,the strongest of the Muay Thai fighters. \u00a0Sound like Ryu?  Certainly.  But the truly uncanny part is Reiba himself. Take a look at his design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"162\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/reiba.jpg\" alt=\"reiba\" class=\"wp-image-4270\" title=\"reiba\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/reiba.jpg 320w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/reiba-300x152.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><figcaption>reiba?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>It seems that Akiman also thought about his boss design from this same comic!  Reiba is most likely the inspiration for Sagat, the \u201cEmperor of Muay Thai.\u201d  This is fitting as Sagat is the (exceptionally difficult- i.e., broken) boss of Street Fighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So, lets head back to the discussion about the students of Mas Oyama. We already discussed Sonny Chiba.  But two others are very striking-and one certainly led to more character ideas for Ryu.  Mas Oyama had two prominent students who fought Muay Thai practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Yoshiji Soeno<\/strong> was a great student under Oyama. Soeno was appointed to fight alongside Yamazaki in the kickboxing competitions against the Muay Thai fighters. He later establishes his own style based off of Kyokushin, called Shidokan. Furthermore, he loses to Yamazaki in one of their kickboxing tournaments.  Something of note is that Soeno fought the Muay Thai practitioners with the stats of 5\u20198\u201d \u00bd and 150lbs. This nearly the same weight as Ryu in SF2. Ryu, is 5\u20199\u201d and the same weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"999\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu.jpg\" alt=\"soeno ryu\" class=\"wp-image-4271\" title=\"soeno and ryu copy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-800x799.jpg 800w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-600x599.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/soeno-ryu-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>soeno ryu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Check out that stance and build. Visually, Ryu shares much in common with Soeno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Terutomo Yamazaki was the other (perhaps most notable) student.  Known as a genius of Karate, he defeated the Muay Thai fighters and also adapted their strikes to enhance his karate. While researching him, I found that instructor Shigeru stated that people were impressed with his talent and force. He was truly powerful and impressive. Light and fast and attacked with destructive power. It was also stated that he was a fan favorite and \u201cis a stronger and better-looking man than Bruce Lee\u201d. \u00a0Also of note, Yamazaki was liked by Oyama for his frank honesty and blunt statements.  It seems, he likes to speak the truth and certainly did so. Yamazaki was also known as a brilliant teacher and his students often said that \u201cYamazaki has a technique which means defense is offense.\u201d  I\u2019d take this to mean that his best defense was a relentless offense. This sounds like someone else I\u2019ve heard of in street fighter. An honest and frank, brilliant teacher of Mas\u00a0Oyama\u2019s style, whom attacked with light and fast destructive power-in which defense means offense\u2026AND attractive, at that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"235\" height=\"109\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ken-kneethrow.gif\" alt=\"ken kneethrow\" class=\"wp-image-4272\" title=\"ken-kneethrow\"\/><figcaption>ken knee throw<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Yamazaki\u2019s personality was perhaps the impetus of Ken, a fellow student under the same teacher as Ryu. I wouldn\u2019t confirm this as \u201cthe basis of Ken\u201d though I\u2019d say that it is possible that it played a part in the design process. I\u2019m sure Ken was designed visually to contrast to Ryu.  But, the character\u2019s personality is pretty similar to Yamazaki.  Another fun note was that, in the first Street Fighter, Ken was the 2p Ryu.  Also, considering Yamazaki adopted Muay Thai into his Karate, it may explain why Ken\u2019s grab animation is reminiscent of a clench, performed by many Muay Thai fighters!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Tie all of this together: Oyama, Soeno, Karate Baka Ichidai\u2026..and you pretty much get a general idea of where the idea of Ryu is coming from!  Let\u2019s discuss a few other other elements involved in his design: The Nio statues are large statues usually seen at entrances of some Buddhist temples in Japan (as well as China and Korea).  The Nio are guardians of Buddha whom used force to protect the values highlighted in the Mahayana. The \u00a0Mahayana is one of the two large sects of Buddhism that believed that people reached enlightenment through the Bodhisattva or \u201cgreat vehicle\u201d of openness and truth.  Of the statues Agyo is seen making the \u201cah\u201d sound-showing an open mouth.  Ungyo has his mouth shut tightly and is making the \u201cun\u201d or \u201chum\u201d sound.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120131155001im_\/https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/ABNxmGfVSpeb09n8anZe-xxZuy4zz2fN8b1SUAvfc0aQtbKNXrmAX4VCAP0oudpKLJ3a9dILp2G6UVecwpuT353mRtOW_PPoA6lPDRh1UGHu04AqPA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This is most likely another reference point for Ryu and Gouki. Ryu opens his mouth during win poses and attacks, where as Gouki is silent, he grunts and speaks few words. These two are opposite forms of the same art , and are sort of the beginning and end-in parallel.  This is seen in the CRMK character art of Gouki-his pose is more reminiscent of the Nio statues. This certainly affected his unique stance in the SF Zero\/Alpha games as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-ttt.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-ttt.jpg\" alt=\"akuma ttt\" class=\"wp-image-4273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-ttt.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-ttt-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-ttt-400x533.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>akuma ttt<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-street-fighter.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/akuma-street-fighter.gif\" alt=\"akuma street fighter\" class=\"wp-image-4274\"\/><\/a><figcaption>akuma street fighter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The Nio statues are seen in many street fighter stages, namely the stage of Gouki in Capcom Vs. SNK, and Geese stage, and more recently in the temple stages in Street Fighter 4.  The Nio also inspired attack names and slight design cues for the character, Oro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"172\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/nioustages.png\" alt=\"nioustages\" class=\"wp-image-4275\" title=\"nioustages\"\/><figcaption>Streetfighter Oro <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Sorry it is tough to find legit images of those stages\u2026especially Gouki\u2019s!  Another point in Ryu\u2019s design would be the color. Color design is imperative in games, and Akiman and his team really had to nail the correct colors for the game.  Ryu, wears a white gi which follows tradition. The darker belt and hair adds contrast, and the red headband adds emphasis. Also, its inferred that Ryu is indeed, at the black-belt level. Like Ryu\u2019s design, the magic is in its well-thought-out simplicity. Its a great palette. It emphasizes his heritage as well he wears the colors in the Japanese flag. The Street Fighter cast is composed of lots of this. Each character is designed with notable color in mind. Designer Ashley Browning, created a piece# that will demonstrate this with ease. Take a look at this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"732\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901.jpg\" alt=\"ashley browning minimal colors\" class=\"wp-image-4276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901.jpg 732w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901-600x367.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Ashley-Browning-minimal-colors-e1648811573901-400x245.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ashley Browning minimal colors<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Pretty awesome, right? <br>Though its just a few blocks of color-anyone familiar with Street Fighter can identify those characters! This is the power of the color design on Akiman\u2019s work. So, after Street Fighter, Ryu has appeared in each subsequent Street Fighter. When Street Fighter gained its sequel, Street Fighter II (and its various iterations) Ryu went through a design overhaul. Designers Akiman and Kinu Nishimura were responsible for creating a more definitive image of what we know as Ryu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-nice-sketches1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"436\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-nice-sketches1.jpg\" alt=\"ryu nice sketches1\" class=\"wp-image-4277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-nice-sketches1.jpg 436w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-nice-sketches1-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-nice-sketches1-400x550.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>ryu nice sketches1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/super_street_fighter_ii_x_art_ryu_1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/super_street_fighter_ii_x_art_ryu_1.jpg\" alt=\"super street fighter ii x art ryu 1\" class=\"wp-image-4278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/super_street_fighter_ii_x_art_ryu_1.jpg 560w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/super_street_fighter_ii_x_art_ryu_1-300x273.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/super_street_fighter_ii_x_art_ryu_1-400x364.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>super street fighter ii x art ryu 1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>We see here that Ryu\u2019s hair was now defined. A shorter cut from Street Fighter\u2019s iteration, also the placement and direction of his bangs and hair pattern are designed. The most interesting change was the loss of the shoes, and the tattered edges on his gi. These tattered edges show a rugged quality fitting for the world of Street Fighter II.  I find it easier to believe that Ryu was a wandering fighter seeking enlightenment via perfection of his martial art when he looks like this. The torn edges are a great contrast to his sparring partner, fellow student, and best friend: Ken. Ken has gi edges that are intact.  This also suits Ken\u2019s lifestyle.  As a world champion and wealthy action star, Ken would most likely have more tailored clothes as Ryu would not.  Also, Ryu exposes more of chest with a more open gi, and ken has a higher more formal gi opening-showing less of his chest.  The design also creates the basis of the face that is most recognizable as Ryu, while keeping some qualities with the original reference of Karate Baka Ichidai.  It is certainly obvious that Ryu has really come into his own character here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ryu\u2019s design from Street Fighter II was used to create his presence in the alpha\/zero games. In Street Fighter Zero, Ryu resembles and is built like CRMK\u2019s design from the first Street Fighter-with the new design cues from Street Fighter 2. Very young, fresh faced, yet still very tough and capable. Each image of Ryu in the Zero games oozed a solemn confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"632\" height=\"954\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-street-fighter-alpha-3-hd-png.gif\" alt=\"ryu street fighter alpha 3 hd png\" class=\"wp-image-4279\" title=\"ryu-street-fighter-alpha-3-picture\"\/><figcaption>ryu street fighter alpha 3<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Street Fighter III really started to making strides in design. While the basis of Ryu from Street Fighter II stayed. Some enhancements were made to his design. Ryu bulks up a little, with muscles like his triceps, for example-growing larger. This is a smart design choice as the punching power of arm thrusts relies on strong triceps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-sf3pic.jpg\" alt=\"ryu sf3pic\" class=\"wp-image-4280\" title=\"ryu-sf3pic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-sf3pic.jpg 736w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-sf3pic-270x300.jpg 270w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-sf3pic-600x668.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-sf3pic-400x445.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><figcaption>ryu sf3<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Of course research went into designing his strikes and making them more intelligent as well. (We\u2019ll get to that in a bit as well.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike.jpg\" alt=\"street fighter iii 3rd strike\" class=\"wp-image-4281\" title=\"ryu-3s\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike.jpg 800w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-768x568.jpg 768w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-600x444.jpg 600w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-400x296.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>street fighter iii 3rd strike<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Since Ryu is older here, it shows. He looks the most hardened and powerful here, and he also maintains his calm demeanor. Its almost as if Ryu is \u201ccomplete\u201d in mastering his art. \u00a0A crowning achievement of the Street Fighter III games is that they were created on the CPS3 board. The games created on this arcade board were vastly superior in animation quality to many games created during the same time (and today even!) and looked flawless! When Ryu animated in any of the Street Fighter III games, it has a great impact to it!  Every important fundamental rule of animation is seen in his movements.  There is a great deal of stretch, squash, snap and speed in each of the animations. Its really a marvel. During the Street Fighter III era, Ryu\u2019s gi seemed to be a bit looser, which also really created some amazing animation as well. I really love the way Ryu looks in the Street Fighter III games-this iteration really defines what I think to be the pinnacle of Ryu\u2019s design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-walkf.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"112\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-walkf.gif\" alt=\"ryu walkf\" class=\"wp-image-4282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-walkf.gif 112w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-walkf-100x100.gif 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>ryu walk forward<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-twist.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"177\" height=\"118\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-twist.gif\" alt=\"ryu twist\" class=\"wp-image-4283\"\/><\/a><figcaption>ryu twist<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In the most recent iteration of Street Fighter, Street Fighter IV; designer Daigo Ikeno (from Street Fighter III: Third Strike, as well) created a Ryu with a few new design twists. What we get for Ryu\u2019s design-is solid work, I\u2019d expect nothing less from Ikeno. Lets take a look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sf4ryu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"189\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sf4ryu.jpg\" alt=\"sf4ryu\" class=\"wp-image-4286\"\/><\/a><figcaption>sf4ryu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sfiv_pc_concept_art_ryu_07.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"194\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sfiv_pc_concept_art_ryu_07.jpg\" alt=\"sfiv pc concept art ryu 07\" class=\"wp-image-4288\"\/><\/a><figcaption>sfiv pc concept art ryu 07<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The definition of Ryu\u2019s face is a new element here. His face is chiseled and rugged, thicker, and more muscular. He looks very fiercely with stern eyes. Less friendly from the Street Fighter III Ryu, but no less calm and capable. We also see a shortening of the hair length. Like the Karate Baka Ichidai character, the lower lip is very full and the chin is prominent, leaving a heavy indentation under the lip. We also get a better picture of his bone structure. Ikeno notes that his goal was to emphasize the shape of Ryu\u2019s face. &nbsp;Ikeno\u2019s Ryu maintains his classic appeal with a few different touches. I think the concept art shows a cool caricature or a fairly modern fighter-with the design cues from the original inception. Its fun!<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ryu, when viewed full body also has some changes in his physique. Ryu\u2019s shoulders are broader, the arms more muscular, packed with bulk. His legs are also much more muscular. My favorite thing to note from this design is how prominent his hands and feet are. They are large, but not unbelievable for the design. They are his primary weapons, I\u2019m sure the choice was to emphasize them. Also, Ikeno had been doing this in other illustrations, but its cool to note that he started giving Ryu\u2019s glove a logo. (He later adds kanji on his belt as well.)  Ikeno states that Ryu did become excessively muscular in this design, but ultimately, it was the best design decision for the time of Street Fighter 4. These designs nod back to the designs of Street Fighter II, which was a goal in the game\u2019s design and development in many areas. As amazing as the Street Fighter IV concepts for Ryu are, I feel that the Street Fighter III Ryu is the most refined. Not to say that the changes made in Street Fighter IV\u2019s concept art (i.e musculature and faces) aren\u2019t impressive (as they are) but in no way do these changes make Street Fighter IV visually more sophisticated than the designs of Street Fighter III\u2019s Ryu; despite popular modern opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I really could go on about Ikeno and the Capcom Design team\u2019s work at length, but maybe I\u2019ll save that for another post. Haha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Lets take a look at Ryu\u2019s strikes. We now know that Ryu has a design basis in Mas Oyama and his student Soeno and as such, he fights like both of them. The dominant focus on Ryu\u2019s method of attack is rooted in Oyama\u2019s strikes. We also have strikes that are impossible for a human being to perform, and the inspiration for those would be nothing other popular comics and animation!  Fun, cool, dynamic and they leave a lasting impact!  Lets take a look at some of these!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">For reference, I\u2019ll be using mostly SF3 sprites. As I said earlier-they really are the best of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ryu\u2019s primary mode of attack, and normals are derivatives of Oyama\u2019s Kyokushin karate. Of note, his block is precisely what Oyama drafted in his own texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-wk.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"122\" height=\"105\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-wk.gif\" alt=\"ryu wk\" class=\"wp-image-4290\"\/><\/a><figcaption>ryu wk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-mpc.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"95\" height=\"106\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-mpc.gif\" alt=\"ryu mpc\" class=\"wp-image-4291\"\/><\/a><figcaption>ryu mpc<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-hp.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-hp.gif\" alt=\"ryu hp\" class=\"wp-image-4292\"\/><\/a><figcaption>ryu hp<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-hk.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"148\" height=\"116\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-hk.gif\" alt=\"ryu hk\" class=\"wp-image-4293\"\/><\/a><figcaption>ryu hk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"90\" height=\"114\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-block-high.gif\" alt=\"ryu block high\" class=\"wp-image-4294\" title=\"ryu-block-high\"\/><figcaption>ryu block high<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Hadoken and Shoryuken are most likely nods to Dragonball, which I\u2019m sure Akiman and CRMK loved. <em>(Note: The actual \u201cshoryuken\u201d appeared after Street Fighter, in Dragonball Z; however a similar technique was used in Dragonball, which pre-dates Street Fighter! Thanks Henry, for the discussion!)<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120131155001\/http:\/\/arttronik.wordpress.com\/2012\/01\/21\/ryu-a-study-on-design-and-inspiration\/ryuanim\/\"><\/a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120131155001\/http:\/\/arttronik.wordpress.com\/2012\/01\/21\/ryu-a-study-on-design-and-inspiration\/1452587686_c5a721f82f\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"220\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shou-ryu-ken.gif\" alt=\"shou ryu ken\" class=\"wp-image-4295\" title=\"ryu-shoryukens\"\/><figcaption>shou ryu ken<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In SF3, Ryu gained a new technique, which I found to be impressive. It was called his \u201cJoudan Sokutou Geri.\u201d This loosely translates to something meaning \u201cimmediate step [forward] kick.\u201d I was looking through Oyama\u2019s text and the technique is very similar to \u201cUshiro Geri.\u201d I\u2019ve scanned a portion of it for&nbsp;comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"111\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ryu-hcfk.gif\" alt=\"ryu hcfk\" class=\"wp-image-4296\" title=\"ryu-hcfk\"\/><figcaption>ryu hcfk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Also, Kinu Nishimura, referenced Oyama\u2019s text in her illustration for Ryu\u2019s character art in Capcom Vs SNK 2. &nbsp;This is Oyama\u2019s \u201cdouble layer- two hand technique.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"368\" src=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared.jpg\" alt=\"ryu oyama compared\" class=\"wp-image-4266\" title=\"openstance copy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared.jpg 500w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ryu-oyama-compared-400x294.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption>ryu oyama compared<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I found those to be particularly interesting. This reference supports the facts, and further makes Ryu\u2019s character that much more impressive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">There you have it!  An overview of Ryu\u2019s character design!  Its really a remarkable and untouchable design, and this post doesn\u2019t delve into everything enough-but its certainly a start! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thanks for reading and leave a comment!<\/h2>\n\n\n<script>\r\n document.write('<hr style=\"width=75%; border-top: 2px solid #000; margin: auto;'>');\r\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ryu: A Study on Design and&nbsp;Inspiration This article is centered around a article originally posted on arttronik.wordpress.com on January 21, 2012, a now defunct website. The subject matter seems worth saving as it relates to Mas Oyama&#8217;s legacy and the history of Kyokushin and Karate in popular culture. The first Street Fighter game in the<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/mas-oyama-street-fighter-ryu\/\" title=\"Read More\"> <span class=\"button \">Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123458,"featured_media":4248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[194,175,190,119,120,263],"class_list":["post-3219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-celebrity","tag-entertainment","tag-karate","tag-kyokushin","tag-mas-oyama","tag-muay-thai"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/08\/movie-review-big.gif","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/123458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3219"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4322,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3219\/revisions\/4322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karatetraining.org\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}