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 Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:57 pm
Taiken Ryuu, or Great Circle Style, is a flowing, dexterous form of Taijutsu that uses and amplifies the forward and spinning momentum of the body to produce devastating strikes. Passed down through the Shokaku clan for several generations, it has grown and evolved over the years into a multifaceted talent with both short and mid-range attack techniques.
Although learning the basic physical technique is central to performing Taiken Ryuu, far more important is the degree of chakra control the user will employ. One's chakra control can and should be in direct correlation to the effectiveness of Taiken, much in the same way Juuken Ryuu is employed by the Hyuuga clan. However, there are key differences between the two styles.
Whereas Juuken relies on forcing chakra through one's tenketsu and into the opponent in metered amounts, Taiken is a far less precise and more strenuous style, as will be described in detail further down in this thread. Note: Some of the jutsu described here are derived examples and are part of larger jutsu or styles in their respective sections; I probably have them noted for my own use! Additions are always introduced through new roleplays.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 3:39 pm
Introductory Taiken
Suitable for Genin, the most basic forms of Taiken may be executed with only personal stamina and sheer physical ability. However, even basic Taiken takes Taijutsu principal a step further than the simple training employed in the Academy.
As a general rule Genin who wish to learn Taiken should have a Taijutsu score of at least 2 points to reflect the proper physical conditioning and talent required to begin proper use of the style. Not only that, learning Taiken takes a great deal of time and effort to master, and to do so quicky is to neglect your shinobi training in other areas.
Basic Taiken Strike Forms
Mastering Taiken requires the knowledge of individual strikes and combat maneuvers to control the battlefield, supplementing one another as part of a greater whole. These strikes cannot be considered individual jutsu on their own; they are merely pieces of more powerful techniques. Below I'll list and explain the most important--and mandatory--strike forms.
Hiroi Enko Ryuu; Wide Arc Style: To begin learning in Taiken one must assume the proper stance. Hiroi Enko(or simply "Enko") applies previously-learned Taijutsu knowledge to a lower, more balanced state wherein the user places their arms and legs far apart from one another in preparation for combat. This creates a very low center of gravity and provides emphasis on both attack and defense despite appearing unguarded; an established Enko user can anticipate and deflect attacks in a 180-degree arc in front of them, and by quickly changing stances can unbalance their opponent, readying them for counter-attack. Well-suited for combating multiple lesser-skilled opponents.
Jirijiri Enko; Slowly-Approaching Arc: A counter-attacking maneuver designed for use after unbalancing an opponent. Following a deflected strike the user leads in slowly with their primary arm, raises their stance, and strikes slowly with both hands into the abdomen or other vulnerable areas of their opponent. These strikes seldom have much power behind them, for they're designed to fool the opponent into entering a "comfort zone", unwittingly setting them up for more deadly strikes. A light tap, so to speak, that can be executed in a number of different ways.
Irinami; Incoming Wave: All standard movements and attacks used in conjunction with Taiken Ryuu take on the name of the Irinami, supplementing standard kicks and punches with the wide, arcing attacks and spins of the style. Each blow is typically more powerful and executed more quickly than the last, provided the user is not countered and the momentum lost. The act of recovering lost momentum after being the victim of an attack is known as Tachioyogi(Treading Water), and often relies on soaking blows or "rolling with" the momentum of the opponent's attacks, using them to gain a building advantage. Relying too greatly on Tachioyogi against an unknown opponent can be deadly, however, so it is best only to use as a last resort when completely avoiding a blow proves impossible.
Taiken Rendan
The next important ability to learn within Taiken Ryuu is the act of chaining together multiple blows and techniques to provide deadly effect. Basic Taiken is very much reliant on a great number of attacks and techniques, or at the very least a great deal of mobility and speed; strategically combining all of these to suit your needs is what will define your success. Below is an example, with Jirijiri Enko eventually leading into...
Mugoi Enko; Brutal Arc: A potential completion technique for the first Taiken Rendan. Once enough momentum has been built--whether through individual assaults on the opponent, reprisals, or movement through the field--it is released with one focused strike, hammering the opponent with the full force of his/her entire body. Coupled with feints and previous weak blows the sudden shock of the Mugoi Enko can cause incredible damage to a foolish shinobi.
Other Requirements
Tetsukarada Teishi; Iron Body Disciple: To truly complete introductory Taiken and be accepted as Shokaku one must train not only with normal means to hone their skills, but one is also expected to go to great extremes. The training regiments known as the Iron Discipline teach students to harden their bodies in ways that might seem brutal to outsiders, often including ritual scarification to toughen flesh over the most delicate inner organs. Therefore Taiken is not for the squeamish or the vain; this process weeds out the weak and produces Shokaku with incredible physical resilience to endure harsh techniques. It's important to note that however resilient one's external body might be many jutsu can render that advantage moot; the hidden purpose for this process is in preparation for learning true Taiken, rather than simply becoming tougher for toughness' sake. Note: Becoming an Iron Body Disciple and becoming a full member of the Shokaku clan should require a Taijutsu score of at least 3, else the act of completing the training should increase a score of 2 to 3(not a "free" point.). This ensures that a typical full member of the Shokaku clan is either a highly talented Genin or a Chuunin, as is only fair.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:40 pm
Intermediate Taiken: Sousei
Suitable for those with a Taijutsu score of at least 3(Chuunin Taijutsu), Taiken Sousei(The Great Circle Twins) is the true heart of Taiken. Sousei branches into two distinct disciplines, allowing further specialization within Taiken as a whole.
Kaihoushou: The Open Palm
Kaihoushou is one of the two Sousei, a style which has potential ties to Juuken Ryuu. Kaihoushou revolves around thrusts of the palms and tips of the fingers, but rather than damaging the tenketsu of the opponent it is very much a physically destructive style; chakra is expelled from the wielder's tenketsu with explosive force following a build up in momentum, accompanied by sudden stops and starts in motion. This is incredibly demanding physically and can cause damage to the skin and muscles of the wielder if too much chakra is employed during striking. More advanced forms of Kaihoushou utilize the wielder's element, or potentially a second as well.
Gekihashou: The Crushing Palm
The second of the two Sousei; whereas Kaihoushou uses the "open" palm, Gekihashou is the closed fist. Gekihashou relies less on expelling chakra and more upon building it up within various locations in the body, augmenting physical ability to extreme levels. Pursuing Gekihashou is to pursue unparalleled chakra control and exclusively close-quarters combat--whether your opponent wants it or not.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:32 pm
Kaihoushou Taijutsu Examples Soushiki; Funeral: Also simply known as Taiken Soushiki, jutsu within this category are so named because of not only their sheer destructive force, but also the terrible effects they have on their user. Taiken Soushiki, in most villages, would be considered Kinjutsu for the dangers associated with their use; used wisely they can be a powerful asset to a Kaihoushou adept.
Choushou
Level: Special Jounin/Jounin
Type: Taijutsu
"Funeral Bell". Choushou is the sudden release of chakra from the tenketsu in the wielder's palm, concentrated in such a massive amount that it can cause permanent physical damage to the wielder. This release is inefficient, often requiring a large amount of chakra to be pulsed in several shorter bursts in a very short time frame to achieve the desired effect... shredding flesh and bone on its way out. This causes incredible pain to the wielder, but fortunately the amount of chakra used can be metered for the desired result. "Yorei", or first bell, is the release of the weakest combat-effective form of Choushou present in standard Kaihoushou. Each step beyond is an additional "bell" to a maximum of eight tolls, at which point the arm being used would be shredded into a useless stump. The first step has an effective range of only several inches, increasing to 5m for the second step and each step thereafter to a maximum of 35m with a progressively widening arc.
Shukkan
Level: Chuunin
Type: Taijutsu
"Funeral March." The opening of a high-speed attack combo. The wielder fires their chakra forcefully through their tenketsu on a forward charge, amplifying forward momentum proportionally to the amount of chakra consumed. This ability can accompany any sort of Taijutsu, providing potentially deadly combinations.
Saijou
Level: Chuunin
Type: Taijutsu
"Funeral Hall." A release of chakra from the tenketsu along an entire limb, expelling force in an upward arc.
Banka
Level: Jounin
Type: Taijutsu
"Funeral Song." Also known as the "Double Choushou", Banka is the release of a massive amount of chakra from both hands at once--with all the implications and drawbacks of a normal Choushou amplified. Potentially the final jutsu a shinobi will ever complete.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:18 pm
Gekihashou Taijutsu Examples
Rather than possessing a great many individual attack jutsu, Gekihashou is more of a supplemental style to basic Taiken and revolves first and foremost around chakra control. These abilities are physically taxing, however, and require incredible amounts of training, talent, and concentration.
Jishin; Earthquake: A fitting name for the monstrous strength demonstrated by adepts of the Gekihashou style. The act of concentrating and releasing large amounts of chakra at the point of impact is a basic skill acquired during simple feats such as high jumping, but when used in conjunction with Taijutsu can produce incredibly devastating effects. Demonstrated by individuals such as Lady Tsunade, this type of strength augmentation coupled with the high-speed style of Taiken can be a force of reckoning.
Shippuu; Hurricane: The method in which a Gekihashou adept increases their speed with chakra is known as Shippuu, concentrating large amounts specifically within the tenketsu of the legs. This lends Shippuu both toward an evasive and an aggressive combat style, and is extremely valuable for reconnaissance.
Hachimon Tonkou; Eight Celestial Gates: The path of the Gekihashou adept opens the way to the inner chakra gates--the eight points along the chakra pathways that limit the abilities of the human body. Successfully opening these gates grants the user incredible power in the short-term, but at varying levels of risk up to and including certain death.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:59 pm
Advanced Taiken: Saikai
A member of the Shokaku clan who achieves Jounin status has likely advanced, or will soon advance into Saikai: Reunion.
The final teachings of Taiken explain the Sousei as part of a greater whole, and only by joining these spiritual twins can a Shokaku truly become complete. Thus the halves are joined, and the great circle is formed, transforming the student into a true master of the art.
Saikai is the explosive and delicate art of combining internal chakra augmentation and expulsion. Those who make it to this stage are typically Taijutsu geniuses, and the line between Taijutsu and Ninjutsu begins to blur to their enemies; Saikai adepts produce effects akin to Ninjutsu without hand seals at their own personal expense, taking their opponents by surprise with incredible speed, strength, and resourcefulness.
A Saikai adept has likely begun the process of combining either one or both of their elements with nearly all of their Taijutsu, creating new and powerful techniques for the benefit of the next generation of the clan.
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