Combat,
Nothing is quite so exhilarating. Nothing is quite so dangerous. The pitting of one against another has occurred since the dawn of time, and will continue until time ends. And as old as combat itself are the various forms of combat, the methods in which one tries to be a better warrior than their opponent.
Wars have been fought over which form was better than which, and as time wore on, only the truly effective forms have had any staying power. The lesser forms dwindled out as their adherents were either proven inferior, or were driven to other schools by their losses.
We don't have time for the weak. Mercy exists for no one.
This new Holocron, dubed the Hand to Hand Combat Guide, is provided for you to help become the most capable warrior. Provided by Muz Sadow And Shin'ichi Keibatsu, this guide describes a great many of the prevalent martial styles in the universe, as well as a plethora of lesser known arts.
The Path starts here. Will you walk, or be trod upon?
Forms
For simplicities sake, we have broken this manual down into three sections. The Core forms are the easiest to learn. Widespread and large in scope, these forms represent the basics that one should know before taking the field. Beyond that, the Advanced forms, more difficult, more specialized, more dangerous. And beyond that, the Elite forms, those that require a lifetime of practice and dedication to study, let alone master.
You will find methods of using weaponry as well as bare hands, each art a distinct entity in how it would handle each situation as it arises. Each argues that it alone is the best, and forever will adherents bicker the minutiae of each different form.
It is left in your hands to determine what you will learn. Only you can look within and see where your strength lies. Choose wisely, for these are the lessons that will see you victorious or dead in times of war.
Basic Arts
Advanced Arts
Elite Arts
Variations
Over decades, many of the students of specific styles of martial arts will branch off, learn from multiple masters, and often will try to create their own martial art. Cobbling pieces from several arts, these masters attempt to bring maximum efficiency for their own style while trying to reduce the drawbacks inherent in any martial art.
Sometimes, this is effective...other times, decidedly less so.
Even more notorious are those who learn the very basics of several arts and combine them to make a new art, declaring themselves a master when their own personal knowledge is anything but.
Generally, many of these arts will fade from view rather quickly, the practitioners folding themselves back into the more well-known schools while they continue their studies. Others still remain devoted, making themselves a champion of their art.
The following variants have generated a loyal core of followers and champions. While the universe at large does not recognize these forms as readily as the other, more mainstream, forms, they are definable by those with a keen eye and understanding of the martial arts of the universe.
Variations will typically be taught in limited amounts of the parent form. Those who exhibit an interest, or a nature more fitting to the variant form will sometimes be directed to a specialized master, or a school that teaches the variant. This is usually done only after the student in question has studied the core tenets, or on occasion, mastered the 'pure' form. Each variant is different, and notes on the following pages will guide a curious student toward the correct path.