File:Hapan.jpgHapanHapan martial arts are a varied lot, the combination of the gentlemanly sport of boxing, the effective battleground combat techniques, and a variety of weapon skills providing the Nobles of the Hapes Cluster with a wide selection of skills in combat.
Devised primarily for sport and fitness, the Hapan people quickly found out that the ritualized combat form translated quite well into real life and death combat. Codified into a complete system, the Hapan materialists became rather well known in competitions, a Duke of the Hapan having won the Coruscanti championship three years in a row.
The current iteration of Hapan Martial Arts is taught in expensive colleges, alongside history and etiquette, as well as in the Dark Brotherhood. Fencing, boxing, and other combative aspects round out the training of a Hapan Noble in these finishing school. Populated almost entirely by aristocratic youths, the occasional wealthy out lander can be seen in the halls, provided that they have a pedigree impressive enough for the Headmaster.
The art is used by far more than just the nobles of the Cluster, however. The success of the art in the Championships made the art very popular among those people seeking to better their own combat skills, and many gyms claiming to teach Hapan Martial Arts sprung up across the civilized galaxy. While the quality of this off-world instruction varies from teacher to teacher, it is undeniable that Hapan is a popular art.
Adding to the mystique of Hapan is the teaching of many various weapons, many of which seem geared toward the improvisational. Because of this training, it is often quoted that a Master of Hapan need never worry about being disarmed.
Details
Stance
Hapan students are taught to turn slightly sideways, strong side back, with the forward fist turned 45 degrees out in front of the chest, the strong side fist chambered at the waist. When using a sword or a cane, the strong hand holds the weapon parallel to the ground.
Striking
The typical strike in Hapan is a straight-forward affair. Turning into the strike, the blow comes in a straight line at the foe. There are also a good number of lunging strikes, where the practitioner darts in to make a strike.
Defense
With few blocks, Hapan arts tend to use deflections and counterattacks to keep themselves out of harms way. Effectively utilizing one's natural grace and dexterity is key to the Hapan Defense.
Training
Taught in noble schools with 'other gentlemanly pursuits', Hapan maintains an air of aristocracy despite the fact that outside the Hapan Cluster, many commercialized schools have opened to teach those who don't have the proper bloodline or funds to learn it in the cluster.
Weapons
Hapan has a broad curriculum of weaponry. Students are trained in swordsmanship, boxing, some standing grappling, and the use of a cane and flexible weapons. In this way, it is said that 'A noble is never unarmed'.
Summary
Level: Core
Prerequisites: WIS 15
Style: Soft
Weapons: Empty hand, staff, sword, flexible
- • Punch, Slice, Block
- •• Dodge, Slash, Headbutt
- ••• Knee Strike, Elbow Strike, Parry, Crushing Kick
- •••• Backfist, Flurry of Blows, Bloodletter Strike, Target Organ
- ••••• Scissor Kick, Shred Combo, Power Clinch, Rib-Breaker
Brotherhood Practitioners