Tekken is renowned for its diverse cast of characters, each bringing a unique fighting style to the arena. These styles range from traditional martial arts to more unique and fantastical techniques. Here's a breakdown of the fighting styles associated with some of the most iconic Tekken characters:
Mishima Style Karate
- Kazuya Mishima: Karate in Mishima style. He is Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama's son.
- Heihachi Mishima: Same as Kazuya. After his Tekken Force was obliterated by a being known as Ogre, Heihachi takes in a young man who claims to be the son of Kazuya and Jun.
- Kazumi Mishima: Similar to Heihachi and Kazuya.
- Devil Jin: Same as the other Mishimas.
Other Traditional Martial Arts
- Jin Kazama: Karate, with some techniques from his mother. Jin received intense training under his grandfather Heihachi Mishima -- all in an effort to avenge his mother by fighting and defeating Ogre.
- Paul Phoenix: A fighting style based on Judo. Paul let victory escape him in the last tournament, but has since renewed his training with vigor -- he won't let victory slip away this time!
- Hwoarang: Taekwondo. Hwoarang entered the tournament after Ogre attacked his mentor Baek Doo San, whom he greatly respects.
- Eddy Gordo: Capoeira. The son of a wealthy Brazilian industrialist, Eddy seeks vengeance against a drug cartel that assassinated his father; a frame-up that sent Eddy unjustly to prison.
- Asuka Kazama: Traditional Kazama fighting style.
- Feng Wei: Chinese Kenpo.
- Marshall Law: Kung-Fu Dragon Style. He is Marshall Law's proud son.
- Ling Xiaoyu: A style based on Hakke Sho and Hika Ken. A 16 year-old girl who loves amusement parks.
- Akuma: Shotokan Karate, known as Anasentsuken.
Ninjutsu and Unique Styles
- Master Raven: Ninjutsu.
- Yoshimitsu: Manji Ninjutsu mixed with Samurai techniques. Yoshimitsu is the leader of the Manji Clan, a notorious gang of Robin Hood-like space thieves. He entered the tournament upon learning that his friend Dr. Bosconovitch needs Ogre's blood to live.
Wrestling and Strength-Based Styles
- King: Professional wrestling. King is a young man raised in the original King's orphanage. After being savagely attacked by Ogre, his mentor's dying wish was for King to take over in his stead.
- Jack-7: Raw strength.
- Gigas: Same as Jack-7.
- Kuma: Same as Jack-7, with some tricks he learned from Heihachi. The son of the first Kuma and Heihachi's second pet, he became a great bodyguard who is fond of watching TV. He trains hard to defeat Paul Phoenix in battle.
- Panda: Same as Jack 7.
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Other Fighting Styles
- Nina Williams: A style based on aikido; she has no specific style. After failing to assassinate Kazuya Mishima in the last tournament, Nina was forced to be a test subject for cryogenic research.
- Lee Chaolan: A mix of different martial arts; nothing specific.
- Bryan Fury: Kickboxing. A former soldier killed by ICPO, he was revived as a cyborg sent to kill Dr. Bosconovitch.
- Josie Rizal: Same as Bryan (Kickboxing).
- Katarina Alves: French kickboxing.
- Steve Fox: Boxing.
- Lucky Chloe: Dancing. He is a fighter who is admired by kids worldwide.
Characters with Unique Backgrounds
- Lei Wulong: Lei is a shrewd detective responsible for solving many international crimes.
- Julia Chang: She is Michelle Chang's adopted daughter who studies archaeology in their tribal lands. Julia heard about the disappearances of famed martial artists as Michelle went to Japan to investigate the Mishima Zaibatsu. Julia joins the tournament upon learning the link between the missing fighters, the Mishimas, and Ogre.
- Mokujin: A museum's training dummy crafted from a 2,000-year old oak tree. Since Mokujin can mimic any character each round, memorize the pre-battle taunt of each character to familiarize whose fighting style he is currently using. Much like a random lottery drawing, Mokujin's versatility with various combat techniques has a trade-off of slightly reduced damage compared to the original character using the attack.
- Eliza: Uhm.....
This diverse range of fighting styles is one of the key factors that make Tekken such a popular and enduring fighting game franchise.
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