An Analysis of the Unrestricted (Anything Goes) Style of Martial Arts
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By: Plunger

        I like it, a very complete and detailed analysis.  This deserves a
special place in my mailbox.  I agree with a large extent to what you've
said, I've always believed the style to be akin to Jeet Kune Do
philosophically.
        Although one of Bruce Lee's beliefs was that there is in fact a
best way of achieving a goal, the fact that the similarities of all humans
lead to one human style.  An ideal way of doing certain things I suppose.
        Ranma's style is erratic, relying heavily upon pure ability,
willpower, and an encyclopedia of available moves.  I've never felt an
exact idea formed before a fight begins with Ranma, he seems mostly
reactionary.
        The katas could be perhaps for muscle tone, synapse training.
repeditive motion will have a tendancy to increase speed and power.  his
actual usage of such katas in his fights seems limited.
        His weapon ability is probably very loose and adaptable to a
variety of items, hence the Kodachi fight.  I agree that he probably
wouldn't have much south east asian weapon training since their forms are
rather rigid.
        One note:  Would Happosai be considered the originator of this
style of martial arts?  He travelled extensively himself, and there is no
mention of the style with reference before him.
        My theory is that the style began with him and has grown
considerably in Ranma with Cologne's influence.  Genma seems to be a weak
link in the generations, but that is understandable.  perhaps a result of
his basic character flaws.

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