Shugoken no Shiseijuu Sword Styles

Shugoken no Shiseijuu (Guardian Swords of the Four Divine Beasts) are a set of four swordfighting styles, based on the four elements.

History

Originally only three sword styles existed: Kazehana, Ishitori, and Suigetsu. After time, Kageroukyou was developed, and the similarities between it and the other three were noticed. By now, the four are recognized as belonging to the same family of styles, although each is unique from the others. All four were developed from existing sword-fighting styles, martial arts concepts, or dance styles, but now exist as unmistakably their own ability.

Execution

The four styles are:

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Kazehana Style: A wind-based sword style, based on iai/quickdraws and the user being able to attack regardless of space. One student of the Kazehana style developed his own style derived from his studies of this one.

Ishitori Style: An earth-based sword style, based on being able to walk up walls and other surfaces to deliver one-hit kills from above.

Suigetsu Style: A water-based sword style, based on using dance-like moves to disarm an opponent and use their blade against them. Practitioners begin in New Moon Stance with no weapon, and shift into Full Moon Stance when they have taken their opponent’s weapon.

Kageroukyou Style: The most recent, developed after the others but recognized as part of the quartet. A fire-based style, based on attacking continuously with both the katana and a shorter wakizashi together, using the resulting body heat and sweat for tactical advantages