At 09:33 AM 11/24/96 -0600, Bridget wrote:

On Mon, 25 Nov 1996, Martin Bennett wrote:

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

This is really interesting... I have a few comments, though...

I agree wholeheartedly.

The first thing I notice about the Unrestricted style is that it is
predominantly very northern asian art in style and execution. That is, it's 
techniques are primarily taken from the Chinese and Japanese styles of 
fighting. Since this is the case, I have decided that it is highly unlikely 
that the Unrestricted style has been influenced in any significant way, shape
or form by any of the South East Asian styles. That is, I have excluded
styles like Muay Thai, Bando, Pentjak-Silat, Escrima, Kali and any of 
the Korean styles, which are, in themselves, highly derivative of 
the chinese styles. 

Though you are probably justified in excluding Korean styles, it's a bit 
misleading to lump them together with SE Asian styles, since Korea is 
north of CHina. :)

He sort if deals with that by mentioning that the Korean styles are
derivative of the Chinese styles which sets them apart from the South East
Asian styles.

Firstly, the Unrestricted style appears to be very kata or form driven. 
This is shown by the regular use of kata by Ranma in the anime and manga 
series. This in itself is odd, given that by it's name, it should have a

very 

similar Tao to that of styles such as Jeet Kune Do and Jujitsu. That is,

that 

freedom and flexibility are of far more importance than regimented structure 
and fiddly techniques.

... but Ranma almost never uses kata in battle; in fact, the most common 
place to see him using kata is in the opening credits of the anime -- not 
necessarily the best source.  I think you can discount this aspect.

Secondly, there is no evidence that throwing is a regularly used technique
in any of the manga series with the exception of Akane chucking Ranma away,
and Happousai's use of leverage techniques (which I will go into later). It
is my belief that some such techniques are taught but Ranma prefers to use
striking techniques based on speed and precision striking rather than the

use 

of such power and leverage techniques favoured by others lass physically
blessed. An examples of this is Cologne and Happousai, who use a large

number 

of leverage throws due to their waning strength from age. 

And it's worth noting that Ranma is none too good at landing...

He seems to be able to land when in battle (I don't have any manga nearby at
the moment, so I may be totally off base here.), but when thrown (or booted)
unexpectedly (or by Akane or for comedic effect) his falls resemble splats.
I assume this is because he has been trained in falls, but it's a part of
the art that he doesn't focus on.  I know in my own meager experience with
aikido that it took a lot of time, effort, and practice before I could fall
well without time to prepare myself.  (I'm not expressing this well. Argh.)
Anyway, I'm going to cease comparing myself with Ranma before I make myself
look any sillier than I have already.

The fact is that Unrestricted Martial Arts is a kung fu-esque Shorinji Kempo 
style combination of facets of Kempo techniques, Five Animal Forms, various
Kung fu schools such as Choi-lay-fut, Wing Chun, Wushu and to a lesser

extent, 

the rare internal chinese styles of Tai-Ch'i-Chuan and it's associate forms.
The effect of all of this is a powerful, complex, creative and adaptable
style. If only it's Tao were more honourable.

Well, this point is debatable.  Certainly Happosai and Genma are 
generally less than honorable, but Ranma seems to have a grasp on the 
concept, at least.

I think if the style did originate with Happousai, then Ranma is in a
position to to alter it's Tao.  If the style has a longer history, then
perhaps our perception of it is tainted by it's present master.  (actually,
though, I guess the Ranma impostor story shows us that it's Tao has never
been particularly honorable.)
 

Any comments?

This is very well done.  Having minimal knowledge in the field myself, I 
can't say whether you're *right* or not, but it *sounds* right.

Um, what she said.  I'm very glad you wrote this.

Elizabeth