If using Martial Arts Rules, the Unarmed Combat Tables aren’t used. Instead all combats, must pick a martial arts style from the chart below. This chart shows Required Maneuvers, Preferred Maneuvers, Optional Maneuvers, and required skills. When a character increases their skill, they must specialize in one of the maneuvers listed in Required Skills. They must pick one they don’t know yet. Once all required maneuvers are selected at least, the character may feel free to choose any maneuver from the preferred or required columns. At the next level, they may choose any maneuver they wish. This system enforces the different martial arts styles and their preferences.

For example, Martin is a white belt in Aikido. In game terms, he is a level 1. He chooses Grapple for his first Maneuver. He studies more and gains another level. At this level, he must choose to specialize in another maneuver. He chooses Pivot Throw. For the two maneuvers, he’s learned, he will be at a +1. However, any other maneuver he chooses will be at a -1.

The optional column also shows some maneuvers are forbidden from use by that style. Mind you, this doesn’t bar someone from performing this maneuver. However, they will be at a -4 penalty doing these maneuvers. It is possible for a character to have one style that forbids the use of one skill, while another style allows it. In these cases, the character may use the maneuver without a -4 penalty, but must use the skill of the style that allows it.

In addition to studying Aikido, Martin is an ex-collegiate Boxer. He has Boxing 5. This allows him to use the jab at level 5; something he hasn’t learned in Aikido at all. However, Boxing doesn’t allow Pivot Throws. If her were trying this without Aikido training, he would have a 5-4 skill; most likely he would fail. However, he can use 2+1, based on his Aikido training.

Action Rounds

With Martial arts maneuvers, the “ready” of all actions is 2. On each turn, the character may choose to perform one complex or two simple actions. This would allow them, for example to throw a “1-2” punch like a Hand Strike followed by a Roundhouse. They also could choose to use a single complex maneuver, like a Jab or a Single Leg Takedown. Trying a Single Leg Takedown without eliminating all your opponents defenses might force you to eat two of those one-two punches! The list of Maneuvers details each maneuver, the damage done by that maneuver, and whether it is a complex or a simple action.