Martial Arts Video Games - Are they more than just entertainment? - Adel Ather
"Hujimay! Thump, thump, CRACK!"
Ahhh, there's nothing like the sweet sound of that final crunch of the opponent. I'm not sadistic, at least I don't think I am, but I LOVE fighting video games. I remember the first of it's genre was called Karate champ for commodore 64. Two opponents square off, in this cross chopping, high kicking action. You advance in the belt system by doing various grading stunts like breaking boards with your head and dodging flying spears. Not only was it cute, it captured the essence of the type of training I was doing at the time.
Then there came Street Fighter 2. The characters were full of color and came from a variety of martial arts styles. The original Karate champ only lets you use Karate for your fighting method. After awhile, the reverse punch / foot sweep combo get pretty boring. The big difference with Street Fighter was it was exagerrated. Characters could throw fireballs, spew electricity and fire kicks at the speed of light. But hell, there was some element of realism. Chun Li would still use those Gung Fu palm strikes. Zangief's best moves were when he got in close. Ryu and Ken would perform sacrifice throws.
And finally there is Tekken 3 for Playstation. The character's styles become even more distinct. Hwarang is obviously a Tae Kwon Do stylist. The Bruce Lee look alike Jeet Kune Do is apparent. And it doesn't take a fool to recognize Eddie's Capoiera.
Now where am I all going with this? What's this doing on a martial arts and philosophy web page? Have I become a Video Game Reviewer.
Answer : I'm getting there, trust me, and No.
Call me crazy. Call my stupid. Call me whatever, but I think fighting video games are great martial art training simulations! Now, now, I'm not justifying the playing of video games. Hell I hardly have the time to play any video games (Of course I have time to make 'em! :) Check out my video game Ninja King.). But when I play fighting Video games, I do think about REAL martial arts strategies.
I'm mean sure, some of this stuff is way off base with real martial arts. I tend to shy away from fighting games that have too many special moves, ie like Mortal Combat. But however the fighting games with basic reflex and combinations that can be put together with simple moves are great. There still exist that same exchange in real martial art. Attack, block, counterattack. Hit high then hit low. Take advantage of the opponent when he's stunned.
For instance, in SF2 I almost always use Chun Li. Reason being is that she doesn't have as many special moves. However you can put together some great combinations with her. If you press the Strong Kick button she does a Spin Kick. When the opponent is close up she does a very narrow spin kick. You may have seen many Tae Kwon Doist do that style of spin kick when they're in a clinch. When the opponent is far, she outstretches her leg further in the spin kick.
This got me thinking, having studied Tae Kwon Do I was used to using my Spin kick as a closer range tactic and mainly as a counter attack. But after watching Chun Li I started to think the Spin Kick may be used well offensively because it's long reach. In the video game, Chun Li has tremendous reach in the spin kick. Her body is fully elongated and extended. Even more so than the Side Kick since you are bending back even further to balance the extended body and the foot is stretch forward instead curled inward to get that heel out.
I started mixing my spin kick with a step forward to gain some distance and voila, I had developed a great offensive technique.
Tekken 3 is even better. Now Tekken 3 was done with motion capture. This means that a real martial artist strapped on electronic equipment which was recorded by the computer. So in essence the player's movements are VERY real. Plus in Tekken there isn't as much exaggeration as in Street Fighter. Aside from the occasional Back Flip and dangerous sword, most of the game is played with simple Combos.
The guys who did this game really did their research in terms of martial arts styles. The Bruce Lee look alike really does fight in Jeet Kune Do style. His footwork is fairly well grounded. His kicks are simple and are used best when he uses his lead leg. The Tae Kwon Do stylist is even better. He has the traditional combinations of a roundhouse followed by a back kick(One of the first combinations I learned in Tae Kwon Do). Then that Ax kick that will always take out a ducking opponent. My favourite of course is his combo when he kicks to the midsection then to the head.
My point is, after playing these games, I think. I think about real martial arts. I consider myself more than a fighter but an artist. As an artist I'm always look for newer and more creative ways to express my body. I've realized that no martial art is perfect and martial arts is a lifelong process of learning.
But playing these games stimulates my thinking. Hey, if the army can use combat simulators to train soldiers why can't computers be used to train martial artist. In fact, I find most of my students who play allot of fighting video games learn much faster.
I'm no freak, I'm just a man who says what he thinks. This is just one man's opinion. So to all you martial artist, I know you're all short on time, but if you ever need to relax, play a fighting video game. I'm sure some great ideas will pop in your head..... I hope.