Articles by Antoni Matteo Garcia

My Weight Loss Progress: Barely Three Years On

Hello, everybody. Antoni here, and I have some wonderful news regarding my weight progress so far. I am now at 10 stone 8.2 lbs (148.2 lbs or 67.2 kg) in my weight loss journey that lasted nearly barely three years from now. I could not be any happier because I am officially at my normal weight, but I do aspire to achieve more weight loss goals than ever before, especially with my coveted 7-stone-2 pound (100-pound or 45.4-kilogram) weight loss goal being put into firm practice. I started my weight loss journey back on August 29, 2019 weighing in at 17 stone 3.6 lbs (241.6 lbs or 109.6 kg), which meant that I was heading into trouble with becoming more obese than I was if I did not control myself. Mind you, it was not the first time that I was classified as medically obese at worst and medically overweight at best, as I have been on a constantly struggling odyssey with my weight nearly all of my life. However, after watching weight loss documentaries and shows such as Fat Families, Supersize vs Superskinny, and Secret Eaters, especially during my pre-university vacation in Paris, Bordeaux, and Dresden, I began to adapt to walking a whole lot more from A to B instead of constantly relying on public transportation, specifically for one-hour journeys by foot, and I even adapted to surviving on child-sized portions plus liquids as my only meal. This was a habit that I ended up integrating when walking from my home to my university, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and vice-versa, with the fruits of my labour paying off, despite the occasional binge or two. In 2020, my weight loss progress was more fully realised when I lost 3 stone 1 lb (43 lbs or 19.5 kg), making me land at 14 stone 2.6 lbs (198.6 lbs or 90.1 kg). This was also helped by the fact that, since it was during the first Covid-19 pandemic wave, public places such as restaurants and takeaway places were on lockdown, thus reducing my urge to binge and, most of all, lust for takeaway food, which was one of my greatest downfalls of all time plus my excessive intake of carbohydrates. Although I was still medically obese, I did not want to be complacent, and I was introduced by a very great friend and their wonderful family to the Keto lifestyle. I refuse to call it a diet because the Keto lifestyle really did address where I went wrong with my eating habits and patterns. Thanks to the consistency I did my best to maintain, I was no longer classified as obese but medically overweight during my tenure of losing weight from September to December of 2020. In fact, on December 31, 2020, I weighed 12 stone 8.4 lbs (176.4 lbs or 80 kg), which kept my motivation even higher than ever before. 2021 saw me constantly battling with my weight even more, although I still thanked my lucky stars that I was no longer classified as obese. I even reached my lightest weight of 11 stone 1.4 lbs (155.4 lbs or 70.5 kg), which meant that I was in my normal weight for the first time in years. It made me feel a whole lot happier, healthier, and set for life. However, I did stumble and ended up regaining some weight because I did lose a drastic amount of weight from mid-June to late-July by restricting my food intake almost to the extreme. All of this meant that my cravings were coming back with a mighty vengeance, but I still obtained compliments from friends, relatives, and people I have been in good contact with about how much healthier I looked and how much slimmer I looked in comparison to the many occasions where I tried to lose weight. At least the encouragement served to further strengthen my resolve. This year, my weight may have gone up and down, but I still managed to do my very best to keep the mantra of eating less and moving more, thus living on a calorie deficit complimented by physical activity such as walking, floor exercises, and stretching. I also did what I could to decrease the amount of calories I was taking in a day and always reserved Fridays for fasting. After regaining some weight and losing it again, I managed to 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) lighter than what I was last year when I was at my lightest weight. Now, I am proud to say that I am 10 stone 8.2 lbs (148.2 lbs or 67.2 kg) putting me nicely in my normal weight range with a normal BMI of 23.5. I could not be any prouder let alone happier for myself that I have achieved being at my normal weight range. As I said before, I cannot afford to rest on my laurels let alone be complacent. Ever since I heard multiple testimonies of people losing over 7 stone 2 lbs (100 lbs or 45.4 kgs) of weight in certain amounts of time ranging from 5 months to 4 years, I thought it would be great if I got myself into this too. After all, I am about to celebrate my third year weight loss anniversary this coming August 29, which makes it 3 weeks and 2 days from now. My goal weight is 10 stone 1.6 lbs (141.6 lbs or 64.2 kg), which means I have 6.6 lbs (3 kg) to lose in order for me to attain that goal. Any weight that is lower than 10 stone 1.6 lbs (141.6 lbs or 64.2 kg) is all the better for me, especially when I aspire to reach 9 stone (126 lbs or 57.1 kg). The point I want to drive home is that any weight lost is better than any weight regained. I am happy that I have come this far, and I never want to go back to being overweight ever again because I am far too gorgeous to ever be…

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The Splendid Seven Main Platonic Sparring Matches

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, and fighting video game fans. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do. Today, I will be taking a look at the main martial arts that my seven most favourite Splendid Seven platonic pairings of all time. This means, instead of the seven signature martial arts each platonic pairing I have listed, I will focus on the main martial art sparring match per platonic pairing.   Yesterday, I compiled the seven martial arts that each of my seven most favourite Splendid Seven platonic pairings would spar in, and it was absolutely enjoyable. Now, it is time to give each martial arts sparring match the Splendid Seven platonic pairing that fits it the most. The only rule is that the platonic pairings in the form of sparring matches will have one martial art each. With that said, let us get striking and grappling, everybody.   Ayame and Shunran: Kickboxing vs Capoeira These auburn-haired striker sisters combine agility, leverage, power, speed, accuracy, and quick reflexes to rain blows on their enemies in battle and on each other when they spar. Ayame’s powerful punches and cataclysmic kicks are an outstanding compliment to Shunran’s acrobatic tricking and agile flying kicks, especially when they team up to use their limbs to deliver some really impactful blows. This is also helped by how both Ayame and Shunran find gracefulness in what they do, with Ayame taking advantage of Kickboxing’s quick footwork, and Shunran taking full advantage of Capoeira’s well-timed rhythm.   Hakkaku and Ginta: Pradal Serey vs Sanda Leave it up to these two wolf brothers to take advantage of the speediness, deadliness, and high impact Pradal Serey from Cambodia and Sanda from China have as martial arts. There is no doubt that Hakkaku and Ginta know how to entrap their enemies by clinching them and delivering a huge rainstorm of blows onto them. Even as they try it on each other, they know fully well to take it up to the next level as a means to never surrender as warriors. In fact, when Hakkaku puts his elbow strikes, Ginta puts his knee strikes, and put their fists and feet to great use, they can prove themselves to be practically potent combatants.   Sesshoumaru and Shuran: Shootfighting vs Sambo Given Sesshoumaru’s extensive background as a Jujutsuka, Judoka, and Karateka and Shuran’s skills as a wrestler, these two warriors would be more than happy to spar in Shootfighting and Sambo respectively. These two respective martial arts demonstrate that neither Sesshouamru nor Shuran can ever be pigeonholed, although Sesshoumaru leans towards being a striker and Shuran leans towards being a grappler. Nevertheless, the fruits of their labour are found in how effectively they can implement powerful takedowns, mighty blows, and brutal grapples to strengthen each other as martial artists and as individuals.   Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha: Shotokan Karate vs Kyokushin Karate There is no doubt that Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha have made Karate a way of life from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, for they have always grown in honour, integrity, and brotherhood. This is also thanks to their father who has imprinted onto them that Karate is not just about breaking hard objects and winning 100-man Kumites but also about discipline and dedication. Furthermore, Sesshoumaru’s deadly pinpoint accuracy in Shotokan Karate and Inuyasha’s brutal close-range blows in Kyokushin Karate truly fortify each other as Japan’s and the world’s most efficient Karatekas as well as brothers supporting each other.   Sesshoumaru, Shuran, and Inuyasha: Mixed Martial Arts vs Vale Tudo vs Pankration Super strength, ballistic brutality, and terrifying takedowns are the names of the game Sesshoumaru, Shuran, and Inuyasha commit to when it comes to giving their opponents a series of brutal beatdowns and strengthening each other as mighty combatants. When combining Sesshoumaru’s lethal use of ground and pound attacks in MMA, Shuran’s vicious throws and hammer fists in Vale Tudo, and Inuyasha’s bloody grapples, punches, and kicks in Pankration, they become a force of nature nobody should dare tamper with. Besides that, these three are rich with perseverance, determination, and dedication to the martial arts.   Shuran, Hakkaku, and Ginta: Pro Wrestling vs Kajukenbo vs Jeet Kune Do What happens when you combine Shuran’s macho strength as a Pro Wrestler, Hakkaku’s relentless strikes in Kajukenbo, and Ginta’s durability in Jeet Kune Do? You would attain a formidably dynamic trio who thrive on physical stamina and mental endurance in order to build on each others’ strength and potent desire to achieve a lot more than they can ever dream of. Perhaps one devastating move they would perform together is having Shuran bodyslam the opponent, Hakkaku deliver a series of punches and kicks, and Ginta finally incapacitating the opponent with numbing chi blocks in order to keep them still as a mouse.   Inuyasha, Hakkaku, and Ginta: Bokator vs Muay Thai vs Lethwei K-1 should be prepared to hire Inuyasha, Hakkaku, and Ginta because their respective skills in emitting Bokator’s ferociousness, Muay Thai’s lethalness, and Lethwei’s brutality promise effectiveness in their clinching, striking, and penchant for close-range combat. The fury, fortitude, and flash in their punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, headbutts, and clinches demonstrate that they mean serious business and that their opponents should be prepared for blood and carnage. Powerful clinches and lethal strikes aside, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, and Ginta would show loyalty, cooperation, and brotherhood towards each other.   There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the Splendid Seven’s platonic pairings in the form of signature martial arts sparring sessions. Once you overlook how powerful their attacks really are, their true strengths are in solidarity, genuine cooperation, and dedication. If you have a favourite platonic pairing in martial arts sparring session form, please let me know in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading.

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The Splendid Seven Favourite Platonic Pairing Survey

What is your favourite Splendid Seven platonic pairing focused on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran? A. Ayame and Shunran: Auburn-Haired Sisters for Life B. Hakkaku and Ginta: Lovably Funny Wolf Brothers C. Sesshoumaru and Shuran: Formidably Fierce Brothers D. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha: Potently Powerful Dog Yokai Brothers E. Sesshoumaru, Shuran, and Inuyasha: Brutally Strong Bro Trio F. Shuran, Hakkaku, and Ginta: Flexibly Dynamic Bro Trio G. Inuyasha, Hakkaku, and Ginta: Fearless Knockout Bro Trio

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The Splendid Seven Martial Arts Platonic Pairings

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, and fighting video game fans. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do. Today, I will be delving into my favourite platonic pairings revolving around Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran in the forms of the martial arts they spar in. Mind you, these platonic pairings are of the same gender, which means that men spar with men and women spar with women.   Barely three months ago, I made a similar entry to this. However, looking back at it, I was not completely satisfied with it, as I was relying more on nostalgia, and some of the martial arts I gave them were not as fully realised as I thought they were. Furthermore, lumping the platonic and the romantic pairings together was not really that clever. Nevertheless, I present to you my favourite Splendid Seven platonic pairings and the martial arts they do together as a means of sparring and staying fit and well for each other.   Ayame and Shunran: The Stupendous Striker Sisters Tenacity, drive, confidence, determination, dedication, cooperation, and discipline are what make a pair of gorgeous sisters such as Ayame and Shunran truly beautiful and stunning on the inside and on the outside. Overlooking how gorgeously vivacious these two auburn-haired beauties are, they also possess quickly timed strikes so fatal that they can result in an instant knockout against their opponents. Ayame has the furious fists to perfectly compliment Shunran’s fleet feet to harmonious effect. When they put their potent and agile fists, elbows, knees, shins, legs, and feet to phenomenal use, it is all over for their opponents. Kickboxing vs Capoeira Nippon Kenpo vs Shaolin Kung Fu Shorinji Kenpo vs Northern Praying Mantis Kung fu Koppojutsu vs Aikido Boxing vs Wing Chun Taido vs Ninjutsu Hapkido vs Savate   Hakkaku and Ginta: The Clinching and Striking Brothers These two wolf Yokai brothers may seem fun-loving, goofy, positively energetic, and bursting with jolly ebullience, but they should never be underestimated let alone have their jolliness be sorely mistaken for weakness. They are in possession of speedy clinches, elbow strikes, knee strikes, shin kicks, and headbutts that could do serious damage to their opponents. Considering they have found themselves competing in Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines among other countries, Hakkaku and Ginta have an unmistakable speed, ambidexterity, strength, and agility that have made them so renowned. Muay Thai vs Lethwei Pradal Serey vs Sanda Kajukenbo vs Jeet Kune Do Taekkyeon vs Eagle Claw Kung Fu Panantukan vs Pencak Silat Dambe vs Hwa Rang Do Moraingy vs Tang Soo Do   Sesshoumaru and Shuran: The Mighty Grappler Brothers The ground is not only home to Shuran when it comes to giving his opponents a good chokehold and stranglehold but also to Sesshoumaru whose grappling work is just as deadly as Shuran’s is. Leverage, joint manipulation, and body locks are the name of their games when they spar together, thus testing each others’ endurance and extent to see how far they can go in order to make their foes turn black and blue. They would even compliment each other in significant ways where Sesshoumaru’s low and slow approach to Shuran’s brutal strangulation approach can guarantee an instant lights out to their foes. Brazilian Jujitsu vs Sumo Wrestling Japanese Jujitsu vs Mongolian Wrestling Mixed Martial Arts vs Vale Tudo Shootfighting vs Sambo Judo vs Pehlwani Marine Corps Martial Arts vs Pro Wrestling Aikijutsu vs Malla-yuddha   Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha: The Karate Master Brothers From infancy to boyhood to adolescence to adulthood, these two dog Yokai brothers have been brought up on Jujitsu, Judo, Taekwondo and Karate, with the latter martial art reigning supreme. Sesshoumaru’s and Inuyasha’s father, Toga, is a master Karateka who has also been their Sensei ever since they were toddlers to the point where Karate has been their tradition. Their mastery of Kihon, Kata, and Kumite saw them grow with fortitude, honour, and brotherhood, as both of them are proud to have seen each other grow as martial artists and as people all while unleashing devastating blows against a huge crowd of opponents. Shotokan Karate vs Kyokushin Karate Motobu-Ryu Karate vs Seidokaikan Karate Goju-Ryu Karate vs Ashihara Karate Shito-Ryu Karate vs Enshin Karate Shorin-Ryu Karate vs Wado-Ryu Karate Uechi-Ryu Karate vs Gosoku-Ryu Karate Shorei-Ryu Karate vs Budokan Karate   Sesshoumaru, Shuran, and Inuyasha: The Ground and Pound Attack Bro Trio If there is one attribute that has brought Sesshoumaru, Shuran, and Inuyasha together, it has to be their love for ground and pound attacks, relentlessly brutal takedowns, and earth-shattering chokeholds of doom. The strength and leverage they possess when it comes to their takedowns make them worthy adversaries thanks to Sesshoumaru’s lethal accuracy, Shuran’s brute strength, and Inuyasha’s muscular endurance. Physical power aside, these two powerful dog Yokai warriors and mighty panther Yokai warrior bear a brotherhood rich in solidarity, interpersonal fortitude, and boundless perseverance on and off the arena. Shotokan Karate vs Japanese Jujitsu vs Judo Taekwondo vs Ssireum vs Kyokushin Karate Aikijutsu vs Sumo Wrestling vs Brazilian Jujitsu Mixed Martial Arts vs Vale Tudo vs Pankration Marine Corps Martial Arts vs Pro Wrestling vs American Kenpo Karate Shootfighting vs Sambo vs Ancient Greek Boxing Judo vs Mongolian Wrestling vs Ancient Greek Wrestling   Shuran, Hakkaku, and Ginta: The Clinching Knockout Bro Trio Shuran may be primarily a grappler, Hakkaku and Ginta may be primarily clinchers and strikers, but they can find balance and cooperation by working together so effectively in terms of combining Shuran’s strength, Hakkaku’s speed, and Ginta’s balance. As soon as Shuran’s strength is combined with Hakkaku’s speed and Ginta’s balance, they become a fearsome tank ready for the heat of battle. One favourite method they would do involves Shuran locking the opponent in a strangulating chokehold. Once accomplished, Hakkaku and Ginta would proceed to beat the opponent up with a myriad of strikes. Vale Tudo…

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The Splendid Seven’s Martial Arts Monikers

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, and fighting video game fans. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do. Today, we are delving into the nicknames that define Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran as martial artists and as individuals.   Whether one is an athlete in the Olympics or a fighter in the arena, it seems like second nature to have a moniker that appropriately and, to an extent, perfectly describes the individual and their skills. This is what also makes them stand out against their competitors and leave a hallmark based on high self-esteem and hard training. For Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran, their monikers are more than just titles, they are badges of honour that they were with pride, distinction, and reverence.   Sesshoumaru: The Lord Executioner of Death Dragons and demons better be prepared to be slain by Sesshoumaru’s punches, kicks, and grapples because he can do all of that and more, showing no mercy whatsoever. With his extensive background in Karate (Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shorei-Ryu, Motobu-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu), Jujitsu, Shootfighting, Judo, Taekwondo, Mixed Martial Arts, and Marine Corps Martial Arts, Sesshoumaru would never hesitate to serve his opponents a meal consisting of a roundhouse kick to the head, hook and cross punches to the chest and stomach, an arm bar, and a chokehold, all with a side of honour, decorum, and reverence.   Shuran: The Grappling Sasquatch of Voracity There is no wrestling ring, no MMA cage, and no underground arena potent enough to contain this hulking Panther Yokai of a fighter known as Shuran. As a professional wrestler who focuses on Pro Wrestling, Ssireum, Mongolian Wrestling, Sumo Wrestling, Malla-yuddha, Pehlwani, Sambo, and Vale Tudo, he does not hold back on his brutal grapples that leave his foes with broken bones, frightened looks, and damaged psyches. Just one bearhug and stranglehold from Shuran complete with ground and pound attacks, knee strikes, and one a huge palm strike to the face and it is all over before his opponents know it.   Inuyasha: The Psycho Bludgeoner of Bloodshed As fighters can already see, Inuyasha is known for his powerful blows and takedowns that make mortal men weak in the knees. His expertise in Full Contact Karate (Kyokushin, Seidokaikan, Wado-Ryu, Ashihara, Budokan, Enshin, and Gosoku-Ryu), American Kenpo Karate, Pankration, Ancient Greek Wrestling, Ancient Greek Boxing, Bokator, and Kapu Kuialua all denote his euphoric ecstasy in getting close to his opponents with a scary grin, raining a series of uppercuts, Superman punches, and axe kicks, then finishing his opponents off with a double axe handle and a piledriver that could permanently hospitalise them.   Hakkaku: The Charging Bullet of Ferocity With his knees of steel, shins of iron, elbows of stone, and will of platinum, Hakkaku springs into action to launch a series of strikes and clinches to paralyse his foes inside and out. His striking and clinching are evident in his boundless penchant for Muay Thai, Pradal Serey, Kajukenbo, Panantukan, Dambe, Moraingy, and Taekkyeon, which he does with passion, drive, and determination. Hakkaku would unleash a cavalcade of knee strikes, elbow strikes, shin kicks, punches, and kicks in order to make his opponents fall like banana trees.   Ginta: The Speeding Acid Rain of Chaos Speed, agility, endurance, and quick reflexes are the hallmarks of Ginta’s capabilities as a warrior who never quits even when the chips are all down. His rapid speed is incredibly evident in his skills in Lethwei, Sanda, Jeet Kune Do, Pencak Silat, Hwa Rang Do, Tang Soo Do, and Eagle Claw Kung Fu to the point where he uses his fists, feet, elbows, knees, shins, and even head to do his foes in. He would do this by unleashing a powerful flying kick to the head and proceed to whale it on them with elbow strikes, knee strikes, and shin kicks before culminating it all with one potent headbutt to make his opponent fall.   Ayame: The Tiger Queen of Furious Fists Mighty fists of iron, a steely will, Herculean strength, Mercurial speed, and bundles of confidence do not even begin to illustrate how much of a figurative and literal powerhouse Ayame really is. With her unparalleled prowess in Dutch, American, and Japanese-Style Kickboxing, Savate, Boxing, Koppojutsu, Hapkido, Nippon Kenpo, Shorinji Kenpo, Taido, Aikido, and Krav Maga, she never misses an opportunity to rain blows on perpetrators. She could very well attack her opponent with a rainstorm of jabs, uppercuts, hooks, cross punches, leopard blows, and spinning backfists and emerge as the victor to high acclaim.   Shunran: The Fiery Angel of Tricking Treats Tricking, kicking, flipping, leaping, striking, and flying through the air with the greatest of ease is Shunran whose physical flexibility and ambidexterity are nothing short of miraculously phenomenal. Her experience in Capoeira, Shaolin Kung Fu, Ninjutsu, Wing Chun, Savate, Koppojutsu, Systema, Wushu, Baguazhang, and Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu demonstrate her prodigious speed and accurate timing. This is demonstrated when she launches her flip kicks, spinning hook kicks, butterfly kicks, spinning back kicks, split kicks, backfists, and knife hands against her opponent, all while performing dance-like gymnastics.   With monikers that define The Splendid Seven in terms of martial arts skills and personalities, they are a definite shoe-in for emitting honour to themselves, their families, their mentors, and their martial arts institutes. Enemies better beware when these seven powerful Yokai martial artists are on the prowl because they wear their monikers with pride, dignity, and integrity.   If you agree with Sesshoumaru’s, Shuran’s, Inuyasha’s, Hakkaku’s, Ginta’s, Ayame’s, and Shunran’s monikers, please let me know in the comments below. Stay fit and kick butt, everybody.

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The Splendid Seven’s Finishing Combo Attacks

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees, martial arts aficionados, and fighting video game fans. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do. Today, I will be delving into The Splendid Seven’s finishing attack combos which can leave their opponents thoroughly lacerated, brutally injured, and pale with a near-death experience they would have had.   Do you enjoy the thrill of pressing the chosen buttons on your joystick while playing your most favourite fighting video game in the whole world and seeing characters just completely whale it out on their opponents with their finishing moves? If your answer is yes, then you have come to the right place. Whether you are familiar with Tekken’s Rage Art and Rage Drives or Street Fighter’s Ultra Combos, you will automatically recognise that these attacks are no joke. They can leave foes with a quick knock out and an instant victory to the attacker who does this. Now, it is time for Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran to unleash their finishing combo attacks which would not only leave their foes and opponents writhing in a world of pain but will make them realise that these lethal, powerful, and ferocious Yokai martial artists are never to be messed with. Moreover, their finishing combo attacks promise extremely high degrees of collateral damage and boundless pain.   Sesshoumaru: Rampaging Kraken Typhoon Sesshoumaru starts in his Shotokan Karate stance, pulls his left fist back but keeps his right fist forward, all while an aura charged by a mighty wind surrounds him. He lunges a series of front punches, cross punches, jabs, and gut punches. He then launches a powerful spinning roundhouse kick to the opponent’s head and takes them down with a twisting arm bar.   Shuran: Stampeding Mammoth Volcano Shuran begins in his powerful Sumo wrestling stance, fists by his sides and his aura charged by lightning and thunder. He charges to his opponent with an overpowering tackle plus a knee strike to the gut, throws a series of hammer fists to their head, lifts them up, launches a painful bearhug, and drops them savagely to the ground.   Inuyasha: Punishing Dragon Meteorite Inuyasha powers up in his Kyokushin Karate bow, gets into his stance, and pulls his fists back with his aura charged by fire. He speeds towards his opponent with a huge Superman punch plus a flurry of jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. He lands a double axe handle and an axe kick to the head before giving them a piledriver and a neckbreaker.   Hakkaku: Devouring Crocodile Cyclone Hakkaku commences in his Muay Thai stance, places both fists in front of him, raises his right leg up, and has an aura charged by metal formations. He advances towards his opponent with a clinch, which is followed by a flurry of shin kicks, front punches, an uppercut to the face, and a massive elbow strike to the head.   Ginta: Wailing Orangutan Monsoon Ginta propels the action in his Lethwei stance, places both fists in front of him, puts his right foot forward, and bears an aura charged by a gushing waterfall. He sprints to his opponent with a clinch, lands a barrage of jabs to the face, low kicks to the legs, and one massive headbutt to finish it all.   Ayame: Pouncing Lion Earthquake Ayame jettisons her combo attack in her Dutch Kickboxing stance, pulls her left fist back, keeps her right fist straight for the aim, and an aura charged by rumbling rock formations pervade her. She launches a stampede of uppercuts, jabs, hooks, and cross punches, and ends things with a spinning back fist to the nose and a foot sweep to knock her opponent cold.   Shunran: Charging Condor Tornado Shunran initiates her combo attack in her Capoeira stance, complete with her right leg bent, left leg stretched, right arm arched to her face, and left arm extended, as an aura charged by cherry blossoms encircles her. She leaps to her opponent with butterfly kicks, flying kicks, spinning kicks, cartwheel kicks, and an incisive knife hand to the face to make them fall.   There you have it, martial arts aficionados, The Splendid Seven’s finishing combo attacks. I hope you all enjoyed this, and I would love to know which ones you like, if you agree with these attack combo moves or if you think something could be tweaked up a bit. Please let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading.

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The Splendid Seven’s Martial Arts Types

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees and martial arts aficionados. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do. This time, I will be delving into what type of martial artists each member of The Splendid Seven is based on their fighting styles as well as their personalities.   On a general level, each of these Yokai martial artists has something special in not only the attacking moves that they have against their opponents but also what they are defined by. This is also evident in showing that Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran are not the carbon-copy fighters defined by their moves but by their personalities and the diligence, hard work, intense training they have done, and focus they have placed in their chosen martial arts. If it were not already clear, Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran make martial arts a way of life full of honour, respect, cooperation, and discipline.   Sesshoumaru is the old-school traditional martial artist embracing historical tradition, boundless discipline, military precision, and sharp focus, given that he is a Karateka with special foci on Shotokan, Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shorei-Ryu, Motobu-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu as well as a Jujutsuka and a Judoka. Because he is a specialist in Karate, Jujitsu, and Judo, he is also aware of their respective histories, does his very best to never forget his Japanese roots, and, most of all, honour the importance of tradition and discipline in and out of the dojo. He even implements Kata when he does Taekwondo from Korea, Mixed Martial Arts and Marine Corps Martial Arts from the USA, and Shootfighting also from Japan, thus demonstrating that he is also adept at various martial arts with the hawk’s focused eye, a soldier’s military precision, and a pure saint’s patience. In fact, both the American and Japanese armies laud Sesshoumaru for combining tact with brutal punches, kicks, and grapples that leave his foes writhing in pain and terror. Acquiring acclaim as a warrior aside, Sesshoumaru despises showing off because it is a sign of shallowness and dishonour. He defines the martial arts as a journey to balance, self-respect, and honour.   Shuran is the large-and-in-charge showman thoroughly taking advantage of Professional Wrestling’s grand bravado and larger than life matches. Whether he finds himself in his native Japan, The United States of America, The United Kingdom or Mexico, audiences would definitely tune into Shuran obliterating his enemies thanks to his background in not only Pro Wrestling but also Ssireum, Mongolian Wrestling, Sumo Wrestling, Malla-yuddha, Pehlwani, Sambo, and Vale Tudo. Furthermore, Shuran does not just limit himself to fighting in Pro Wrestling arenas, but viewers would also find him competing in Vale Tudo cage matches, underground tournaments, Sambo gyms, and even outdoor arenas in order for the grapplers and the spectators to breathe in some good fresh air from nature. What makes Shuran popular among Pro Wrestling, Sambo, and Vale Tudo circles is not only his devastatingly brutal moves but also his majestically towering size, driven champion mindset, and high levels of endurance. Behind the scenes, Shuran would never be the type of person to chase fame and fortune but pursue grappling martial arts because he is passionate about them, practices them everyday, and has his family to thank for being supportive of his endeavours.   Inuyasha is the fiercely dangerous man of action mixing historical tradition and modern innovation with bloodily brutal takedowns in one lethal package. Just like his older brother Sesshoumaru, he has an extensive background in Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, and Judo. He may be a Karateka with specific foci on Kyokushin, Seidokaikan, Wado-Ryu, Ashihara, Budokan, Enshin, and Gosoku-Ryu, but he also loves American Kenpo Karate, Pankration, Ancient Greek Wrestling, Ancient Greek Boxing, Bokator, and Kapu Kuialua. Inuyasha’s fearsome fierceness is what propels him to revel in close contact combat and give his opponents the punishing flurry of beatings they deserve. Yes, there would also be a lot of blood being spewed onto Inuyasha, but he looks at his opponents’ blood on himself as a badge of honour and victory that he has worked hard to attain whether in the 100-Man Kumite or, his personal favourite, K-1 Kickboxing Tournaments. Therefore, opponents better defend themselves when Inuyasha gets close to them with a scary grin on his face and a haunting chuckle because he could ruthlessly beat them up to a bloody pulp. Inuyasha is not one to slack off as a powerful combatant because he loves facing new challenges bravely.   Hakkaku is the excitably reverent warrior ingraining himself in great sportsmanship, deep reverence to sovereigns before battle, and willingness to remain at his top game regardless of whatever situation he gets himself in. As Hakkaku is a specialist in Muay Thai, Pradal Serey, Kajukenbo, Panantukan, Dambe, Moraingy, and Taekkyeon, he is always looking forward to fight opponents who are stronger, faster, and more skilled than him because new challenges always excite him. There are occasions where he does feel scared of whatever new experiences may come his way, but that never stops him from doing his very best. Hakkaku does everything he can to perfect his punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes, shin kicks, leg kicks, foot kicks, and headbutts, for he knows that slacking off can only lead to an easy loss. His work ethic in improving and growing as a fighter is also evident in how he never takes triumphs and/or losses for granted, as they are experiences that him learn a lot more about himself and accept plus address what he needs to change in order to keep on growing. This also means that there are two sides of Hakkaku in which his fighter side is speedy and formidable, while his normal self is enthusiastic and good-willed towards his opponents.   Ginta is the lovably adorable pretty boy thanks to his cute dimples endeavouring to play fair, have a great attitude, and constantly show grace in…

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The Splendid Seven’s Radical Martial Arts Moves

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees and martial arts aficionados. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do because they work wonderfully effective together. The fact remains that, although Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran are strong fighters on their own, they work outstandingly well together when it comes to giving their foes a barrage of explosive blows as well as maintaining a sense of honour, dedication, cooperation, and brother- and sisterhood. Therefore, The Splendid Seven live, breathe, and thrive on the martial arts as their way of life.   Coming from somebody who has been playing fighting games as a young lad, watches let’s plays revolving around fighting games on YouTube, and watches a bevy of martial arts documentaries, I have also conducted research on various fighting game characters in terms of moves and attacks. I did this as a means to implement what specific punch, kick, and/or grapple Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran have up their sleeves. Trust me when I say that what these seven Yokai martial artists do is neither a joke nor a game nor anything to try at home unless with parental consent or proper training. In essence, Sesshoumaru’s and Inuyasha’s strikes, grapples, and clinches could be potentially fatal if neither careful nor well-prepared, Shuran’s grapples can cause bodily trauma, Hakkaku’s and Ginta’s strikes and clinches can cause nerve damage, Ayame’s strikes can cause broken bones and concussions galore, and Shunran’s strikes can cause unconsciousness. Trying to pick fights with them and, worst of all, inciting any form of violence against them as a family plus their families as a whole are akin to demanding for a quick and speedy death sentence, so I would never recommend picking a fight with Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran if I were you.   With that said, let us delve in to what I believe are their most powerful and most effective moves in the martial arts. As a reminder, I will also put in their signature martial arts in order to formulate their most powerful attacks they would launch against their enemies. Hajime!   Sesshoumaru’s deadly accuracy and strength in the strikes and blows of Karate (Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shorei-Ryu, Motobu-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu); Taekwondo’s speed; Brazilian Jujitsu’s, Japanese Jujitsu’s, and Judo’s tackles, grapples, and takedowns, Mixed Martial Arts’ brutality, and Marine Corps Martial Arts’ military precision offer his foes a bitter taste of pain and punishment. This is evidenced in his following signature moves that promise clean attacks, precise timing, and boundless power. Rumbling Mastodon Hook Punch Furious Sabre-Toothed Tiger Spinning Reverse Punch Raging Tyrannosaurus Front Punch Fierce Triceratops Roundhouse Kick Punishing Stegosaurus Roundhouse Kick Seismic Brontosaurus Guillotine Choke Fast Pterodactyl Foot Sweeps   Shuran’s grappling abilities in British, American, Japanese, and Mexican Professional Wrestling, Mongolian Wrestling, Ssireum, Pehlwani, Sumo, and Malla-yuddha plus his brutal ground and pound attacks in Sambo and Vale Tudo all mean serious business when he launches these attacks against his opponents. They would find themselves badly bruised and choked out of their lives when he launches his attacks he has in store for them, which take advantage of unrelenting leverage and brute strength. Explosive Elephant Body Slam Freezing Snow Yeti Bearhug Stampeding Rhinoceros Hammer Fists Olympian Sasquatch Ground and Pound Quaking Tapir Leg Strike Raising Wild Boar Boston Crab Majestic Gorilla Full Nelson   Inuyasha’s combat versatility in the strikes and blows in Karate (Kyokushin, Seidokaikan, Wado-Ryu, Ashihara, Budokan, Enshin, and Gosoku-Ryu), American Kenpo Karate’s boundless array of powerful blows, Pankration’s formidability in brutal takedowns and grapples, Ancient Greek Wrestling’s might, Ancient Greek Boxing’s ruthlessness, Bokator’s explosion, and Kapu Kuialua’s fury demonstrate his penchant for full close contact combat. Thus, Inuyasha’s moves against his opponents promise indubitably bloody defeats. Rising Hydra Uppercut Punch Mighty Nemean Lion Superman Punch Rampaging Minotaur Liver Punches Charging Cretan Bull Double Axe Handle Flashing Pegasus Axe Kick Fiery Chimaera Spinning Back Kick Ferocious Kraken Piledriver   Hakkaku’s fists, feet, shins, knees, elbows, and head are put to lethal yet phenomenal use in Muay Thai, Pradal Serey, Kajukenbo, Panantukan, Dambe, Moraingy, and Taekkyeon, for he revels in striking and clinching attacks. Whenever Hakkaku launches his attacks rich in striking and clinching regardless of distance, he ensures proper timing combined with speedy fatal blows as well as full contact towards his foes. Therefore, he shows a surprising amount of tact when it comes to entrapping his foes with his fast and sharp blows. Voracious Crocodile Swing Punch Hungry Alligator Overhand Punch Poisonous Komodo Dragon Shin Kick Vicious Viper Knee Strike Venomous King Cobra Elbow Strike Snapping Boa Constrictor Low Kick Lunging Anaconda Headbutt   Ginta’s unstoppable brand of propelling his fists, feet, shins, knees, elbows, and head is what makes him thrive so exceptionally in Lethwei, Sanda, Jeet Kune Do, Pencak Silat, Hwa Rang Do, Tang Soo Do, and Eagle Claw Kung Fu. His striking and clinching attacks combine surprising his foes, quick reflexes, and relentless stamina in order to be consistently ahead of the game every single time. Even more evident is high degree of sportsmanship and dedication when going all in with his clinching and striking moves. Screaming Mandrill Haymaker Punch Jumping Baboon Crescent Kick Howling Chimpanzee Chain Punch Leaping Lemur Flying Knee Strike Sprinting Spider Monkey Shin Kick Rambunctious Orangutan Lunge Punch Gliding Tarsier Elbow Strike   Ayame’s devastatingly phenomenal and terrifyingly astounding leverage of her fists and feet make her blows in Dutch, American, and Japanese Kickboxing as well as Savate brutally explosive and full of stamina. Furthermore, the same use of her punches, kicks, and grapples are evident in Boxing, Koppojutsu, Nippon Kenpo, Shorinji Kenpo, Hapkido, Taido, Aikido, and Krav Maga. Every strike she commits towards would leave her opponents writhing in pain as well as praying for quick repose from all the excruciation they found themselves in. Royal Tiger Casting Punch Bellowing Lion Jabs Roaring Leopard Blows Devouring Jaguar Shovel…

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The Splendid Seven’s Martial Arts Lineup

Greetings, Splendid Seven devotees and martial arts aficionados. Antoni here with another written entry focusing on Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialising in the martial arts they do because they work wonderfully effective together in various situations from martial arts tournaments to defeating villains to stopping crime to making the martial arts their way of life not only as a team of powerful Yokai warriors but also as a strong, united family.   If you recalled from yesterday, I made some tweaks of the martial arts Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran specialise in with a few guest appearances from some of their fighting game mentors. Think of this as a more abridged and truncated entry that has the gist of what these seven powerful Yokai warriors specialise in terms of fighting styles. With that said, let’s kick some opponent butt right now.   Sesshoumaru is a specialist in clean and precise attacks, brutal takedowns, military-like strategies, and a whole lot of honour, decorum, and discipline as a striker, grappler, and clincher in the following martial arts. Karate (Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shorei-Ryu, Motobu-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu) Japanese Jujitsu Brazilian Jujitsu Judo Taekwondo Mixed Martial Arts Marine Corps Martial Arts   Shuran is brute strength incarnate thanks to his use of leverage on his opponents’ bodies and using groundwork to defeat them in the most exceedingly brutal fashion possible as a mighty grappler in the following martial arts. Professional Wrestling (American, Mexican, and British) Vale Tudo Sambo Mongolian Wrestling Ssireum Pehlwani Malla-yuddha   Inuyasha is known to be a dangerously ruthless combatant because of his penchant for close contact combat, powerfully explosive blows, and boundless strength, power, and stamina as a striker, grappler, and clincher as well as an overall warrior in the following martial arts. Karate (Kyokushin, Seidokaikan, Wado-Ryu, Ashihara, Budokan, Enshin, and Gosoku-Ryu) American Kenpo Karate Pankration Ancient Greek Boxing Ancient Greek Wrestling Bokator Kapu Kuialua   Hakkaku has boundless perseverance regardless of the many occasions he gets knocked down thanks to how his iron will fuel his all of his strikes and clinches while maintaining great sportsmanship in the following martial arts. Muay Thai Pradal Serey Kajukenbo Panantukan Dambe Moraingy Taekkyeon   Ginta has all the charm and lovability in the world that make him an infectious cavalier thanks to his pretty boy appeal, but his penchant for striking and clinching should never be taken for granted in the following martial arts. Lethwei Sanda Jeet Kune Do Pencak Silat Hwa Rang Do Tang Soo Do Eagle Claw Kung Fu   Ayame bears the fierce iron fists of fury that can make every explosive blow cause major damage to her opponents as well as the fleet feet of lightning which demonstrates how effectively she can combine rapid speed and brute strength in the following martial arts. Kickboxing (Dutch, American, and Japanese) Koppojutsu Nippon Kenpo Boxing Hapkido Taido Krav Maga   Shunran bears exciting amounts of agility, flexibility, and rapidness coupled with her resourcefulness and conscientiousness of her surroundings and who she is up against thanks to her fleet feet and grand repertoire of striking in the following martial arts. Capoeira Aikido Shaolin Kung Fu Systema Ninjutsu Wushu Baguazhang   There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, The Splendid Seven’s martial arts lineup tweaked up, especially based on the fighting game mentors I gave them. It seems slightly more realistic. If you love this martial arts lineup I have in store for Sesshoumaru, Shuran, Inuyasha, Hakkaku, Ginta, Ayame, and Shunran or if you have any other suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading, everybody.

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