Ryusokyaku

The Ryusokyaku (竜爪脚, Ryūsōkyaku^?, "Dragon Claw Leg"), commonly called the Axe Kick, is one of Evil Ryu's special attacks, introduced in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. It makes a reappearance in Kage's arsenal in Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, and is also one of Seth's Install Arts in Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.

Input

Evil Ryu and Kage	+
Seth	+ (After hitting Tanden Install)

Description[]

Executed by performing a half-circle forward motion and pressing kick, Evil Ryu or Kage lifts his leg high up and then brings it crashing down in an arcing motion. The move has different properties depending on the kick button pressed; Light Kick starts the fastest but has the most recovery time, whereas Medium Kick is slower to start but faster to recover. Heavy Kick is slowest to start but is a knockdown on hit, while the EX Special version is an overhead Knockdown.

The attack has limited reach, but the hitbox during the arc makes the attack useful for evading and then punishing attempted jabs and shorts. The attack is therefore useful in a frame trap.

In Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, the Light version of the move is unsafe on block, but can be cancelled from a Crouching Medium Kick. The Medium version can make some of his Heavy normals safe as a true block string. While it does not result in a knockdown, Kage is in range for a throw mix-up if the Medium version hits the opponent. The Heavy version has a lot of startup, but is +3 on block (+4 when spaced). This allows Kage to maintain pressure with his 4-frame normals or throws to keep them off-balanced. The EX version hits as an overhead. While this version is unsafe on block, it is an excellent way to surprise the opponent and secure the round when they are low on health.

In Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, Seth gains access to the Ryusokyaku after landing a successful Tanden Install on Kage. Executed by pressing Medium Punch and Medium Kick simultaneously, Seth glows yellow, lifts his leg high up and then brings it crashing down in an arcing motion.

Seth's version of Ryusokyaku operates similarly to Kage's Heavy Punch version, as it leaves the opponent standing on hit, has slow startup and is plus on block. However, Seth's version has greater range as well as faster startup than Kage's by about 4 frames (although it is still slower than Kage's Medium or Light Punch variations), and 1 less frame of advantage on hit and block. It also more damage than any of Kage's meterless versions of the move.

Like Kage, Seth can use the Ryusokyaku to maintain pressure with his 4-frame normals or throws to keep them off-balanced. On hit, Seth can link into any his of his Light normals to keep the combo going, or he can instead link into Light Punch Hecatoncheires for extra damage. Alternatively, he can link into Light Punch or EX Mad Cradle to knock the opponent down and ensure a mix-up. If Seth has sufficient meter, the Ryusokyaku can be cancelled into his Critical Art, Tanden Destruction.

While Seth's first V-Trigger, Tanden Ignition, is active, he can cancel Ryusokyaku into Titanomachy by pressing Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick simultaneously after the projectile collides with the opponent.

Gallery[]

Screenshots[]

A screenshot of the Ryusokyaku about to strike Akuma...

...Whose Super Armor is broken by the attack.

Gif Animations[]

Evil Ryu's Light, Medium, Heavy, and EX Ryusokyaku.

Kage's Light, Medium, Heavy, and EX Ryusokyaku.

Seth's Ryusokyaku in Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.

Trivia[]

• Seth's version of Ryusokyaku did not receive the frame data changes that Kage's did in the Season 5 patches.