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Articles about Ryu (Street Fighter)
Games Street FighterEvil RyuMarvel vs. CapcomAsura's WrathPower Rangers
Comics Udon Comics

RyuVRender
The answer lies in the heart of battle.
~ Ryu

Sfa3ryunewrendervsbw
Whether we win or lose, all of our battles make us stronger!
~ Ryu in Street Fighter Alpha 3

Ryusf6
It's too soon for praise. You and I still have a long way to go.
~ Ryu to the Player

SatsuiNoHadoRyu
Is this... my true nature? The power is building within. It wants me to destroy everything!
~ Ryu unleashing the Satsui No Hado in Street Fighter Alpha 3

MuNoKenRyu
This power is not to defeat. This is the power to push forward!
~ Ryu to M. Bison in Street Fighter V

Summary

The lead character of the Street Fighter franchise and a fighting game character, Ryu is a stoic Japanese martial artist who wanders the globe seeking the meaning of being a "true warrior". He can be recognized by his sleeveless white karate gi and a red or white hachimaki/headband depending on the game. He trained alongside his friendly rival Ken under their mutual master Gouken and was the victor of the first Street Fighter tournament. His encounter with his master's nemesis Akuma during the Street Fighter Alpha sub-series awoke the untapped Satsui no Hadou or "murderous intent" within him although this power was eventually overwhelmed in Street Fighter V, when he mastered the Power of Nothingness, a source of higher power arising from a state of consciousness in which the mind is free from thoughts and emotions. In Street Fighter III, he continues to travel the world in search of strong opponents.

Powers and Stats

Tier: At most 9-A. High 7-A with the Satsui no Hado | At most 9-A. At least 8-B via Awakened Power. High 7-A with the Satsui no Hado | High 7-A, higher with the Power of Nothingness

Key: SFI-Alpha 3 | SFII-IV | SFV-VI

Name: Ryu

Origin: Street Fighter

Gender: Male

Age: In his late 20s in Street Fighter I, in his 30s from Street Fighter II onwards

Classification: Human, Martial Artist

Powers and Abilities:

Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Master of Shotokan Karate and Ansatsuken, Acrobatics, Chi Manipulation and Projection, Fire Manipulation (Via Shakunetsu Hadoken), Air Manipulation and Restricted Flight (Via Shinku Tatsumaki Senpukyaku), Status Effect Inducement (By hitting the opponent repeteadly, without them being able to recover, he can cause them to enter the "Stun" status, which leaves them unable to react), Rage Power (Rage allows him to unleash the Satsui no Hado, greatly increasing his power but losing control), Multiple Selves (Type 1; Evil Ryu has been raging in his mind[1] since he awakened the Satsui no Hado), Resistance to Mind Manipulation (His mind was stated to be strong enough to resist[2] being brainwashed), limited Resistance to Corruption (Can resist the Satsui no Hado trying to take him over, even controlling[3] it once[4], but often needs help to recover his sanity) and Precognition (Reading the future of fighters such as him is difficult, because they always fight[5] against it)

Same as before to a greater extent, Damage Boost (Can perform enhanced versions of his Special Attacks), further Status Effect Inducement (His Focus Attack causes the opponent to enter a "crumpling" status), Power Nullification (Via Hanagashi. His Hadoken can extinguish flames[6] completely, and the same has been done[7] by his future self), Enhanced Senses (Sensed[8] C. Viper ambushing him behind a door), likely Extrasensory Perception (Should be able to sense chi, just like other expert chi users), Temperature Manipulation (Used his chi to burn Seth's wrist[8] and incinerate one of the latter's clones[9]), further Air Manipulation (Can generate tornadoes[10] with his Shoryuken), Awakened Power (During his fight against Seth, he could briefly tap into the Power of Nothingness[8] out of sheer determination), possibly Resistance to Sealing (Despite Gouken having sealed off his Satsui no Hado[11], it manifested again some time after). The Satsui no Hado grants him Resistance to Electricity Manipulation (Unaffected by C. Viper's electricity, which could hurt his normal self[8])

Same as before to an even greater extent with the exception of everything related to the Satsui no Hado. Electricity Manipulation and further Damage Boost (Via Denjin Renki and Denjin Charge), further minor Power Nullification (Via Mind's Eye and Thrust Strike), possibly Multiple Selves (Type 1; His Satsui no Hado gained consciousness and turned into Kage, but he may have disappeared[12] after fighting Ryu), further Chi Manipulation (Can now unleash a dragon-shaped[13] chi blast from his fist), Enhanced Extrasensory Perception (Can sense spirits,[14] such as Lily's), Empowerment (Shin Shoryuken turns into a stronger move when Ryu is at low health); The Power of Nothingness grants him limited Intangibility (His attacks phase through those[7] Ryu doesn't want[7] to hurt), possibly limited Deconstruction (Caused M. Bison to crack apart and dissolve[7] into energy particles), Resistance to Corruption (Subdued[7] the Satsui no Hado once and for all. Kage couldn't convince him to embrace it again) and Soul Manipulation (Necalli couldn't devour[7] Ryu's soul like he did to others)

Attack Potency: At most Small Building level+ (Matched Sagat in the first tournament and established himself as his rival across the Alpha series. A replica of Ryu's Alpha-self was the only opponent who gave troubles[15] to Alex when he was kidnapped by Shadaloo. Equal to Ken Masters). Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado (Defeated[3] Alpha 3 M. Bison in a single hit[4]. The latter used Ryu's Satsui no Hado[16] to destroy Bangkok in an alternate ending) | At most Small Building level+ (Became significantly stronger than before). At least City Block level via Awakened Power (Briefly tapping into the Power of Nothingness was enough to overwhelm and incapacitate[8] Seth). Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado | Large Mountain level, higher with the Power of Nothingness (Improved even more, to the point that Alex couldn't counter even one of his blows[17]. Was able to fight[7] against Torrent of Power Necalli, before finishing him[7] in a single blow after unleashing the Power of Nothingness, which also allowed him to defeat[7] a weakened SFV M. Bison)

Speed: High Hypersonic Travel and Combat Speed (Kept up with Sagat in SF and matched him in SFA). At least High Hypersonic Travel Speed, Massively Hypersonic+ Combat Speed (Swifter than Alpha 3 M. Bison) with the Satsui no Hado | High Hypersonic Travel and Combat Speed (Much faster than before), higher via Awakened Power. At least High Hypersonic Travel Speed, Massively Hypersonic+ Combat Speed with the Satsui no Hado | At least High Hypersonic Travel Speed, Massively Hypersonic+ Combat Speed, higher with the Power of Nothingness (Kept up with Torrent of Power Necalli and a weakened SFV M. Bison)

Lifting Strength: Class M (At least comparable, if not superior, to Zangief, as higher levels of ki are equivalent[18] to higher muscle power), Class M with the Satsui no Hado (At least comparable to his future SFV self) | Class M (Stronger than before), higher via Awakened Power, Class M with the Satsui no Hado | Class M, higher with the Power of Nothingness (Much more powerful than before. Lifted a large boulder[19] above his head for a prolonged period of time as part of his training)

Striking Strength: At most Small Building level+. Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado (A single punch was enough to obliterate Alpha 3 M. Bison. The same energy used to destroy Bangkok can be applied to his physical blows, due to both being powered by his ki) | At most Small Building level+. At least City Block level via Awakened Power (The same energy used to fire the Hadoken that defeated Seth can be transfered to Ryu's physical attacks). Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado | Large Mountain level, higher with the Power of Nothingness

Durability: At most Small Building level+ (Withstood Alex's blows). Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado (The "Surge of Murderous Intent" grants him a durability comparable to his attack potency) | At most Small Building level+ (More durable than before). At least City Block level via Awakened Power (Ryu can use same power that defeated Seth to enhance his physical durability). Large Mountain level with the Satsui no Hado | Large Mountain level, higher with the Power of Nothingness (Took hits from Torrent of Power Necalli. The enhancements granted by the Power of Nothingness are comparable to those given by the Satsui no Hado. Took blows from a weakened SFV M. Bison and endured his Psycho Inferno[7])

Stamina: Superhuman (Constantly travels the world on foot and rarely resorts to using vehicles. Performs regular training to strengthen both his body and mind. Endured being electrocuted[8] by C. Viper. Would have been the only person to resist[2] M. Bison's torture and brainwashing for so long), higher with the Satsui no Hado and the Power of Nothingness (They naturally enhance his stamina. While on the brink of defeat, the Satsui no Hado returned him enough energy to fight back Sagat and M. Bison)

Range: Standard Melee Range, Several Meters with projectiles (From SFI to SFII), Tens of Meters with projectiles (SFIV onwards. Fired a Hadoken through the entirety of a large waterfall[20])

Standard Equipment: Fighting gloves and a long red headband.

Intelligence: Gifted (Ryu is an extraordinarily talented martial artist, being singled out by Akuma as a worthy foe and by M. Bison as a strong vessel to seize as his own. Has completely mastered Ansatsuken and always learns techniques from other styles[21], adding his own innovations to them. His style of fighting designates him as an "All-Rounder", a jack-of-all-trades who is not lacking in any one area, with his specialty being a very strong defense and an optimal usege of projectiles. As a result, Ryu is a flexible fighter, with an unbreakable spirit and a mind that is completely calm in battle[7]. This attitude allows him to stay focused during a fight, read[22] his adversaries, learn[23] from them, take advantage of their mistakes and analyze their style. A good fight can rile him as he enjoys facing a worthy opponent. His complete dedication to the battle brought him to travel all around the world, on a path of constant improvement and to battle all kind of opponents and fighting styles. While not academically educated in a conventional way, Ryu was taught much by his master Gouken and his flaws are only due to his disattachment and uninterest in society and modernities. Ryu also expands his knowledge on his own, absorbing things as he travels and meets new people. He is quite good at cooking, is deeply interested in cultural and historical aspects of the countries he visits, has rudiments of many languages and has performed a variety of jobs and gigs, most notably solving local crises[24])

Weaknesses: Ryu can lose his calm sometimes, especially when unleashing the Satsui no Hado, which turns him into a berserker blinded by rage. He believes in showing true mercy to his opponents, and does not believe in killing his opponent. He is also afraid of spiders (he once woke up with one in his mouth).

Note: Although SFIII Ryu seemingly struggled to lift a large boulder, the context of the scene implies he had been doing it for a prolonged time as part of his training, which could have undermined his stamina and made it difficult to keep the boulder above his head after awhile.

Notable Attacks/Techniques:

  • Collarbone Breaker: Ryu draws his fist back over his shoulder and thrusts it forward and down, hitting the opponent's collarbone.
  • Solar Plexus Strike: Ryu slides forward and hits the opponent in the stomach with a body blow punch that hits twice.
  • Axe Kick: Ryu delivers an upward kick, then brings his foot down, hitting the opponent a second time with the heel.
  • Jodan Nirengaki: Ryu punches his opponent and follows up with a kick, causing them to spin in midair.
  • Jodan Sanengeki: Ryu punches his opponent twice and follows up with a kick that opponent launches them.
  • Short Uppercut: A tame uppercut meant to open the way to other techniques.
  • Whirlwind Kick: A leaping roundhouse kick.
  • Fuwa Triple Strike: A combo consisting of a jab, a low kick to the ankles and a spinning roundhouse kick.
  • Chest Strike: Ryu parries an incoming attack and counters with an elbow to the chest.
  • Focus Attack/Kaze no Kobushi ("Fist of the Wind"): A heavy move that grants Ryu an augmented defense during the execution and, if it lands, causes the opponent to crumple.

  • Shoulder Throw: Ryu grabs his opponent and pulls them over his shoulder, causing them to land on their back. Ryu can also perform this move in the air.
  • Somersault Throw: Ryu grabs his opponent, and falls in backwards roll, planting a foot on the opponent and applying pressure, causing them to flip back and crash on ground.

  • Hadouken ("Surge Fist" or "Wave Motion Fist"): A Chi-based wave of energy that travels towards the opponent. The EX version of this projectile is bigger and stronger. It can also be projected as a beam.
  • Shakunetsu Hadoken ("Scorching Heat Surge Fist"): A Hadoken which is imbued with the power of fire.
  • Shoryuken ("Rising Dragon Fist"): A strong jumping uppercut. The EX version consists in a first punch in the midsection, followed by a stronger jumping uppercut.
  • Tatsumaki Senpukyaku ("Tornado Whirlwind Leg"): Ryu jumps and performs a powerful spinning kick. The EX version consists in Ryu spinning faster on itself without moving, hitting the opponent multiple times. This move can also be performed while in the air, to strike the opponent while descending.
  • Joudan Sokutogeri ("High-Level Foot Edge Kick"): A powerful forward-stepping side kick that sends the enemy flying. The EX version is more powerful, and can cause the enemy to bounce on a wall, giving Ryu the chance to hit them again.
  • Hashogeki ("Wave Palm Attack"): Ryu concentrates ki into his palms and drives them into the opponent's midsection. The EX version is stronger.
  • Denjin Charge: Ryu envelops his fists with the Power of Nothingness, bestowing electrical properties into special techniques such as Hadoken, Hashogeki and their super variants.
  • Hanagashi ("Leaf Flowing"): Ryu assumes a guarding pose that cancels out an opponent's attack.
    • Tesshin ("Piercing Heart"): A strong punch that Ryu can deliver immediately the Hanagashi if it doesn't block any attack.
    • Isshin ("One Mind") If Ryu successfully blocks an incoming attack, he can reply with a powerful punch, knocking down the opponent.

  • Shinku Tatsumaki Senpukyaku ("Vacuum/True Void Tornado Whirlwind Legged Beast"): Ryu performs a stationary Tatsumaki that has a vacuum effect, as its name indicates, and can hit the opponent multiple times.
  • Shinku Tatsumaki Senpukyaku
    • Metsu Hadoken ("Destroying Surge Fist"): Using the energy of the Satsui no Hado, Ryu charges an extra-powerful Hadoken.
    • Metsu Shoryuken ("Destroying Rising Dragon Fist"): An especially strong and violent variant of the Shoryuken. Ryu first delivers a gut punch, causing the opponent to stagger in pain, then follows up with a jumping uppercut, striking their jaw before sending them flying.
    • Shinku Hadouken ("Vacuum/True Void Surge Fist"): A super-charged Hadoken that, when executed, can hit the opponent multiple times and destroy other projectiles launched by the opponent.
    • Denjin Hadouken ("Electric Blade Surge Fist"): This technique can only be used when Ryu activates his Denjin Renki, infusing Shinku Hadoken is imbued with the power of electricity. It has more destructive power and if blocked will break through the opponent's defense, leaving them temporarily open to attacks.
    • Shin Hashogeki: A powered-up version of the homonymous move. It can be charged up for even greater damage.
    • Shin Shoryuken ("True Rising Dragon Fist"): A perfect and notably stronger version of the Shoryuken. This move starts by hitting the enemy in the midsection of the upper body then it follows a strong uppercut to the chin and in end, the move finishes with a very strong Shoryuken. By the time of SF VI, Ryu became able to empower this attack with electricity whenever his health diminishes past a certain point.
    SFV_AE_-_Shin-Shoryuken_(The_Master)

    SFV AE - Shin-Shoryuken (The Master)

    Shin Shoryuken

    • Hashogeki ("Wave Palm Attack"): After blocking an attack, Ryu unleashes a Hadoken-like palm attack, where the fireball doesn't leave the hands.
    • Fumikomi Jodan Kagizuki ("Step-in High-Level Hook Thrust"): Ryu quickly dashes backwards to dodge an incoming attack and replies with a powerful hook that strikes the opponent before they are able to react, knocking them down.
    • Mind's Eye: Ryu assumes a defensive stance and if timed correctly with the enemy's attack, the attack will be blocked and recover faster than his adversary. This allows for a window for counterattacking.
    • Thrust Strike: Ryu steps forward and assumes a guarded stance to deflect an attack, and then he delivers a heavy punch. If Ryu blocks an attack during the guarded stance, the heavy punch will be followed by an elbow strike.
    • Denjin Renki ("Electric Blade Refined Spirit"): When activated, it "electrifies" Ryu's hands and special moves. The Hadoken gains damage and stun, and also becomes charge-able; when fully charged, it will gain guard crushing properties, and leave a blocking opponent defenseless for several seconds. The Shoryuken gains increased damage and stun.
    • Kakko Fubatsu ("Resolute & Steadfast"): Ryu covers his fists with energy and gains access to an amplified version of the Isshin. Upon blocking an attack, Ryu will perform the Isshin, which will make the opponent crumple, allowing Ryu to follow-up with an attack.

    Gallery

    Others

    Notable Victories:

    Captain Falcon (Super Smash Bros.) Captain Falcon's Profile (SFV-III Ryu was used, Captain Falcon had access to Skill Tree abilities, speed was equalized and the battle took place in Ever Grande City)

    Peppino Spaghetti (Pizza Tower) Peppino's Profile (Speed was equalized, starting distance was 5 meters, SFIV Ryu and Base Peppino used)

    Notable Losses:

    Blaziken (Pokémon) Blaziken's Profile (SFV-III Ryu and Mega Blaziken were used, they started 5 meters apart, speed was equalized and the battle took place in an empty rocky environment)

    Incineroar (Pokémon) Incineroar's Profile (SFV-III Ryu and Incineroar were used, speed was equalized, and the battle took place inside a wrestling ring)

    Might Guy (Naruto) Might Guy's Profile (SFV-III Ryu and Sixth Gate Guy were used, speed was equal and the battle took place in the forest of death.)

    Inconclusive Matches:

    References

    1. Street Fighter V - Ryu's Character Story
    2. 2.0 2.1 Street Fighter Alpha 2 - M. Bison's Arcade Ending
    3. 3.0 3.1 Street Fighter Alpha 3 - Ryu's Arcade Ending
    4. 4.0 4.1 Street Fighter V Arcade Mode - Street Fighter Alpha Path - Ryu's Ending
    5. Street Fighter V - Menat's Versus Mode Quotes (Vs. Alex)
    6. Street Fighter IV - Dan's Arcade Ending
    7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 Street Fighter V - A Shadows Falls
    8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind
    9. Street Fighter IV - Ryu's Arcade Ending
    10. Street Fighter IV - Sakura's Arcade Ending
    11. Street Fighter IV - Akuma's Arcade Ending
    12. Street Fighter V - Kage's Character Story
    13. Street Fighter VI - World Tour - Meeting Ryu
    14. Street Fighter VI - Ryu's Win Quotes (vs. Lily)
    15. Street Fighter V - Alex's Character Story
    16. Street Fighter Alpha 3 - M. Bison's Arcade Ending
    17. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike - Alex's Arcade Ending
    18. Street Fighter V - Versus Mode - Oro's Win Quotes (Vs. Abigail)
    19. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike - Oro's Arcade Ending
    20. Super Street Fighter IV - Ryu's Arcade Ending
    21. All About Street Fighter ZERO 3
    22. Ultra Street Fighter IV - Ryu's Versus Mode Quotes (vs. Sakura)
    23. Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact - Ryu's Versus Mode Quotes (vs. Necro)
    24. Street Fighter VI - World Tour - Ryu's Dialogues

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