Takuma Sakazaki (Art of Fighting)

==Summary==
Takuma Sakazaki is a recurring character in the Art of Fighting series, starting as the antagonist of the first game, then becoming part of the main roster in the second installment. He is the father of Ryo and Yuri Sakazaki, and also the renowned master and founder of Kyokugen-ryu Karate. Takuma used to be a very severe parent, training his son and his friend Robert with veyr harsh methods since they were kids. One day he and his wife were caught up in a car incident, in which she lost her life. Immediately after that event, Takuma disappeared, abandoning his children to their destiny.
It will later be known that the incident was set up by Geese Howard, with whose organization Takuma started having debts he couldn't repay, reason why he was punished and forced to join them as an enforcer under the alias of "Mr. Karate", a ruthless fighter donning a tengu mask. Ten years later, Takuma starts pondering to finally drift out of the organization. However, Geese has a last task for him; find and kill Jeff Bogard, the only man strong enough to oppose his plans. They then abduct Yuri to blackmail Takuma in doing their bidding. At the end, Ryo and Robert managed to take down the organization, with Ryo coming to confront his father in a last battle. After learning the truth, the three are finally ready to return being a family. Takuma re-opens his dojo, ready to carry on the legacy of Kyokugen-ryu, and also enters the "King of Fighters" tournament a year later. 
==Powers and Stats==
Tier: 
Name: Takuma Sakazaki, alias "Mr. Karate"
Origin: Art of Fighting
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Classification: Human, Martial Artist
Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Kyokugen-ryu Karate Master, Ki Manipulation and Projection, Damage Boost (Can charge his Ki to perform powerful Super Attacks),
Acrobatics (Can somersault jump forward and backwards, leap off of walls, land on his feet with a somersault after having been hit in the air and occasionally escape from throws by flipping back on his feet after the launch)
Attack Potency: Wall level (Matched Ryo Sakazaki, although he eventually lost. Explicitly stronger than Mr. Big and all of his underlings. Geese thought he could defeat Jeff Bogard, the only man who could represent a threat for him. Can topple treesArt of Fighting 2 - "Spirit Training" Bonus Stage with a single blow)
Speed: Superhuman (Comparable to Ryo, although somewhat slower. Can punch at superhuman speeds with techniques such as Zanretsuken)
Lifting Strength: Class 50 (Comparable to Ryo and most likely superior to Cheng Sinzan, who can toss a large statue at high speedsReal Bout Fatal Fury Special - Credits)
Striking Strength: Wall level
Durability: Wall level (Withstood hits from Ryo)
Stamina: At least Athletic, likely Superhuman (Can engage comparable opponents in serious battle. Can take down a dozen of thugs coming at him all together. Can replenish his reserves of Ki via Ki Charge. Should be at least comparable to the average Fatal Fury characters, which have all consistently demonstrated to be able to to fight for hours and even entire days)
Range: Standard Melee Range; Several Meters via Ki Projection
Standard Equipment: None notable
Intelligence: Average, Gifted in combat (Takuma is the founder and master of Kyokugen-ryu Karate, a style that is rumored to be the strongest.Art of Fighting 2 - Virtual Console page Prior to his fight with Ryo, Takuma was undefeatedNeo Geo Complete Box Website - Art of Fighting 2 in combat. Geese considered him able to defeat Jeff Bogard, who in turn is consideredFatal Fury - Virtual Console page a genius fighter, the best of all time and the only person who can oppose Geese himself. Skilled enough to handle and quickly disposeArt of Fighting 2 - "Strength Training" Bonus Stage of multiple enemies at the same time)
Weaknesses: None notable.
Fighting Style:
Kyokugen-ryu is a simple but effective style based on traditional combat karate, with the addition of throws taken from judo and other unique techniques. Although it is mostly based on strikes and destructive combinations of attacks, an important part of Kyokugen-ryu karate is the ability to control and project Ki, the inner spiritual energy of the fighter. Takuma is the founder and first master of this style, having developed its very first version. Pretty much like his son, Takuma is a complete fighter who utilizes strong and focused attacks that work efficiently while standing and jumping, and from both close and high range.
Notable Attacks/Techniques:
<tabber>
|-|Special Attacks=
*Ko'ou Ken (Tiger Sparkle Fist): Takuma unleashes a projectile of ki energy from his left arm.
*Ki Charge: Takuma focuses and charges up his reserves of Ki.
*Kishin Geki: Takuma jabs the opponent thrice, then knocks them down with an uppercut.
*Hien Shippuu Kyaku (Flying Swallow Hurricane Leg): Takuma leaps towards the opponent at high speed, delivering two flying roundhouse kicks imbued in ki energy.
*Shouran Kyaku: Takuma grabs the opponent by the shoulders and knees their face with both legs several times.
*Zanretsuken: Takuma delivers a stunning series of jabs at blinding speed, then finished the opponent with an uppercut.
TakumaKoouken.gif|Ko'ou Ken
TakumaKiCharge.gif|Ki Charge
KishinGeki.gif|Kishin Geki
TakumaHienShippuKyaku.gif|Hien Shippuu Kyaku
ShouranKyaku.gif|Shouran Kyaku
TakumaZanretsuken.gif|Zanretsuken
|-|Throws=
*Seoi Nage: Takuma grabs the opponent and pulls them over his shoulder, slamming them down on their back.
TakumaSeoiNage.gif
|-|Super Attacks=
*Haoh Shoukou Ken (Supreme King Flying Howl Fist): Takuma charges up his ki and unleashes a Ko'ou Ken that is much bigger and stronger than normal.
*Ryuuko Ranbu (Dragon Tiger Wild Dance): Takuma's most powerful technique. He towards the opponent and storms them with a barrage of punches, kicks and knees, then hops back and fires a Haoh Shoukou Ken to finish the combo.
TakumaHaoushokouken.gif
TakumaRyukoRanbu.gif
</tabber>
==Gallery==
==References==
==Notable Matchups==
Victories:
Losses:
Inconclusive:
Category:Characters
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