Aikaryu

Aikaryu, also written as 愛狩流 (Aikaryū), is a fictional martial art style featured in the Tenchi Muyo! franchise, most notably in the Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OVA series and related adaptations. It is a unique and highly effective fighting style developed and primarily utilized by Ryoko Hakubi, a space pirate and prominent character in the series.

Aikaryu is characterized by its aggressive and versatile nature, combining both physical combat and the manipulation of energy. Practitioners of Aikaryu can channel their own life force, or Masaki-ken (柾木剣), to enhance their strength, speed, and durability, as well as project it outwards as energy blasts or protective shields. Ryoko, being a space pirate with an artificial body and significantly enhanced abilities, pushes Aikaryu to its limits, often using it in conjunction with her energy weaponry and teleportation skills.

The exact origins and training methods of Aikaryu are not explicitly detailed within the Tenchi Muyo! canon. However, it is implied that Ryoko developed and refined the style herself over her extensive lifespan and through her various encounters and battles. Its adaptability and reliance on personal energy control make it a highly individualized martial art, with Ryoko's interpretation being considered particularly formidable. The style emphasizes speed, precision, and exploiting an opponent's weaknesses, allowing Ryoko to often overwhelm opponents with superior force and tactics.