Kotomine Kirei’s Fighting Style in Fate: An In-depth Analysis

Introduction

Kotomine Kirei, a character from the renowned Fate/stay night series, is known for his unique and highly effective fighting style. This blend of physical prowess, magical abilities, and psychological warfare makes him one of the most formidable characters in the series. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Kirei's fighting style, exploring how his training, skills, and mindset contribute to his combat capabilities.

Martial Arts Proficiency

Kirei is highly skilled in various forms of martial arts, particularly in hand-to-hand combat. His extensive training enables him to engage effectively in close-quarters battles. One of his most notable martial arts techniques is a variant of Bajiquan, called Super Bajiquan, created by Gen Urobuchi.

Super Bajiquan is an ultimate technique that combines Bajiquan and magecraft, transcending the conventional boundaries of External and Internal Arts. It is a fierce and direct combat style, capable of delivering devastating blows. Kirei’s self-destructive fighting style, which even allows him to sacrifice an arm against Kiritsugu, is a testament to the intensity and effectiveness of his martial arts proficiency.

Use of Magecraft

As both a priest and a magus, Kirei incorporates magecraft into his fighting style. This includes the use of spells for enhancement, defense, and various offensive capabilities. His magecraft is often subtle and complements his physical skills perfectly.

During the battle with Kiritsugu in the design stage of Fate/Zero, Urobuchi found it necessary to even the playing field. Kiritsugu possessed advanced magecraft like Innate Time Control and Avalon, while Kirei only had his Black Keys. Urobuchi’s solution was to develop Super Bajiquan, which required extensive study of reference materials to perfect.

Tactical Mindset

Behind Kirei’s combat abilities lies a highly intelligent and strategic mindset. He meticulously analyzes his opponents, exploiting their weaknesses and remaining calm and collected in battle. This tactical approach allows him to make calculated decisions during combat, making him a formidable opponent.

Emotional Detachment

Kirei’s character is marked by a profound emotional detachment, which translates into his fighting style. He fights with a sense of purpose and efficiency, often devoid of personal feelings, making him a ruthless combatant. This emotional detachment is a crucial aspect of his combat effectiveness.

Weapon Proficiency

In addition to his martial arts skills, Kirei is proficient with various weapons, including his signature weapon, the Black Keys. These keys, used both for combat and as tools for exorcism, allow him to engage enemies from a distance and throw them with precision. Kirei’s weapon proficiency complements his overall fighting style, enhancing his ability to adapt and overcome different combat situations.

Analysis of Super Bajiquan

Super Bajiquan is a crucial part of Kirei’s fighting style. It is described as a style that takes the shortest route, aiming to damage the inside of an opponent rather than the outside. Kirei is capable of defeating a normal person with a single hit, despite his supposedly mimicry of taolu without much behind it.

This fighting style is particularly effective against Shirou’s body of swords. The impacts from Kirei’s attacks pierce through Shirou’s defenses, causing internal damage. One notable combination, "Six Grand Opening - Elbow Upthrust," involves a series of precise and powerful strikes that combine offense and defense in a single moment.

The strength of Kirei’s fighting style lies not only in his arms but also in his entire body. His training allows him to generate power from his feet, which can be released instantly into his fists. This makes him incredibly difficult to stop, even when restrained, as long as he can plant his feet on the ground.

Conclusion

Kotomine Kirei’s fighting style in Fate/stay night is a multifaceted blend of physical prowess, magical abilities, and psychological mastery. His unique techniques, such as Super Bajiquan, along with his strategic mindset and emotional detachment, make him a masterful combatant. Understanding his fighting style is crucial for comprehending Kirei’s role and significance within the Fate universe.