Legend of the Dragon Mirrors: Beyond the Glass [The subtitle means OOC] (Private)

[Silent Assassin]

<Dao>

pending!

<The Martial Way>

Longzarians have a long and established history with martial arts. It began as an expression of their spiritual nature, and oneness with mystic energies (like Chi, Qi, Chakra, and Dao). It was a spiritual and physical discipline which turned the body and mind into finely-tuned weapons. Soon, the discipline would become known as the Martial Way, with each unique expression being a style or martial art. As different styles were created emphasising different body parts and moves, two major ideological groups would form; each opposing the other. The Way of the Hand, favouring hand striking styles and grappling styles, and a precursor to boxing in some isolated villages. And The Way of the Foot, favouring almost exclusive striking styles with the legs, jumps, and raw power. Though it wasn't known at the time, both groups would create a surge in martial interest. Their conflicts ushered in an age of romanticism of the arts -- called the Sudden Enlightenment. Eventually, Longzarians would learn to manifest their mystic energies to aid them in their arts. These manifestations were called techniques.

If one were to explain martial arts in Longzarian culture simply, it would be Martial Way > Martial Arts > Martial Ideologies/Philosophies > Martial Styles > Techniques/Moves. Techniques were the latest "addition" to the Arts. They were first discovered by the first cultivator, Lord Wushu, who created these concepts as the greatest respect to the Dao -- the life energy that flows through all living things. Lord Wushu only taught techniques to his group (called a Sect; the first known Sect in all Longzaru history). Soon, others would seek this knowledge, but to rend its original purpose -- to tools of hatred and destruction, or to fall slave to the delusion of grandeur. Both the Hand and the Foot collapsed, and various Sects took their place, wielding their powerful techniques and martial styles in conflicts against each other.

<Martial Style>

A style or specific Art is a collective of moves and manoeuvres meant to injure, kill, or otherwise disable an enemy or neutralise a threat. Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Ju-Jitsu, Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai -- these names all have one thing in common: they are martial arts styles. Each have their own moves, philosophies and ways to overcome an opponent. Longzaru is home to hundreds of styles! Some use quick, furious strikes; some are based on reversals; some even use weapons, elements and various materials!

<Techniques/Moves>

If a martial style is an umbrella of techniques, individual techniques are the building blocks of their particular styles.