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Ventjo

Ventjo

The most common form of hand to hand combat in the Gratzian continent, Ventjo is a derivative of Tjo, which, like it's brother art Saitjo lends more focus to specific aspects, almost entirely ignoring others.

Ventjo places an emphasis on momentum, strength, and endurance, forgoing training on speed and flexibility. Dealing entirely with the upper body, Ventjo includes no kicks, sweeps, or stomping moves. Those that fight with Ventjo will be seen using their legs as guards against strikes in some instances, but primarily they will be used for mobility and stabilization.

The Seven Stances

Within Ventjo there are seven initial standing positions from which various strikes and combinations of attack could be performed. Known as the Seven Stances, they are listed in their most common use and frequency.

First Stance

The primary starting position for most Ventjo fighters is taken in a slow ceremonial methodology. It is started by facing the opponent and raising both fists up at the elbow in a sort of pugilistic stance. From here, the left fist is brought over the right elbow. At this point, the waist is turned left as the left leg is swept backwards to expose the back of the Ventjo fighter towards their opponent at a three quarters turn. The feet remain at shoulder width pointing diagonally back and away from the target, heels also at a three quarters turn with the right leg forward. Finally the head is turned to the right, glancing at the opponent in a sidewards manner over the right shoulder.

Second Stance

The second position is often acquired through motions brought by strikes from the first position, and there is very little change. The torso remains at a three quarters turn. Arms are up and bent, still semi-crossed. The difference in the Second Stance is in the positioning of the legs. The left leg will now be the forward leg, crossed behind the right leg.

Third Stance

Commonly used as an in-between to the Fourth or Fifth Stance, the Third Stance is easily the most versatile, but also the most exposed. With the left side of the body towards the opponent, the legs remain at shoulder's width with feet pointed outward. The left arm lies down with a slight bend, held back from the torso to push the chest of the Ventjo fighter forward. The right arm is bent sharply, with the forearm parallel to the waist and held forward.

Fourth Stance

Primed for attacks upon stunned opponents, the Fourth Stance is often a culmination of a chain of attacks from the First, Second, and Third Stances consecutively. With the left leg bent and forward, the right leg is placed upon the ground knee down, with the top of the foot flat to the ground. The right arm remains straight, placed directly in front of the right knee, while the left arm is pulled backwards at a bend with the forearm parallel to the ground. For this positioning, the chest is placed to the left upper leg and thigh, and the head is tilted back to face forward, keeping the opponent in view.

Fifth Stance

Similar to the Fourth Stance, the fifth position is nearly a mirror of the previous. Typically accessed by a direction or opponent positioning reversal, the Fifth Stance switches the positioning of the arms and legs, placing the left knee to the ground, and left arm straight, with the right leg at a right angle, and right arm bent parallel. As this stance is often used for redirection of combat, the head is turned to the right side, allowing peripheral vision to the Ventjo fighter's front and back.

Sixth Stance

A countering position, the Sixth Stance is used as a brace against forward attacks. Generally accessed from the Fourth and Fifth stances to remove the Ventjo fighter from a semi-prone position, the right leg is place forward with the left leg back sternly as a hold, foot turned sideways from the rest of the body. The arms are brought up, crossed diagonally in front of the torso with the left arm forward, and the right pressed to the underside of the left forearm. The final stage of the Sixth Stance is a small forward thrust of both arms to repel and incoming strike.

Seventh Stance

The final positioning of Ventjo is a domination stance, most often used for completing a final barrage of attacks against an opponent. The Seventh Stance is most often reached after a pivoting counter out of the Sixth Stance, however because of its open and exposed form it can easily be transitioned to or from any of the Seven Stances. The positioning of the Seventh Stance is very similar to the sixth, however instead of the left leg braced to hold against a strike, it is turned ready to step forward into a strike. The chest is still pressed forward, and the Ventjo fighter would look straight ahead, but both arms are pulled back and bent at the elbow, with the forearms parallel to the waist.