Chiang Di Chuang is a very strong martial art. There are no frills or mysticism to it. Everything is about strength and hardening the body to withstand damage. Chiang Di Chuang was developed by a master of Tiger Claw Kung Fu who felt that in order to defeat your enemy, the only object needed was your body. To this end he developed what is one of the most physically demanding martial arts ever. His students did not hold the same ideal. After his death the art mutated into its current form, a synthesis of the original martial art and a spear based form. The spear art was added after a group wielding long spears attacked their dojo. Rather than make a suicide attack on their enemies, those that survived adopted their opponents’ ways in order to defeat them. After a dozen years of learning and perfecting their new martial art, they attacked their rivals, defeating them to the last man. Since that time the spear has been an integral part of the art.

A student of Chiang Di Chuang is, without exception, very strong. Their stances are strong and they often seem immovable. Their deeply rooted stances allow for greater power behind their strikes but limit their maneuverability. Due to these solid stances, more emphasis is placed upon blocking and parrying attacks rather than dodging. Instruction consists of constant practice combat, both bare handed and with practice spears. Constant battering combined with an extensive outdoor training regimen leads to incredible endurance.

As a side note, although students may learn how to use weapons other than the spear, few do so. If a student does learn another weapon, however, it is usually the staff.

Entrance Requirements: None
Skill Cost: 7 years (5 as a secondary martial art form)
Costume: Anything outside the dojo, but training is conducted in a normal martial arts uniform. Senseis (black belts) are indicated by the addition of a black hakama (loose trousers) to the uniform. All practitioners, no matter the rank, wear a plain white belt in order to remind them that they are always learning. Like all belts, it is never washed.
Stance: A low straddle legged stance, feet roughly twice shoulder’s width. Hands are either in a guard or holding a spear pointed at the opponent.
Character Bonuses:
+3 to P.S.
+1 to P.E.
+20 to S.D.C.
Combat Skills:
Attacks Per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Roll with impact, maintain balance, breakfall
Basic Defensive Moves: Dodge, parry, automatic parry
Advanced Defenses: Power block, circular parry
Hand Attacks: Strike, claw hand, knife hand, double-knuckle fist, double claw strike (Special, see page 91 under Tiger Claw Kung Fu in Ninjas & Superspies).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick attack, snap kick
Jumping Foot Attacks: None
Special Attacks: Elbow, forearm, knee, combination grab/head bash (see T’ang Su Karate, page 106 of Ninjas & Superspies)
Holds/Locks: None
Weapon Katas: W.P. Spear at 2 levels higher than the character's current level (1st level martial artist would start with W.P. Spear at level 3).
Modifiers to Attacks: Pull punch, critical strike, critical strike from behind

Skills Included in Training
Martial Art Powers: Select two powers from Body Hardening Exercises or Special Katas. In addition, all students receive the Stone Ox technique. If desired, any number of powers (excluding Stone Ox) can be traded, one-for-one, for any basic skill program (excluding physical).
Languages: Chinese
Skills: W.P. Spear
Philosophical Training: Buddhist

If this is your primary martial art form than the following other forms can be learned in a shorter time: Zanji Shinjinken-Ryu (4 years), T'ang Su Karate (4 years), Shao-Lin Kung Fu (6 years), Fu Chiao Pai (3 years).

Level Advancement Bonuses

Why Study Chiang Di Chuang?