Shibukawa Gouki is said to be a master of practical Aikijutsu and is known as "the pinnacle of modern martial arts." At 155cm tall and weighing 47kg, he is not particularly physically built among the characters in the Baki series, and despite being 75 years old, his skills are recognized by all. His many Aikido-based techniques leave his opponents at a loss, and before they know it, they've been defeated. In this article, we'll take a look at Shibukawa Gouki's characteristics, personality, and strengths.
1. What are Shibukawa Gouki's characteristics?
Source: Baki ©Keisuke Itagaki (Akita Shoten) / Baki Production Committee
The Baki series features characters with roots in various martial arts, but Gouki Shibukawa fights his opponents using Aikido. Aikido is a counter technique that combines the power of the opponent with his own and returns it directly. He foresees his opponent's attacks and uses them with superhuman reflexes. Although he is not blessed with a large physique, he uses techniques that utilize his opponent's strength, allowing him to compete on equal terms even in matches where there is a difference in physical size. Here, we will explore this image through Shibukawa Goki's words about Aikido.
① "It's all muddy, isn't it?"
Source: Baki ©Keisuke Itagaki (Akita Shoten) / Baki Production Committee
As Gouki Shibukawa's Aikido techniques strike his opponent all over, his vision gradually becomes blurred. This makes it impossible to get a clear view of his opponent, making it difficult to fight. At such moments, Gouki Shibukawa calmly asks his opponent, "Isn't it all muddy?"
② "Anyone who has truly mastered self-defense will not even be able to get close to danger."
Aikido is not a martial art designed to injure an opponent, but rather a self-defense technique for protecting oneself. Therefore, when one masters true self-defense, they will never be able to reach a point where danger would even come. Gouki Shibukawa, who has mastered Aikido, has reached this state of mind, so much so that before his fight with Jackhammer, a large, tightly closed door appeared before him, blocking his path. Because Gouki Shibukawa has mastered the art of fighting, he seems to know in advance which opponents he cannot defeat.
2. What is Gouki Shibukawa's personality like?
Source: Baki ©Keisuke Itagaki (Akita Shoten) / Baki Production Committee
Gouki Shibukawa is a surprisingly friendly old man when he's not fighting, but when he gets into a fighting stance, his innermost, aggressive personality is revealed. The young man in question is a disciple of Mikoshiba Kihei, the founder of Goshin-ryu Aikijujutsu, and has shown his unconventional side by defying his master and receiving the full license. As mentioned above, when fighting an opponent he cannot beat, he often finds himself blocked in front of him, but he does not refuse to fight just because he has no chance of winning. Even at the advanced age of 75, it is clear that his spirit as a fighter has not diminished in the slightest.
3. How strong is Shibukawa Goki?
Source: Baki ©Keisuke Itagaki (Akita Shoten) / Baki Production Committee
As an Aikido practitioner, he is considered the first to use Aiki in a practical setting. He has defeated many powerful opponents by parrying his opponents' attacks and landing counterattacks. In the Maximum Tournament, he defeated Roger Harlon, Nogi Kosho, and Orochi Doppo, but in the semi-finals he overwhelmed Jack Hammer with aikido in the early stages, but was defeated when Jack Hammer bit off his ankle. In the Most Evil Death Row Convicts arc, he faces off against Yanagi Ryuko, a man he had previously lost to, and teams up with Baki to corner him, only to be unable to catch him due to Yanagi's karate techniques. He also shows his true strength in a sparring match with Biscuit Oliva, completely containing Oliva, who possesses some of the strongest strength in the series. His strength throughout the series can be said to be above average, and it is thrilling to watch him defeat such formidable opponents despite his small physique.
Summary
Source: Baki ©Keisuke Itagaki (Akita Shoten) / Baki Production Committee
Gouki Shibukawa is also a popular character in the series. Many people consider his fight against Doppo Orochi in the biggest tournament to be his best bout. With his unique fighting style that makes full use of aikido, Gouki Shibukawa is definitely one to watch.
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