The player selects a martial-arts discipline and works through practice sessions before entering tournament matches. Combat takes place from a side view, with fighters moving around an arena and using attacks, blocks, and evasive movement.

Each discipline has its own reach, timing, and attack patterns. Success depends on reading the opponent, maintaining distance, conserving stamina, and choosing safe openings. Progression is based on winning bouts and advancing through the tournament rather than on character levels or equipment upgrades.

Spend time in practice before attempting the tournament, especially to learn the range and recovery time of each weapon or style.

Use defensive movement and wait for committed attacks. Repeatedly attacking can exhaust the fighter and leave an opening, while careful spacing is particularly important for the shorter-range styles.