Coming from Virtua Fighter creator Yu Suzuki, it's only natural that the fights in Shenmue wouldn't be thrown together. The Move Scroll in Ryo's inventory gives a run-down of the combos he can pull off during "free battle" fights.
These moves are divided up into three types, the same way as in the game - Hand Moves, Leg Moves and Throw Moves.
General Notes
Ryo's moves get more powerful the more you perform them, so when you have free time in the game, it's a good idea practice your favourites. The best place to train is the car park beside the You GAME Arcade in Dobuita, but you can also practice in Sakuragaoka park if it's empty, and the Hazuki Dojo (although it seems to be picky sometimes).
Unfortunately, you can't train throws without an opponent, so it's best to use the "Training" option before you go to sleep to make sure they improve if you plan on using them.
What moves you want to use will depend on your style as much as anything, but against multiple opponents I've always found the roundhouse kicks much easier - you can take out a couple of guys at once with something like the Brutal Tiger. Some throw moves will let you use one enemy to knock others down, but that's more reliant on the angle you're at than any intended use in the move itself.
Moves
Move descriptions are taken from the in-game text available on the Move Scroll, accessed by highlighting a move and pressing X.
Hand Moves
- Tiger Knuckle: X
The Tiger Knuckle is a move aimed at the jinshu, a pressure point located between the mouth and nose.
- Pit Blow: Forward, X
This double punch begins with a step forward and a mid-level strike with the leading fist, followed by a second punch to the same target with the other hand. Masters of this move can add an elbow strike. (Learned from Fuku-san in the Hazuki Dojo)
- Twist Knuckle: Back, X
Unlike the Elbow Slam, this blow is thrown horizontally in a sweeping hook.
- Elbow Assault: Forward, Forward, X
The Elbow Assault targets the center of the opponent's body with a full-body rush.
- Upper Knuckle: Back, Back, X
A move where the practitioner momentarily lowers, then raises their body while swinging to strike the opponent in the jaw.
- Sleeve Strike: Forward, Back, X
This move involves taking one step forward with the rear leg and punching at a mid-level target with the fist.
- Rain Thrust: Back, Forward, X
The Rain Thrust is a straight punch aimed at a pressure point on the right side of the opponent's neck.
- Twin Blades: Back, Forward, Forward, X
(Scroll in Hazuki Residence)
- Big Wheel: X+A
The Big Wheel is a powerful variation on the Elbow Slam. Aimed at the opponent's collarbone, it features a diagonal blow struck once the practitioner closes in.
- Twin Hand Waves: Forward, X+A
This move involves advancing a step forward and striking at the opponent 's chest and jaw with the palm and entire forearm. The impact creates a shockwave that affects the opponent's internal organs.
- Backfist Willow: Back, X+A
This is a surprise attack with a spinning backfist. The spinning motion increases the power of the blow.
- Avalanche Lance: Forward, Forward, X+A
This move strikes the pit of the opponent's stomack with an elbow bent at an acute angle, similar to a lance thrust. Experts can do this move while spinning, to evade attacks.
- Katana Mist Slash: Back, Back, X+A
The practitioner advances one step with the forward leg and delivers a slashing blow to the opponent's side with the side of the palm.
- Rising Flash: Forward, Back, Back, X
(Scroll from Bunkado Antiques: 500¥)
- Stab Armor: Forward, Back, Back, X+A
(Scroll in Dojo Basement)
- Double Blow: Forward, X+A
(Learned from Yamagishi-san in Suzume Park)
- Swallow Flip: Back, X, A
- Mistral Flash: L, X
A move which utilises the running speed of the practitioner to deliver a diagonal cutting blow to the area between the shoulder and the nape of the neck.
Leg Moves
- Crescent Kick: A
- Trample Kick: Forward, A
- Swalllow Dive: Back, A
- Tornado Kick: Forward, Forward, A
- Surplice Slash: Back, Back, A
- Thunder Kick: Forward, Back, A
- Hold Against Leg: Back, Forward, A
- Mud Spider: Back, Forward, Forward, A (Scroll from Bunkado Antiques: 1000¥)
- Crawl Cyclone: Forward, Back, Back, A (Scroll from Bunkado Antiques: 1000¥)
- Shadow Reaper: L, X+A (Scroll in Fuku-san's room)
Throw Moves
- Overthrow: B (in front of opponent)
- Darkside Hazuki: B (left or right of opponent)
- Back Twist Drop: B (behind opponent)
- Sweep Throw: Forward, B (in front of opponent)
- Vortex Throw: Back, B (in front of opponent)
- Mist Reaper: Forward, Forward, B (in front of opponent)
- Demon Drop: Back, Back, B (in front of opponent)
- Shoulder Buster: Forward, Back, B (in front of opponent)
- Tengu Drop: Back, Forward, B (in front of opponent)
- Tiger Storm: Back, Forward, Forward, B, B (in front of opponent)
- Arm Break Fire: Forward, Back, Back, B (in front of opponent)