Capcom vs SNK 2/Kyo

Introduction

Overview

Strategy

Combos

Matchups

Story

Kyo Kusanagi, the face of the famous King of Fighters series and the main protagonist of it's first saga, the Orochi Saga. Kyo is the heir to the Kusanagi clan, one of 3 legendary clans in possession of the three Sacred Treasures. The Kusanagi clan weilds powerful fire, and Kyo uses it very well. Kyo is a master of the Kusanagi flame, taught by his father Saisyu. Outside of his martial art skill and legendary family name, Kyo is a highschool dropout who enters the King of Fighters tournaments mostly to stop the evil guys behind them or for the fun of fighting when there are no evil guys. He has a girlfriend he loves named Yuki. In the first saga of KOF, he teamed up with his best friends Benimaru and Daimon to form Team Japan. In KOF 97', Kyo and the other Sacred Treasures Chizuru and Iori are forced to confront Team Orochi, who eventually resummon Orochi. Kyo and Iori seal Orochi back into the Earth, hopefully destroying it forever.

Gameplay

Kyo is the epitome of a rushdown character. His ability to mix and punish the opponent is almost unmatched, with massive damage output off any starter. He has a solid low confirm, a few great overheads, one of the best normal throws, and two very ambiguous crossups. Mix that with his signature rekka special Aragami, which can be followed up in multiple ways or done to leave Kyo safe at the end of a blockstring, and Kyo gets a vortex of guesses that can close out a round quick. He also has stellar defense, with great normals for mashing and a very scary DP, and plenty of good anti-airs.

This isn't without sacrifice though. Kyo struggles very hard in neutral, lacking any kind of projectile or even a consistent rewarding poke. Kyo has to take a risk to get in, whether by jumping or running or rolling, as he gets beaten in neutral by almost everyone. While he does have decent reach with normals like 5HK and 3HK, these have various weaknesses such as being crouchable or having a lot of endlag. Kyo can very rarely convert a poke into knockdown either, forcing him to rely on his up-close game to secure rounds.

If you like a character who can get in the opponents face and spin the wheel of mix until they die, you'll love Kyo. Especially if you're willing to put up with his underwhelming neutral.

Groove Selection

Best - K: Kyo can be run well with almost any groove, but shines mostly in K groove. While rolls do help him, JD and rage turn the already high damage Kyo into a punish machine, dishing out damage from almost any starter. Rage also makes his already scary oki mixup even scarier, as it only takes a few good hits for Kyo to win, and he can easily combo into level 3 Orochinagi in the corner for massive damage.

Just Defense helps Kyo punish certain pokes that are normally safe and score a knockdown when used too close due to JD eliminating pushback and making pokes unsafe in some cases (example, Blanka c.fp done too close) and allowing Kyo to score a rekka knockdown uses standing or crouching medium punch.

Useful - C/N/A/P: The other grooves are all varying in usefulness but generally are good. C-Kyo gets access to damaging and flashy level 2 combos and can more easily end combos in his autocombo super, alongside airblock and Alpha Counters that aid his defense. N-Kyo is sort of a lesser K-Kyo, with roll giving him a good defensive tool and RC specials for neutral use. You lose out on a lot of meter potential however, as Kyo's level 1 supers are very weak. A-Kyo gets access to the powerful Custom Combo mechanic, and in classic Kyo style his CC is highly damaging and puts your opponent in the corner where you want them. P-Kyo is shockingly good, as his meterless punishes are devastating and his level 3 punishes even more so. One good parry from P-Kyo puts your opponent deep in the corner.

Worst - S: Despite his usefulness in other grooves, S-Kyo has very little going for him. Kyo has decent but underwhelming and combo-oriented supers, so having infinite level 1s means nothing to him. S-Kyo also has to actively give up space to build meter, which harms his heavily aggro gameplan.

Kyo is a close range brawler with stellar mixup and some of the highest damage in the game. His pressure and ability to open up opponents make him terrifying up close, and his combo potential is much higher than the average character. He has play neutral to get there, though, and that's a lot easier said than done. Kyo is best in K-Groove. Difficulty: Hard Tier: B+
Pros	Cons
Vortex: Incredible mixups up close, with overheads and lows and an amazing normal throw that all can lead into another knockdown and another mixup High Damage: One of the highest average damage characters, his meterless damage output is incredibly rewarding and leads to great oki. Hard Knockdowns: Easy access to hard knockdowns from his throw, j.2HP, and 623HK Brawling Normals: Great up close normals for brawling and catching bad movement Anti-Air: Stellar anti-air options and an amazing DP	Weak Neutral: Lacks a projectile, and is often played in K-Groove where he has no rolls, meaning Kyo has to commit a lot harder to win. His best pokes can be ducked by a few and not safe if just defended or parried. His farthest reaching normal, cr.MK, has a very vulnerable hurtbox vs. better pokes. Weak Level 1s: Level 1 supers are combo unfriendly, limiting his use in Grooves without easy access to level 3s Low Range: Lack of many long range buttons means he struggles to contest some of the most powerful buttons in the game Weak to Zoning: Committal gameplan leads to a huge weakness to zoning and patient opponents who don't get opened up easily

Players to Watch

Name	Country	Groove	Accounts	Notes
Daidouraku	Japan	A/N-Groove	Twitter: @DAIDOURAKU	Has two very different playstyles depending on the groove. His A-Kyo is slower with more read based fundamentals while his N-Kyo is rushdown heavy and brute forces the opponent to make very untimely decisions. A-Groove Sample Match N-Groove Sample Match
Yamamoto	Japan	A-Groove	Twitter: N/A	A very methodical Kyo, but uses Kyo's restand CCs and various mixups to great effect. Sample Match
Bean	Japan	P-Groove	N/A	One of Japan's best P-Groovers. Has a dominant Kyo who pulls off crazy parry punish combos. Sample Match
Makoto	Japan	P-Groove	N/A	Not only is he a titan with Kyo, He also manages to turn almost every parry to a damaging punish combo. Sample Match
OTK	Japan	K-Groove	Twitter: @Den_ta9	Once Hailed as Japan's best Rock and best K-Groove player, OTK has a JD crazy Kyo that punished seemingly everything and had mega-mind reads. Sample Match

Normal Moves

Far Normals

5LP

Far Jab
Light Punch
5LP / Far LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	300	3	RF/SP/SU	Mid	High	3	5	7	15	+5	+5	None
A quick light jab. Crouchable but has decent range and is very fast.

5MP

Far Strong
Medium Punch
5MP / Far MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	900	9	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	6	22	32	-5	-5	None
5MP is a strong button for whiff punishing as it combos into Kyo's 236MP and reaches quite far for a Kyo normal. Sees less use than his 2MP however, which is essentially the same button but cannot be crouched. This is ideal combo tool for rekkas against characters that can not duck it due to having more range and same start up as c.mp.

5HP

Far Fierce
Heavy Punch
5HP / Far HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	6	17	31	+1	+1	None
Kyo sticks out his fist in front of him. Crouchable again, and not cancellable like 5MP. While it is fairly damaging it sees basically no use except as an occassional anti-air.

5LK

Far Short
Light Kick
5LK / Far LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	500	5	SU	Mid	High	5	4	14	23	-1	-1	None
A quick little kick. Useful to prod opponents with, and as a safer standing poke. Only cancels into supers, however, and only 236236P will combo from it.

5MK

Far Forward
Medium Kick
5MK / Far MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	900	9	None	Mid	High	8	5	19	32	-2	-2	None
Kyo kicks up into the air. One of Kyo's many useful anti-airs, notably for when opponents are farther away.

5HK

Far Roundhouse
Heavy Kick
5HK / Far HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1300	13	SU	Mid	High	7	7	24	38	-5	-5	Low
One of Kyo's best moves in neutral. 5HK reaches far and starts up fast, and Kyo's foot hurtbox is gone. His lower hurtbox in general retracts far back, meaning this cleanly beats a lot of popular low pokes. One of your farthest reaching normals in general, poke around in neutral with this. This can work guard very well and punish whiffs. This move cancels into Serpent Wave, but only lvl 2 works from most ranges, lvl 3 any range. Lvl 1 will not work in most cases.

clLP

Close Jab
Close Light Punch
cl.LP / cl5LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	400	4	RF/SP/SU	Mid	High	2	6	6	14	+5	+5	None
A very fast standing jab. Good get-off-me button, and would be useful for links but it can be crouched under.

clMP

Close Strong
Close Medium Punch
cl.MP / cl5MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	800	8	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	12	11	26	0	0	None
A medium normal with plenty of active frames. Extremely meaty normal that allows links into most anything. A good alternative to c.mp, but is 0 normally vs c.mp +6. Plus frames will vary on player timing. This most shines most as a meaty vs P-Groove where it must be parried high and not low, vs c.mp which can be parried down. Mix up between the two for best success.

clHP

Close Fierce
Close Heavy Punch
cl.HP / cl5HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	6	17	31	+1	+1	None
Identical to the far version, which makes it basically useless up close.

clLK

Close Short
Light Kick
cl.LK / cl5LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	500	5	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	4	11	19	+3	+3	None
A low hitting kick that does not actually hit low. Not a bad button but is usually outshined by his other lights up close.

clMK

Close Forward
Close Medium Kick
cl.MK / cl5MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1000	10	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	5	16	25	+1	+1	None
Despite having the same animation, MK does have a close version! It does 100 more damage and gains the ability to cancel. This is niche, as 5MK is mostly an anti-air and very niche otherwise.

clHK

Close Roundhouse
Close Heavy Kick
cl.HK / cl5HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1200	12	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	4	21	29	-1	-1	None
Kyo's main close normal for combos. Mainly, you'll cancel this into 236MK or 236HK and juggle from there. Used after any jump-in or to start punishes on negative moves that recover close, like DPs.

2LP

Crouching Jab
Crouching Light Punch
2LP / cr.LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	300	3	RF/SP/SU	Mid	Mid	3	4	7	14	+6	+6	None
A standard and good 2LP. Fast, mashable, and links into Kyo's strong medium normals. Usually outshined by 2LK, as they have the exact same data but 2LK is a low.

2MP

Crouching Strong
Crouching Medium Punch
2MP / cr.MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	800	8	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	7	9	20	+6	+6	None
One of your best normals, and perhaps your best one. Kyo's 2MP is a key normal for poking, linking, pressure, and punishing. As it's 4 frames, it'll link from a majority of things (including itself!) and is a very consistent punish after parry/JD. It reaches farther than you might expect as well, and even at max range it will combo into 236MP for a knockdown. It can be fairly hard to contest as well, as it recovers very quick and is easy to whiff. This also makes it an effective meter builder. A good do-it-all normal held back almost only by average range.

2HP

Crouching Fierce
Crouching Heavy Punch
2HP / cr.HP

Starting Hitbox

Anti-Air Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	1200, 1100	12, 11	SP/SU, SU	Mid	High	5	6	29	40	-11	-11	None
Another good anti-air in Kyo's moveset. It reaches quite high, and the hurtbox on the arm is very small, meaning it's good at beating people above you. Usually you want to use 623P on opponents at this range, but this is good in situations where you can't react in time to do the full input.

2LK

Crouching Short
Crouching Light Kick
2LK / cr.LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	200	2	RF/SP/SU	Low	Low	3	4	7	14	+6	+6	None
Your main crouching light, and main light in general. Fast, very plus, and a low. Links into 2MP even after doing two, allowing Kyo to do long low confirms. On it's own, it combos into some faster specials and confirms into his supers.

2MK

Crouching Forward
Crouching Medium Kick
2MK / cr.MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	900	9	SU	Low	Low	7	9	16	32	-5	-5	None
A far reaching low poke. Not special cancellable and only combos into supers at close range, but not bad to toss in at the end of a blockstring for a surprise low. Even then it's outshined by 2HK. Occassionally useful but you usually have a better option, and Kyo isn't gonna win from pokes usually anyway

2HK

Crouching Roundhouse
Crouching Heavy Kick / Sweep
2HK / cr.HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	1300	13	None	Low	Low	6	6	22	34	-DWN	-2	None
Kyo's sweep. Fairly standard but a bit committal since it can't be cancelled. Still can be nice to get a far knockdown or whiff punish into oki, but watch whiffing this. Very safe on block at any range and can be made plus up close. At close range you can start a custom combo or combo Lvl 3 Serpent Wave. Vital tool vs some pokes such as Sagat c.fp.

8LP

Jumping Jab
Jumping Light Punch
j.LP / 8LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	600	6	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
A fast jump normal. Has a lot of active frames, and can be useful in some ways to intercept air utilities like Bison headstomp, but has very little use otherwise.

8MP

Jumping Strong
Jumping Medium Punch
j.MP / 8MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	900	9	None	High	High	4	10	0	14	Varies	Varies	None
A weaker but faster j.HP. Not much purpose.

8HP

Jumping Fierce
Jumping Heavy Punch
j.HP / 8HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	1100	11	None	High	High	6	10	0	16	Varies	Varies	None
One of Kyo's heavy air normals. Does good damage, but is generally outshined by jHK both in neutral and diagonal jumps.

8LK

Jumping Short
Jumping Light kick
j.LK / 8LK

Neutral Jump

Diagonal Jump

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	600	6	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo sticks out his knee. Similar to jLP with high active frames and fast startup, but similarly niche, especially since it's a neutral jump normal.
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,+	500	5	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
A knee with lots of active frames. Also has a clean crossup hitbox, which is great to set up hop crossups after knockdowns. Surprisingly hard to contest because of how active it is.

8MK

Jumping Forward
Jumping Medium Kick
j.MK / 8MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	900	9	None	High	High	5	7	0	12	Varies	Varies	None
A decent air-to-air as it's one of his farthest reaching air normals.

8HK

Jumping Roundhouse
Jumping Heavy Kick
j.HK / 8HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1100	11	None	High	High	6	10	0	16	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo kicks outwards. Kyo's njHK is arguably his best air-to-air, but it is a bit slow.
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,+	1200	12	None	High	High	6	6	0	12	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo's main all purpose jump in. Long reach, highest damage, and decent frame data. Not much to explain, just a good air normal.

Command Normals

6HP

Blowback
Shoulder Ram
6HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1300	13	SP/SU	Mid	High	14	13	20	47	-DWN	-3	None
Kyo rams his opponent with his shoulder. Knocks them far away on hit, and can be special cancelled. Midscreen not much use as it sends too far for meaningful oki, but it's a useful meaty in the corner due to its high active frame count. Always cancel into 236LP/MP on hit to keep yourself safe. Has some use in a few combo routes. His best juggle ender in the corner into OTG rekka ground pound for max damage.

3HK

88 Shiki
Low Kicks
3HK

First Kick

Second Kick

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	400+800	4+8	None	Mid, Low	Low	11	4(8)4	20	47	0	0	None
A double kick that aims low and reaches far. An important footsies normal for Kyo, as it's fast and safe. It can be good to toss these out when in range to keep opponents from trying to approach you, and keep the pace of the match in Kyo's favor. Be careful not to whiff though as it has a decent bit of endlag. 0 on block and good move to RC Rekka after.

6MK

Ge Shiki: Goufu You
Overhead Kick
6MK

The one missing hitbox in a sea of hitbox data...

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000	10	None	High	High	32	3	22	55	-5	-5	None
A long, committal, reactable overhead. Not the best overhead, as it's negative on hit and a full 32 frame startup means it's more than reactable. Still, Kyo has many lows from many ranges. If an opponent is scared to stand up vs Kyo pressure, this can be slipped in.

j2HP

Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi
Dunk, Axe Hands
j2HP

Dunk On Em

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
In Air +	1400	14	None	High	High	8	6	0	14	-DWN	Varies	None
Kyo dunks on the opponent with a two-fisted downward punch. Very very scary attack, especially when combined with low jumps. Most aerials in CvS2 do not give a knockdown on their own, and need to be linked into grounded attacks or specials. This move, however, gives an immediate and potent hard knockdown. This makes it a very scary overhead option, especially in low jump where it can be done early on giving the opponent very little time to react. After some knockdowns, Kyo can even have this setup to crossup or fake crossup, making it a key part of his vortex. This normal is especially potent vs tall characters, namely the feared top tier Sagat, as they cannot crouch under it as easily.

Throws

4/6HP

Hachi Tetsu
Punch Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Near Opponent /+	1700	0	None	Grab	Grab	3	1	13	17	-DWN	Grab	None
Kyo shoulders the opponent and tosses them away. Not a bad throw, but almost completely outshined by his amazing kick throw. It is however the faster throw, and one of Kyo's fastest attacks in general, making it a nice punish against certain things.

4/6HK

Issetsu Seio Nage
Kick Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HK

He needs it

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Near Opponent /+	1900	0	None	Grab	Grab	5	1	13	19	-DWN	Grab	None
A beast of a normal throw. Higher than average throw range makes it so Kyo can threaten tic throws and walk up throws more than most characters, and the knockdown this gives is amazing. Some of Kyo's best knockdown oki will come from his kick throw. It helps that it also does a chunk of damage, making it a tool worth fearing. It goes without saying, but a character like Kyo who already has good mixup really appreciates having a scary throw as well. Allow for side switching by rolling or low jumping and still having time to meaty.

Special Moves

Aragami

Kyo's Rekka series can be intimidating at first, but the tree is fairly simple! Here is a quick rundown.
Aragami > Konokizu > Nanase/Yanosabi
Aragami > Yanosabi > Nanase/Migiri Ugachi
There are different reasons to use either of these two trees and the two possible enders for each, but memorizing the order is simple.

114 Shiki: Aragami
Rekka Starter
236LP/MP

Bodega!!

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	500	2	Into Rekka Followups	Mid	High	15	3	11 (cancel), 29 (raw)	47	-5	-5	None
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	600	2	Into Rekka Followups	Mid	High	18	4	14 (cancel), 34 (raw)	56	-10	-10	None
The first hit of Kyo's rekka series. Important tools for combos and pressure, but not as good for neutral as they are in the classic KOF games. They are notably unsafe, especially the MP version, and while pushback usually makes you fairly safe from punishment you still can't threaten much after an empty Aragami. The real strength lies in making your opponent scared of what you do after. The followups make for potent frametraps, one of which being an overhead as well, meaning opponents will often standblock. This is when you can catch them with surprise lows, which Kyo has plenty of. Mix up your options after this move to keep your opponent on their toes and score knockdowns. Typically the light version is always safe except from fast supers (Same data as Iori's 1st rekka on block). This sets up a mix up with RC rekka again on block (in roll grooves) or delay 2nd rekka to counter hit and anti air. Rekka series loops into itself infinitely if someone keeps quick rising.

Konokizu

128 Shiki: Konokizu
Rekka Bridge
After Aragami, 236P

Combo Tool and Risky Frametrap

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Aragami, +	600	2	Into / Finishers	Mid	High	8	3	10 (cancel), 26 (raw)	37	-2	-11	None
The combo bridge off of Aragami. Mostly you'll use this to finish combos from Aragami hitting, as the other bridge does not combo. It can also be used as a risky frametrap, and a tool to catch people jumping over Aragami. Very unsafe and not much pushback, so if this is blocked you will get punished.

Yanosabi

127 Shiki: Yanosabi
Rekka Overhead/Overhead Finisher
After Aragami, 63214P/After Konokizu, P

Surprise Overhead

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Aragami, +/After Konokizu,	900	4	Into / Finishers	High	High	16	4	2 (cancel), 22 (raw)	42	-DWN	-7	None
Overhead followup to Aragami. Only barely reactable, but predictable if used too much. A smart opponent will standblock Aragami always and react to whether or not you did the overhead, rather than react to you doing the overhead itself. You should still represent this tool against opponents crouchblocking, as it does give a decent knockdown on hit and is a part of why blocking Aragami is scary. As a finisher, this is used in a few juggles to knockdown, but is rare. Moreso it's used as another surprise overhead at the end of an Aragami bridge. One set up to use this is after rekka knockdown, do another rekka (leaves you close and covers quick rise), into delayed 2nd rekka follow up or normal oki.

Nanase

127 Shiki: Nanase
Kick Ender
After Konokizu/Yanosabi, K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Konokizu/Yanosabi	700	2	None	Mid	High	12	8	27	47	-DWN	-20	None
The kick ender for the Aragami chain. Combos from the 236P followup and gives a good knockdown with lots of corner carry. This is your preferred ender after long hitconfirms, as it's easy to combo into. Make sure that it hits however, as if this is blocked you're left open for your opponents favorite combo.

Migiri Ugachi

Ge Shiki Migiri Ugachi: 127 Shiki Yano Sabi
OTG Ender
After Yanosabi Bridge, P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Yanosabi Bridge	1300	5	None	Mid	Mid	15	4	36	55	-DWN	-21	None
Ender specifically for the Overhead bridge. Hits OTG (Off The Ground) so it can be used after the overhead bridge knockdown to add more damage. After some corner combos, you can whiff the first parts of the rekka (236P > 63214P > P) and this will hit for extra damage. Even more unsafe than the Kick ender, so watch for this being blocked.

Dokugami

115 Shiki: Dokugami
Heavy Rekka Starter
236HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	700	3	Into Followup	Mid	High	20	3	5 (cancel), 32 (raw)	55	-11	-11	4 (autoguard)
A heavier version of Kyo's Aragami rekka. Unlike Aragami, this only has one tree to follow through. Dokugami is mostly useful for combos, as while it does have a few autoguard frames they're minor, and you're left unsafe on hit and block. The followups can whiff if this is done from farther out. While this would be a useful combo tool, it only combos from heavies, and Kyo has better options from heavies. Dokugami sees very little use because where it does work, Kyo has a better option. Very good RC vs fireballs.

Tsumiyomi

401 Shiki: Tsumiyomi
Heavy Rekka Bridge
After Dokugami, 63214P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Dokugami +	700	2	Into Finisher	Mid	High	6	3	4 (cancel), 20 (raw)	29	+1	-8	None
Bridge after Dokugami. Basically only used for combos, as it leaves you unsafe on block.

Batsuyomi

401 Shiki: Batsuyomi
Heavy Rekka Ender
After Tsumiyomi, 6P

First Hitbox

Last Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Tsumiyomi +	500+300	2+1	None	Mid	High	6	14	41	61	-DWN	-36	None
Heavy rekka ender. Only to be used as a combo ender after heavy rekkas, as it has no purpose in Kyo's gameplan otherwise. Just like his other rekka enders, if this gets blocked, be prepared to see yourself in a combo video later.

Oniyaki

100 Shiki: Oniyaki
DP
623P

Startup Invuln

First Active Frames

Anti-Air Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000, 800	10, 8	None	Mid	High	4	8	38	50	-DWN	-31	4 (Full), 4 (Lower)
+	1700, 800	17, 8	None	Mid	High	4	8	49	61	-DWN	-42	4 (Full), 4 (Lower)
+	1100+800	11+8	None	Mid	High	4	9	60	73	-DWN	-50	8 (Full), 5 (Lower)
Kyo's powerful Oniyaki DP series. Very high damage reversal and anti-air specials, but majorly risky. The HP version is the happy medium combo ender to juggles (1 less stun than dp+k, but more damage) and his best anti air being fully invincible. MP dp is best damage potential as it is one hit (counter hits do much more damage than hp dp) and on trades you can juggle any serpent wave or custom combo. MP version will trade often as the invincibility runs out right before the first active frame.

RED Kicks

R.E.D. Kick
Overhead Kicks
421K

Rising Hitbox

Falling Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1300, 1100	13, 11	None	High	High	24	14	15	53	-DWN	-3	None
+	1400, 1100	14, 11	None	High	High	31	12	14	57	-DWN	-2	None
+	1500, 1200	15, 12	None	High	High	38	10	13	61	-DWN	-1	None
Overhead hitting flip kicks. Opponents have to anti-air this like a jump. This can catch opponents who are waiting to block moves like Aragami by surprise, and even if they do react to block, your turn isn't necessarily over. These are still risky however, as you are wide open for high damage anti-airs. Can be used as a neutral "skip" but this carries more risk than a surprise overhead cancel as the opponent will be watching to anti-air you. They have overall good hitboxes. NOTE: Despite the frame data listed (its the official data) these are very much more like dive kicks, they are not safe as listed unless you hit them deep near the feet. A standing opponent can punish pretty easily if blocked high near the head.

Kai

75 Shiki: Kai
Upkicks, Launcher
236K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	12	11	5 (cancel), 32 (raw)	55	-DWN	-17	None
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	18	12	5 (cancel), 35 (raw)	65	-DWN	-20	None
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	22	13	5 (cancel), 38 (raw)	73	-DWN	-23	None
The first hit of Kyo's two part launcher series. On it's own, very unsafe and easily punished. Always do the followup K move, as in combos its what gives him juggles and on block it can be safer.

Kai Followup

75 Shiki: Kai Followup
236KK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	500	5	None	Mid	High	5	6	16	27	-DWN	Varies	None
	600	6	None	Mid	High	5	6	19	30	-DWN	Varies	None
	700	7	None	Mid	High	5	6	22	33	-DWN	Varies	None
Launcher followup to Kai. Followups can only be used with the version you started with (i.e. HK followup can only be used after 236HK). This move leaves heavy frame advantage vs characters you can not duck it (Sagat, Raiden, Geese, etc). This makes it a good RC and in block strings that cause the first hit to whiff. Caution using it too close, if the first hit it blocked, the second hit will always whiff on a crouching opponent.

Oboroguruma

101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma
Spinning Kicks
623K

First Kick

Second Kick

Final Kick

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	8	31	47	-DWN	Varies	None
+	500+1100	5+11	None	Mid	High	8	6(17)6	31	68	-DWN	Varies	None
+	300+500+1200	3+5+12	None	Mid	High	8	6(17)6(12)2	38	89	-DWN	Varies	None
Kyo rises up into the air and kicks once for LK, twice for MK, and three times for HK. Powerful tools for combos, as the LK and MK versions allow for some followups after. The HK version is a fearsome combo ender, as it gives ridiculous corner carry and a great untechable knockdown. Generally, you'll only use these during combos and only after 236KK. This ender is used mainly for MAX stun output.

Kototsuki You

212 Shiki: Kototsuki You
Running Grab
63214K

Elbow

Grab

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	200+1500	0	None	Mid	High	5, 4 (hit)	32 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	49 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
+	200+1600	0	None	Mid	High	5, 4 (hit)	64 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	81 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
+	200+1700	0	None	Mid	High	5, 4 (hit)	48 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	65 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
Kyo runs forward and elbows the opponent. On hit, he grabs them and blows them up. The LK version will run forward shortly, while the MK and HK versions will run fullscreen. Outside of whiffing the LK version as approach and too cover safe falls, there isn't any reason to use this. Mostly can be used as a combo ender for post stun combos (where OTG is better), RC vs fireballs (where RC Rekka is better), or custom combo starter vs fireballs (where walk up s.hk is better).

Supers

Final Showdown

Final Showdown
Beatdown Super
236236P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2800	0	None	Mid	High	5:8	56	35	104	-DWN	-17	9 (Full)
+	4400	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	5:8	56	30	99	-DWN	-12	15 (Full)
+	5800	0	None	Mid	High	5:8	56	30	99	-DWN	-12	23 (Full)
Kyo summons a huge pillar of fire, and lunges at the opponent with a hook like his Aragami. Level 1 ends with one punch, level 2 adds another punch, and level 3 adds a high damage Oniyaki ender. Easier to combo into than Orochinagi, but does do less damage. Will combo off of lights and quick buffers, but requires a bit of close range. Gains a lot more utility in C-Groove where it can cancel into 236HKK, leading to an Orochinagi for big damage. Despite the ridiculously tall hitbox, air opponents will not get hit by this fully, making it useless as an anti-air. You can spam it in S-Groove as anti air, but just doing hp dp is better. Comboable off two light attacks up close.

Orochinagi

Ura 108 Shiki: Orochinagi
Flame Super
2141236P

Charging

The Classic

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2500	0	None	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-20	9 (full)
+	3700	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-17	15 (Full)
+	1000+4700	0	None	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-14	23 (Full)
Kyo's signature super where he charges up his fire and then throws out a cloud of flame. Can be held, but unlike in KOF this does not increase it's damage and the max hold version is still blockable. With the level 3 version, Kyo will be covered in an active flame hitbox that can be used to make juggles consistent. Holding it is just for mindgames and to ensure max damage in juggles. These are high damage, and what you usually want to end combos in, but they can be a bit situational to land in comparison to Final Showdown. Almost always you'll land these after a Kai in the corner. The level 1 and 2 versions are difficult to combo into, so you especially want to land the level 3 version. To land all hits of the level 3, you have to get a hit in the corner into 236HKK. Buffer the super to immediately do it as you land, and hold so they can bounce off of Kyo's body once. Then, release the super as they fall. The level one can be used as a strong meaty vs non reversal character on certain knockdowns, which is a waste in any groove not S. The level 2 version is Kyo's bread and butter go to off certain combos in C. Main ender for juggle A Groove customs (if not doing OTG).

Strategy

C- Groove

Pros:

- Great meter building

- Stored meter is great to choose what level super to use on demand

- Access to roll cancel, gives moves more range

- Amazing level 2 damage

- Huge stun output with level 2, especially in the corner

- Easy to land damage up close

- Trade combo off MP DP near corner close to 9.5k

- Access to air block/chicken guard can help some bad matches

Cons:

- Roll cancel rekka must be spaced properly, can be punished by fast supers

- Bad roll

- LP rekka is safest at -5, hard to execute due to overlapping kick special

- Level one supers are near useless

- Can have a difficult time getting in without low jump

- Loses low jump instant overhead D+HP vs big characters

- Can be difficult to whiff punish due to short range, s.rh xx super can be hard to do during a intense match (SNK motion)

- Dash is mediocre, can not corpse hop

- Can struggle vs characters with superior pokes and zoning

A-Groove

Pros:

- Great meter building

- Access to roll cancel, gives moves more range

- Great CC damage

- Access to two overheads in CC

- Able to force re-stand in juggles for more damage

- Easy to land damage up close

- Trade combo off MP dp in CC does great damage

- CC versatility allows for true AA CC as well fireball punishes

- MP DP chip CC does great damage and guardbreaks (guaranteed vs P/K)

Cons:

- Roll cancel rekka must be spaced properly, can be punished by fast supers

- LP rekka is safest at -5, hard to execute due to overlapping kick special

- Level one supers are useless outside of kill combo (CC too valuable)

- Can have a difficult time getting in without low jump

- Loses low jump instant overhead D+HP vs big characters

- Can be difficult to whiff punish due to short range, no access to s.rh xx super reliably

- Dash is mediocre, can not corpse hop

- Can struggle vs characters with superior pokes and zoning

P- Groove

Pros:

- Great meter building

- Access to parry allows for easy combo to knockdown with good damage (s.mp or c.mp xx rekka)

- Easy to land damage up close

- Trade combo off MP dp into super does good damage

- Access to low jump help with poking (low jump j.mk) and mix ups (empty jump throw/low)

- Low jump gives access to instant overhead D+HP vs tall crouchers/fatties

- Parry allows for more air approach depending on player's parry skills

- LP rekka is safest at -5, but punishable by fast supers. Parry allow it to become safe (-4) due to being able to parry 1-frame prior to blocking

Cons:

- Weak guard bar, vs character with good guard and better pokes, Kyo is more open to being guard crushed

- Level one supers are useless outside of kill combo (CC too valuable)

- Can have a difficult time getting in without low jump

- Can be difficult to whiff punish due to short range, no access to s.rh xx super reliably

- Dash is mediocre, can not corpse hop

- Can struggle vs characters with superior pokes and zoning

- P-Groove is a skill heavy groove, can become overwhelmed if unable to parry on top of being a hard character to play

- Not Kyo specific, but A-Groove can get free damage in some cases (block Sakura s.lp, she activates and shosho's)

- No access to RC, must parry (fireballs, pokes, etc) and if wrong will take damage

S-Groove

Pros:

- Very good Kick dodge attack

- Good run

- Easy to land damage up close

- Access to low jump help with poking (low jump j.mk) and mix ups (empty jump throw/low)

- Low jump gives access to instant overhead D+HP vs tall crouchers/fatties

- Full meter bonus damage is great bonus for his damaging combos

Cons:

- Meter tied to a timer

- Very mediocre dodge punch

- Level one supers are not easy to land when in desperation (flashing red life/infinite level ones)

- Can not take advantage of great meter building

- Charge mechanic works against his playstyle (have to choose knock down to mix up/Oki or charge)

- Can struggle vs characters with superior pokes and zoning

- MP DP juggle to level one cant be taken advantage of in red life

- No access to RC, must dodge (fireballs, pokes, etc) which is not advancing

- Rare to get a level 3 if meter isnt built far when hitting desperation, have to give up oki if wanting a level 3 (flashing red life/infinite level ones)

N-Groove

Pros:

- Great meter building

- Good run

- Access to roll cancel, gives more range

- Easy to land damage up close

- Access to low jump help with poking (low jump j.mk) and mix ups (empty jump throw/low)

- Low jump gives access to instant overhead D+HP vs tall crouchers/fatties

- Breaking stock is great bonus for his damaging combos

- Can break stock for access to more damage or a level 3 after a knock down and continue pressure

- Counter roll punishes can be very damaging

Cons:

- No instant access to level 3

- Bad roll which limits his guard cancel roll punishes

- Meter tied to a timer

K-Groove

Pros:

- Good run

- Access to Just Defend allows for easy combo to knockdown with good damage (s.mp or c.mp xx rekka) on certain heavy normals (ex. Blanka c.fp)

- Nature of Just Defend being safe allows it to be used freely in neutral helping vs more dominant pokes and grants health

- Easy to land damage up close

- Access to low jump help with poking (low jump j.mk) and mix ups (empty jump throw/low)

- Low jump gives access to instant overhead D+HP vs tall crouchers/fatties

- Rage drastically improves his already high damage (about 35% overall) and gives defense buff (12.5%)

- Even though rage is timed, Kyo can land his level three easily once he gets in off light attacks into upkicks

- Unlike N and S, Kyo will get access to two level 3 supers, up to 3 if player can Just Defend well

- Unlike parry, a wrong guess just means Kyo will block

Cons:

- Weak guard bar, vs character with good guard and better pokes, Kyo is more open to being guard crushed, but not as much as P-Groove since Just Defending is easy

- Meter tied to a timer (although not as bad as S/N due to gauranteed two level 3's)

- Can struggle vs characters with superior pokes and zoning

- Not Kyo specific, but A-Groove can get free damage in some cases (block Sakura s.lp, she activates and shosho's)

- No access to RC, must Just Defend (fireballs, pokes, etc)

Why play Kyo?

Kyo is a very fun character who can quickly destroy an opponent once he gets in. He has high damage, high stun output, and great guard damage. His roll cancels are not abusable, but great use tactically or as punishes for obvious moves. He is made to rush down, mix up, or break guard and land big combos. He has many juggles as well as OTG combos. Good for players who like:

- Rush down - High damage - Mix ups - Combos with links

Combos

****Meterless Bread and Butter****

c.lk, c.lp, c.mp xx mp Rekka series - Your main go to combo that leads to great knockdown that can not be quick rised, another Rekka after will cover the knock down. This leads to many option as well for oki.

c.lk, c.lp, s.mp xx mp Rekka series - An alternate version on his bnb that uses s.mp for extra range and generally better for combos if they can't duck it.

c.lk, c.lk, c.lk xx lk upkicks - A beginner-friendly combo that can lead to big damage with meter.

****Advanced meterless****

c.lk, close s.hk xx mk upkicks - Big boy combo for max damage that has different routes depending on what you goal is (1 thru 5).

1. HP DP ender - Best mixture of damage and stun, can't pressure after vs quick rise mid screen.

2. HK DP ender - Best corner carry and stun, but slightly less damage than HP DP in longer combos.

3. F+HP xx Rekka, OTG ender - Best damage, lower stun output.

4. Running Grab - Worst option, should only go for it post stun, same damage as HP DP, but 0 stun.

5. s.hk xx mk RED Kick - cheeky reset, but safe on block as RED Kick hits meaty MOVE TO RESETS

c.lk, c.lp, c.fp xx mp rekka or hp Rekka- A tougher link for bigger damage from Rekka. HP Rekka should only be used in the corner since its midscreen knockdown is bad.

****Metered Bread and Butter****

c.lk, c.lk, c.lk xx lk upkicks, juggle Lvl 3 Serpent Wave - The main go-to combo for most grooves

c.lk, c.lk xx any level Final Showdown - An ok super, but Serpent Wave is typically better.

Far s.rh xx Lvl 3 Serpent Wave

Point blank c.hk, juggle Lvl 3 Serpent Wave - This is just a safe option to land a lvl 3, not ideal. Sweep is only -2 and has 6 active frames for meaty.

MP DP *TRADE* any lvl Serpent Wave MP DP Trade options

(C-Groove only) MP DP *TRADE* Lvl 2 Serpent Wave, HK upkicks, Lvl 1 Serpent Wave Note: Only possible due to how high up the combo puts the opponent.

(C-Groove only, midscreen) Far s.rh xx Lvl 2 Serpent Wave xx mk upkicks, HP DP or HK DP - from farther range cancel directly into HK DP as sometimes upkicks leave you too far away midscreen to land another juggle. Timin gon the Lvl 2 Serpent Wave juggle is very tight.

(Midscreen, C-Groove only) Point blank c.lk, c.lk OR close s.hk xx lk upkicks xx juggle lvl 2 serpent wave xx HK DP - Massive damage off a level 2 cancel, optimal midscreen.

(A-Groove Only) MP DP *TRADE* (Activate CC) Anti Air CC - See A-Groove combos

(A-Groove only) c.lk, close s.hk xx mk up kicks, (Activate CC) Anti Air CC - See A-Groove combos

(A-Groove, near corner only) c.lk, c.lk, c.lk xx lk upkicks, (Activate CC) Anti Air CC - See A-Groove combos

(A-Groove only) c.lk, c.lk, (Activate CC), Anti Air CC or c.mp xx ground CC - See A-Groove combos

****Custom Combos****

A-Kyo is very versatile with great damage, one of the better characters in A groove by a far margin who isn't Sakura or M.Bison.

Pros:

Great damage Easy ground custom Strong advanced customs Can go for stun post CC instead of super leading to dizzy Overhead CC Shosho chip CC Overall a custom for any situation

Cons:

No low jump makes getting in and mix ups tougher, some matches become much harder Must be able to proficiently RC

****Ground Custom**** *Note there are many variations*

s.hk x5, df+hk (1 hit) xx s.hk x3 xx (df+rh 2-hits xx c.mp)xN xx Final Showdown

****Anti-Air Custom****

(MP DP xx DF+HK whiff)x7, MP DP xx c.fp xx Serpent Wave

****Restand CC****

A few examples of restand CC

c.lk, c.lk, c.lk xx lk upkicks near corner, (Activate CC) s.hk xx (Whiff) lp rekka series to otg, df+hk xN, Final Showdown

****Overhead blocked CC****

Kyo can do rekka otg during a blocked custom to restand. The timing do do this is very tricky since if you press buttons too fast or too slow you can mess up as you can kara cancel the rekka INTO normals on start up before rekka hits. Do this by doing the motion for the first two rekkas BEFORE the first rekka hits, then double tapping punch as you see the overhead connect. Press punch too soon and you will kara cancel the overhead before it hits onto what version of punch you are pressing. The input should be all follows:

QCF+P, HCB+P (input both during the start up animation for first rekka), 1st rekka blocked, 2nd overhead rekka hits, double tap any punch.

Once the ground pound OTGs you can restand with df+hk.

Gunter's Kyo A-Groove Collection - Various custom combos

Colors