Gakuran’s fighting styles can make a huge difference in how your character performs, and the “best” choice often depends on your height, skill level, and playstyle. Some styles are simple and forgiving, while others reward precise timing, spacing, and pressure.
If you’re trying to figure out the best Gakuran fighting style right now, this guide breaks down the strongest options, who they suit best, and how they compare in real matches.
Best Gakuran fighting styles at a glance
| Tier | Fighting Style | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Boxing | Most players, especially shorter builds | Very consistent pressure, strong punishes, and hard to shut down |
| A | Wrestling | Tall or balanced builds, advanced players | High damage potential if you can land grabs consistently |
| A | Muay Thai | Aggressive players, tall builds | Strong pressure and chip damage when you stay on top of opponents |
| A | Basic | Beginners, parry-focused players | Reliable, simple, and surprisingly effective when played well |
| A | Hakari / Akari | Combo-focused players | Strong burst windows and good payoff after landing hits |
| B | Karate | Newer players who want safety | Solid and dependable, but not very flashy |
| B | Capoeira | Technical players who like mobility | Good movement, but lower damage and fewer panic tools |
| C | Slugger | Casual use only | Can hit hard, but the risk usually outweighs the reward |
Best Gakuran fighting style overall
1. Boxing
Boxing is the strongest all-around pick for most players. It’s the most oppressive style in the current tier list because it combines pressure, consistency, and strong counterplay against opponents who hesitate.
Why it ranks so high:
- Strong pressure after perfect blocks
- M2 attacks are difficult to interrupt
- Chip damage helps keep opponents under stress
- Works well once you get comfortable parrying
Boxing is especially good if you like straightforward combat and want a style that rewards fundamentals without demanding overly complicated setups.
2. Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the most dangerous styles in the game when used by a skilled player. It’s not as easy as Boxing, but its grab pressure can be brutal once you learn how to bait dodges and parries.
What makes Wrestling strong:
- Big damage payoff when grabs land
- Hyper armor during key actions
- Very effective when you punish movement mistakes
- Great on tall or more physically dominant builds
The downside is that Wrestling takes timing. If you miss your grabs often, you’ll feel the gap between this and simpler styles like Boxing.
3. Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a strong pressure style that shines when you play aggressively and stay in your opponent’s face. It does especially well on taller characters.
Strengths:
- Good chip damage
- Strong posture pressure
- Rewards aggressive reads and constant forward movement
Weaknesses:
- Can be spaced out by disciplined players
- Less forgiving if you lose tempo
- Needs solid decision-making to stay effective
If you like forcing fights and punishing block-heavy opponents, Muay Thai is a great choice.
4. Basic
Basic is the starter style, but don’t underestimate it. It’s a safe and reliable option that performs better than many players expect, especially if you focus on parries and punishes.
Why Basic works:
- Easy to understand
- Effective when you play patiently
- Good for learning core combat habits
- Performs well on short builds
Basic is a smart pick if you want something simple while you learn the game’s rhythm. It’s not the flashiest style, but it can absolutely win matches.
5. Hakari / Akari
Hakari, also referred to as Akari in some community discussions, is a combo-oriented style with a strong burst window. It rewards players who can land clean strings and then cash in on the damage boost.
Highlights:
- Strong combo conversion
- Good burst potential after building pressure
- Works well in team fights and messy exchanges
It isn’t in S tier because it can be more matchup-dependent and has a harder time against styles that shut down close-range pressure, especially Wrestling.
Best fighting styles by height
Your character’s height matters in Gakuran, so the best style can change depending on your build.
| Height Type | Best Styles | Why They Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Boxing, Basic, Muay Thai | Faster punches and quick pressure suit shorter builds well |
| Medium | Wrestling, Karate | Balanced stats make these dependable and flexible |
| Tall | Wrestling, Muay Thai, Capoeira | Extra reach and stamina help stronger, slower styles shine |
Best style for short characters
If your character is short, Boxing is usually the best choice. Faster attacks and a more aggressive pace fit that build extremely well. Basic and Muay Thai can also work if you want something simpler or more pressure-heavy.
Best style for medium-height characters
Medium-height characters have the most flexibility. Wrestling is a standout option here, and Karate is a safe alternative if you want consistency without relying on complex reads.
Best style for tall characters
Tall builds can get a lot out of Wrestling and Muay Thai, since both benefit from stronger physical stats and reach. Capoeira can also be useful if you want movement-focused play and are comfortable with lower damage.
Full tier list for the best Gakuran fighting styles
S tier
| Style | Why It’s Top Tier |
|---|---|
| Boxing | Best balance of pressure, consistency, and punishing power |
A tier
| Style | Why It’s Strong |
|---|---|
| Wrestling | Excellent payoff, but timing matters a lot |
| Muay Thai | Strong pressure and chip damage |
| Basic | Very dependable, especially for learning the game |
| Hakari / Akari | Strong combo burst and team-fight value |
B tier
| Style | Why It Lands Here |
|---|---|
| Karate | Reliable, but not especially explosive |
| Capoeira | Great movement, but weaker damage and fewer defensive tools |
C tier
| Style | Why It’s Lower |
|---|---|
| Slugger | High risk and lower consistency than the better choices |
Which Gakuran fighting style should you pick?
The best choice depends on how you want to play.
Pick Boxing if you want:
- The strongest overall option
- Easy-to-learn pressure
- A style that works for most situations
Pick Wrestling if you want:
- Big reward from good reads
- A more technical, advanced style
- Strong value on tall or balanced builds
Pick Muay Thai if you want:
- Aggressive close-range combat
- Strong chip pressure
- A style that keeps opponents uncomfortable
Pick Basic if you want:
- A beginner-friendly option
- A safer learning curve
- Solid performance without overcomplicating things
Pick Capoeira if you want:
- Mobility and spacing tools
- A more patient, technical playstyle
- A style that feels different from the usual brawler picks
Beginner tips for choosing the best style
If you’re new to Gakuran, keep these points in mind:
- Choose a style that matches your character height.
- Start with a forgiving option like Boxing, Basic, or Karate.
- Focus on learning parries and punish timing.
- Don’t pick a style only because it looks strong on paper.
- Try styles in-game if possible, since updates can change balance over time.
A lot of success in Gakuran comes from comfort and consistency. Even a lower-ranked style can feel strong if it fits your playstyle better than a higher-tier option.
Final verdict
If you want the best Gakuran fighting style overall, Boxing is the safest top pick. It’s strong, reliable, and effective for most players. Wrestling and Muay Thai are also excellent, especially if you like more aggressive or technical combat.
For beginners, Basic and Karate are good learning tools. For advanced players, Wrestling and Capoeira can be rewarding if you enjoy timing and spacing. If you want the shortest answer possible: pick Boxing first, then try Wrestling or Muay Thai if you want more specialized play.
FAQ
What is the best fighting style in Gakuran?
Boxing is the best overall fighting style for most players because it offers strong pressure, reliable punishes, and simple, effective combat.
What is the best fighting style for short characters?
Boxing is usually the best choice for short characters, with Basic and Muay Thai as solid alternatives.
Is Wrestling better than Boxing in Gakuran?
Not usually for most players. Wrestling can be extremely strong, but it’s more timing-dependent. Boxing is easier to use consistently and ranks higher overall.
What fighting style should beginners use in Gakuran?
Beginners should try Boxing, Basic, or Karate first. These styles are easier to learn and less punishing when you make mistakes.