Kongoshin

Kongoshin (金剛身, Diamond Body) is one of Gouken's special attacks, introduced in the Street Fighter IV series.

Input (all appearances)

High/Mid Counter	+
Low Counter	+

Description

The different variations of Gouken's counter move.

Executed by performing a reverse Shoryuken motion and pressing either punch or kick, Gouken will "parry" an incoming attack. The "parry" is not a true parry - though it prevents damage altogether, it gives Gouken something akin to Super Armor for a brief instant. However - like a parry, but unlike Super Armor - it does not absorb both high and low attacks; instead, the ability to counter depends on the input.

If the punch button was pressed, it can absorb one high or mid attack, while pressing kick allows it to absorb one low attack. If the parry is successful, Gouken will say "It's no use!", and then counter with a stomp of oppressive force, which negates the damage and sends the opponent spiraling backward. The EX Special version can counter any move regardless of where it lands.

Tactics

Gouken's counter move upon being activated.

Aside from the normal moves, it can also counter several Supers and Ultras. Save the button/height-based limitation, the parry is capable of absorbing anything that normal Super Armor can; this means that it cannot absorb throws or attacks with an Armor Break property, nor can it absorb more than one attack. However, the counter generally follows any absorbed hit so quickly that one need not be concerned about attacks that strike multiple times. Of course, due to the other weaknesses that Kongoshin shares with most counters, timing is of the utmost importance.

Video

[[Video:SF4 - Gouken Kongoshin defence|thumb|center|300px|Gouken's Kongoshin used against various Super and Ultra Combos.]]