Rekkaken

The Rekkaken (烈火拳, Rekkaken^? "Blazing Fist") is one of Fei Long's signature special attacks, introduced along with him in Super Street Fighter II.

Input

All appearances	+ (can be performed up to 3 times)

Description

EX Rekkaken setting the opponent on fire in Street Fighter IV.

Executed by pressing a quarter-circle forward motion and pressing punch, Fei Long performs three punches in quick succession, complete with kiai (martial scream for each strike). The punches are in this order: a face-aimed jab with the leading fist, a stomach-aimed gut strike with the following fist and a chest-aimed backfist with the leading fist. If the full follow-up is performed, the backfist downs the foe, producing a different kiai from the first two hits.

The horizontal distance covered by each strike and recovery time in-between them are determined by the punch button pressed at the initial input, with heavier punches meaning longer reach but also longer recovery time.

EX Rekkaken's first punch nullifying Ryu's Hadoken in Street Fighter IV.

The EX Special version introduced in Street Fighter IV functions exactly the same as the heavy punch version without any startup time. It also uses fire-infused punches and allows (only) the very first punch to disrupt a single projectile with strict timing (this last property, however, does not apply to the other two punches at all, even with correct timing) - Fei's hand must be fully out during the initial strike.

The move also has a Super Combo variation called the Rekkashinken, which produces more punches.

Tactics

The Rekkaken is considered the "heart" of Fei Long's offensive arsenal, and is generally used as a close-range poke and combo finisher, due to the pushback and distance traveled, along with the range of the attack.

It can also be used as a hit confirm off of a counter hit, and a "full" Rekkaken allows Fei Long to take advantage of various setups from a knockdown. However, it cannot be used carelessly without proper spacing much like a sliding attack, as the recovery time and forward movement can create opportunities for a foe to punish the move. Overall, the best use for this move is at close range, where Fei can capitalize the opponent safely and lower any chances of retaliation.

Trivia

• Rekkaken is the very first special special attack in the Street Fighter games (as well as one of the first in fighting games) to have multiple hits via repeatable input, classifying it as a multi-input attack. Similar moves are referred to as "Rekkas" (Fei's technique has coined the term), especially if they involve inputting the same input multiple times in a row.
• Fei Long tensing himself with a different kiai after the third punch comes from Bruce Lee's similar habit after delivering a strike.

Similar moves

• Patriot Circle
• Spin Scythe
• Whip of Love
• Tourouzan

Gallery

Sprites

Fei Long's Move List
Throws	Gankaiho • Shushugai • Shushuraku • Seichu Rentengeki • Tensho Tosaikyaku
Unique Attacks	Chokkarakusho • Engekishu
Special Attacks	Rekkaken • Shienkyaku • Rekkukyaku • Tenshin • Ryuogeki • Shoenryu
Super Combos	Rekkashinken • Ryuu Yassai • Shien Renkyaku
Ultra Combos	Rekkashingeki • Gekirinken