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Like a Dragon: Ishin

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How to Unlock All Brawler Abilities in Like a Dragon Ishin

By
Matt Chard

While playing Like a Dragon: Ishin you may notice that some abilities are locked, and you might be wondering how to unlock these extra skills. Well, there are training dojos across Kyo that will train you, which in turn, unlocks said abilities. There is a dojo for each style, although Swordsman and Wild Dance are both trained by the same person. This page will guide you through every ability you can unlock for the Brawler Style.

Komaki and his student in the Komaki Brawler Dojo.

Where to Find Brawler Training Dojo

This is the first Dojo you will most likely encounter, and it can be accessed after helping the Shinto Priest during Chapter 2. The Dojo you’re looking for is Komaki Dojo, and you can find it directly east of the Teradaya Inn. When you first approach it, you’ll get a short scene where the sensei is shouting at his student. This will be your introduction to the dojo and after the scene ends, you’ll be able to start training.

(1 of 2) The Komaki Dojo (Brawler) can be found to the east of the Teradaya Inn.

The Komaki Dojo (Brawler) can be found to the east of the Teradaya Inn. (left), This is the entrance to the Komaki Dojo. (right)

Brawler Training 1 - Dragonwing Sortie

Dragonwing Sortie is the special attack of the Brawler Style.

The first ability you’ll learn is the special ability “Dragonwing Sortie”. One could say that this ability packs a punch (pun intended). When you have accumulated enough Heat (blue flames around you), hold DualSense-R2 / Xbox-TriggerRight, and repeatedly press DualSense-ButtonSquare / Xbox-ButtonX (Xbox-Logo) then unleash a Finishing Blow with DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY. The only downside to this attack is you have to be close to the enemy to perform it which can get you hit, especially in groups. This ability is automatically unlocked, and you won’t have to purchase it from the Ability Wheel.

Brawler Training 2 - Komaki Dharma Tumbler

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Dharma Tumbler from the second training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Dharma Tumbler from the second training session with Komaki. (left), When the training is complete, the seal will be unlocked on the Ability Wheel. (right)

This next ability is an extension to your regular dodge which allows you to roll away after evading. To do this, press DualSense-ButtonCross / Xbox-ButtonA to evade like normal, then press DualSense-ButtonCross / Xbox-ButtonA again during the dodge to roll away. If you add a direction to it with your left stick, you’ll roll in that direction. Once you complete the training, you’ll unlock the seal where you can find it in the northeast of the Ability Wheel.

Brawler Training 3 - Komaki Knock Back

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Knock Back from the third training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Knock Back from the third training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete, the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

Now you’ll get a counter ability where you’ll knock back the enemy after guarding. This ability is aptly named “Komaki Knock Back”. To perform this ability, hold DualSense-L1 / Xbox-TriggerLeft to Guard, and then just as the enemies attack hits your guard, quickly press DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY to repel the attack, and knock the enemy back. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll unlock the seal on the Ability Wheel where you can find the seal in the southwest part of the wheel.

Brawler Training 4 - Komaki Evade and Strike

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Evade and Strike from the fourth training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Evade and Strike from the fourth training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

Another evasive ability this time. Komaki Evade and Strike allows you to attack an enemy during your evade which will move you nearer to the enemy. This is a great addition to the Brawler arsenal as it allows you to step away from danger, evade an attack, and get back in where you left off. To perform this ability, simply press DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY during an dodge. Once you’ve completed the training, the seal will get unlocked on the Ability Wheel where you can find it in the southwest section of the wheel.

Brawler Training 5 - Komaki Tiger Drop

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Tiger Drop from the fifth training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Tiger Drop from the fifth training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

Komaki Tiger Drop is a very potent ability once you get a hang of the timings. Performed by holding DualSense-R1 / Xbox-BumperRight, and pressing DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY you’ll need to time the counter just as you’re about to get attacked. This can be tricky at first, but once you master it, you’ll be using it all the time. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll unlock the seal on the Ability Wheel where it can be found in the southeast section of the wheel.

Brawler Training 6 - Komaki Cat-Like Reflexes

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Cat-Like Reflexes from the sixth training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Cat-Like Reflexes from the sixth training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

This ability is sorely missed until you get it. Have you been stabbed, and have to wait on the floor for what seems like an eternity? Well, Komaki Cat-Like Reflexes saves you from that frustration as it’ll allow you to get back to your feet almost instantly. To perform this ability, simply press DualSense-ButtonCross / Xbox-ButtonA just before you hit the ground. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll unlock the seal on the Ability Wheel where it can be found in the southeast section of the wheel.

Brawler Training 7 - Komaki Shadow Bind

(1 of 2) You can learn Komaki Shadow Bind from the seventh training session with Komaki.

You can learn Komaki Shadow Bind from the seventh training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

Another evasive ability, but this time it’ll end up in a grab. Evade an enemy attack with DualSense-ButtonCross / Xbox-ButtonA then press DualSense-ButtonCircle / Xbox-ButtonB during the evade to latch on to the enemy and grab them. From here, you can either throw them on the floor/at another enemy, punch them a few times with DualSense-ButtonSquare / Xbox-ButtonX (Xbox-Logo) or knock them down to the ground with DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll unlock the seal on the Ability Wheel where it can be found in the east section of the wheel.

Brawler Training 8 - Essence of Reverse Throw

(1 of 2) You can learn Essence of Reverse Throw from the eighth training session with Komaki.

You can learn Essence of Reverse Throw from the eighth training session with Komaki. (left), Once the training is complete the seal will unlock on the Ability Wheel. (right)

Essence of Reverse Throw is your first proper parry ability, and it’s a good one at that. Press DualSense-L1 / Xbox-TriggerLeft just as the enemy is about to attack you to parry their blow, then press DualSense-ButtonTriangle / Xbox-ButtonY to grab, and throw them away from you. This ability will only work with Heat. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll unlock the seal on the Ability Wheel where it can be found in the northeast section of the wheel, near the center.

Brawler Training - To Become Stronger

Defeat Komaki in a one vs one battle to get access to the mastery system.

This is a mastery that can only be achieved by reaching at least Rank 25 with the Brawler Style, and purchasing every Brawler ability. Once you have this, return to Komaki where you’ll need to defeat both him, and his student. Defeating them will increase the maximum level the Brawler Style can reach to 50 while also resetting the grid. You’ll keep everything you’ve earned, but when you use your orbs on it again, they’ll do increased damage.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Sega
  • Platforms,
    PS4, PS5, Steam, XB One, XB X|S
  • Genre
    Action RPG
  • Guide Release
    17 February 2023
  • Last Updated
    20 March 2023
    Version History
  • Guide Author

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Like a Dragon: Ishin is set in 1860’s Japan during the Bakumatsu era at the end of the Edo Period. Take up the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma, framed for killing his father, and restore honor to his name while dealing with the political intrigue that he gets thrown in to. This guide for Like a Dragon: Ishin contains the following:

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