King

Jean is {character}'s little brother, who cannot walk. Ryo and Robert, grateful for her help with finding Yuri and defeating Mr. Big, cover the cost of an operation Jean needed in order to gain the use of his legs. He is discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health.

Ryo is the son of Takuma Sakazaki and Ronnet Sakazaki and the older brother of Yuri Sakazaki. Born in the city of Southtown, as Ryo was deemed to be Takuma's successor, he began his martial arts training at an early age. His father instilled him with the difficult principle of self-reliance, where a person's own strength can form their worth in the world, but these days of his childhood training would prove difficult for the young Ryo, who was reluctant to fight due to his kindness and bashfulness. He eventually gained a sparring partner and friend when Robert Garcia was admitted into the dojo. On Ryo's 10th birthday, his mother died in a tragic car accident. Immediately after, his father mysteriously left their home and left Ryo to take care of Yuri. Forced to fend for himself and his sister's sake, Ryo did this by partaking in construction work and tirelessly strived to defend his family's dojo. Remembering his father's lessons during his training, he also took up street fighting. At first, he did poorly but, after many years of persistence and learning the true meanings behind his father's teachings, including "A man's strength cannot be known only by his fist", "Real strength must be felt through the mind and heart", and to know what he was fighting for, he eventually established himself as a fearsome and renowned street fighter.

During his younger days, he became rivals with Ryuhaku Todoh and Lee Gakusuo, Lee Pai Long's father. He once fought in a match with Gakusuo, but they could not decide on a final victor and it ended in a draw. In honor of one another's strength, Gakusuo was dubbed "The Ultimate Tiger" and Takuma was known as "The Invincible Dragon." He was also acquaintances with Jeff Bogard, and seems to have a yet-to-be-divulged history with Saisyu Kusanagi and Gang-il. His experiences with his various opponents led Takuma to eventually invent Kyokugenryu Karate. As time passed, Takuma married an American woman named Ronnet. Both Takuma and Ronnet became parents of Ryo and Yuri, who were born respectively four years apart. The Sakazakis moved to America to raise their family and to spread the prestige of their family martial arts. Takuma trained Ryo exclusively at the beginning, as he felt Yuri was too young and he wanted Ryo to be his proper heir as Kyokugenryu Master. He accepted Robert Garcia into the dojo after seeing his earnest interest in the style. When Ryo was 10, Ronnet was killed in a car accident. Sensing that he and she were most likely targeted by someone, Takuma leaves his home to investigate the manner and leaves Ryo to take care of Yuri.

Mai Shiranui is the granddaughter of Hanzo Shiranui, master of Ninjitsu and Koppoken. Mai learned from her grandfather the secrets of Ninjitsu. She had met Andy Bogard, during this time, who had come to train under her grandfather. Mai then had to take alternate courses from her grandfather's friend, Jubei Yamada, in Ninjitsu. At first, Mai was uninterested in Andy and only thought of him as another callous man only interested in his training. It wasn't until he gave her a present on her birthday that she saw him in another light and eventually fell in love with him, though this confuses him greatly. She is one of the founders of the Women Fighters Team, along with King and {character}.

Little is known about Mr. Big’s past. His real name is James. At some point, he served in the military alongside John Crawley. When the latter was shot in the back during a mission, Mr. Big saved him, earning John’s loyalty. At some point, Mr. Big quit the military and moved to South Town, taking up his current alias. He has been involved with the mob for as long as he can remember. A former kingpin of South Town, he was eventually overthrown by Geese Howard's organization. Nonetheless, Geese recruited Mr. Big, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become Geese's right-hand man. While Geese was out of town on business, he left Mr. Big in charge. Under Geese's orders, Mr. Big has Takuma's daughter kidnapped as an added incentive to keep the unwilling father working for the organization. Unfortunately, the plan backfired when Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia fought their way through South Town to rescue her and find Takuma, leaving Mr. Big defeated. Geese has soon returned to South Town, but luckily for Big, the former was far more concerned about dealing with the potential threat of his long-time rival Jeff Bogard, who had sought to expose Geese's criminal activities to the public, so Big wisely kept his mouth shut.

Geese is a proud man who considers himself a mighty warrior and thus holds himself in high regard. He craves power in all its forms, from wealth to immortality, a desire shaped by various tragedies in his childhood, including the loss of his mother and his estrangement as a stepson. He can also be quite vengeful, holding grudges against Krauser and Jeff, whom he later killed. Despite his seemingly heartless demeanor, he adheres to his own code of honor, with certain lines he refuses to cross. He never underestimates his opponents, especially after experiencing defeat at the hands of Terry. He is willing to crush anyone who stands in his way while rewarding those he deems worthy of his respect, or, as in the case of Billy, those he sympathizes with.

Takuma Sakazaki, after fighting several opponents and reading their moves, eventually devised the style from his years of fighting. It allows the user to polish and refine their strengths into a perfect combative technique. While called "karate", it is actually a free-form mixed martial art that roughly employs principles from the Sanchin and Saifa styles. Ideally, a user can excel at both offensive and defensive movements, making them an all-powerful being of strength. The style encourages the users to use their "ki" to extend throughout their body and precisely concentrate the force into their strikes, creating a powerful result with enough practice. Kyokugen Karate is described as a deadly martial art that can only be taught with a mind that focuses on self-defense. It therefore limits the amount of users for the more advanced techniques, as Takuma needs to hand select his disciples. There are at least four known dojos. The main and first dojo founded by Takuma is in South Town. Dojos are also established in Mexico and Japan, Marco Rodriguez eventually becomes the teacher of a dojo in Brazil.

Marco Rodrigues was an apprentice of Ryo Sakazaki. When he became a black belt, he opened a dojo in Brazil and started teaching Kyokugenryu Karate. To prove the might of the martial art, Marco entered the "King of Fighters: Maximum Mayhem" tournament. When he returned, he learned that all of his best students got beaten up by the local "Gym Buster" and the dojo trashed. Hearing that, he now seeks the maniac.

Originally from Brazil, Richard is a Capoeira master who used his skills to entertain the nightclub crowds. While he had fun entertaining the masses and loved the recognition for it, he felt he had to move on. Moving to the United States, Richard made his home in South Town. It was here that he opened the Pao Pao Café, a nightclub reminiscent of those of his native Brazil. Unlike the bars in South Town, Richard would not tolerate any discord caused by criminals and thugs in his club, literally kicking them out if they do.

The Pao Pao Cafe is a bar and night club in South Town. The bar was designed to be spacious, usually with a mix of oriental and South American styles, featuring prominently dragon pillars. It had to host a stage large enough for live entertainment, Capoeira lessons, and late-night street fighting where a Capoeira roda will form with the bateria playing Capoeira music during the battles. Richard proudly used Pao Pao Cafe as his personal arena during the tournament. Although Richard lost midway through the tournament, the welcome atmosphere, good food, and open bar became a hit with local fighters. Pao Pao Cafe became known as a safe haven where anyone could relax and enjoy themselves.

South Town is located in the south coast of the USA. As time passed, it has attracted the attention of the Italian and Chinese mafia due to its profitable location for the black market. Some time during the 1960's, the mafia mysteriously disappeared and peace returned to the streets. In reality, they were slowly being conquered by the pseudo police agency, Howard Connection. Mr. Big and his mafia is currently one of the biggest gangs that oppose it. Since the 70s, South Town has been ruled by crime. The first known crime lord of South Town is Mr. Big. Mr. Big was losing control of South Town to the young Geese Howard. Big then started to look for allies and found the karate master, Takuma Sakazaki. Mr. Big asked Takuma to join him, but Takuma didn't want to get involved with crime. Mr. Big kidnapped Yuri to make Takuma join him. A year later, Mr. Big lost control of the city to Geese Howard. Geese spared Mr. Big but made him his underling. Geese created the first King of Fighters tournament and invited the Sakazakis and Robert in the name of Mr. Big.

The most famous beach of South Town. Michael Max, Terry Bogard and Blue Mary are regulars here. Located in the south part of town, it is also a famous resort spot for surfing. The beach is well known for it's seafood restaurants and nightlife.

The most visited amusement park of South Town. It has a giant Ferris wheel and a wild west themed area with jugglers and entertainers.

A natural park. This park is a rival to Dream Amusement Park and possesses an aquarium and a shopping mall inside.

A park surrounded by stores. In this place existed a shop called "Real Bout".

the place where Takuma Sakazaki set up his first dojo. It seems to be the main headquarters of the dojo chain. It suffers from poor student rates as many of them resign nearly as soon as they're admitted.

district where the high class society of South Town live. The Garcia family also have a house here.

The neighborhood where the Chinese residents of the city live. Created by 17th century Chinese immigrants, this place serves locals exotic Eastern goods. This is where Li Xiangfei's mother resides.

A pharmacy run by Lee Pai Long, though business is slow due to Lee being too absorbed in his work to accept many customers. It is located in Chinatown.

A large park located in the middle of the district. It is basically a miniature amusement park. One of the attractions includes a fortune telling service.

A Japanese-style restaurant managed by Ryuhaku Todoh. It also contains a dojo where Todoh teaches students. After he was defeated by Takuma, Ryuhaku closed his place in Japan to work here. Since it is near an extravagant and popular road, it receives a moderate amount of students. The dojo itself is managed by Todoh's wife, Shizuko.

A bar created in 1964. The bar is frequented by a group of riotous motorcyclists known as the Neo Black Cats led by Jack Turner.

A classy restaurant near the port side of town. {character} was formerly this place's bouncer.

A place where people can exercise and workout. Yuri apparently works here part-time as an instructor.

A place where Mickey Rogers is known to train. It is located in the northeastern part of Central City next to the zoo.

Located in the suburbs of Central City. The environment is similar to equatorial forests with some exotic animals living here. Joe Higashi always trains in this place with Hwa Jai. Ryo Sakazaki has a farm here. John Crawley also has his personal airport built near here.

The regional airport of South Town. Aside from conducting international flights, it also is a manufacturing factory for new airplanes.

A huge park in the south part of Central City. Has an aquarium and several other attractions.

This park possesses an aquarium, a zoo, a forest and a small river which runs through it. Located in the southeast part of Central City and near the vicinity of South Town Bridge. The architects who designed the park separated it into three areas, based around the themes of "water", "forest", and "fire". The "water" and "forest" areas feature majestic dragon statues which the park is famous for. The "fire" area has an unusual landscape, featuring objects made out of animal bones. The architect who designed it stated that he "wanted to express a certain kind of disaster that sleeps in the deep consciousness of humans".

In a place named in homage to the pioneer who first came to the land of South Town. Located northwest of National Park with a busy church. Blue Mary always comes here.

A section of the living district near South Town's peaceful bay. Also the entrance for most of the city's ports.

Southwestern part of town with ports for ships and aircraft carriers. It is place of public trade though it suffers from poor public security.

The port area of South Town. Port Town possesses docks and it is there where several ships take anchor, such as the carrier The Guardian.

The most dangerous place in Port Town. Mickey Rogers used to terrorize the area.

A factory used as a hideout by Mr. Big.

Takuma Sakazaki's dojo while under the guise of Mr. Karate.

Robert is the only son of Albert Garcia, a wealthy Italian businessman and best friend of Takuma Sakazaki. During his early childhood, Robert lived a life free of responsibility and caring, being doted on by his loving parents for his every whim. Yet he would yearn for more in his life and would regularly sneak away from his home to go to the Kyokugenryu Dojo. He spied on Takuma and Ryo Sakazaki's training sessions and aspired to become like them. Albert wanted Robert to focus on his corporate teachings and someday inherit the Garcia Foundation from him. After his father pushed him too far, a young Robert rebelled and embraced his own ambitions to find success by himself. Running away from home, Robert rushed to Takuma's dojo and demanded to be taught Kyokugenryu Karate. Impressed by the boy's spirit, Takuma agreed and Robert became Ryo's sparring partner. The two boys soon became best friends. Robert eventually developed romantic feelings for his friend's sister, Yuri. He has held an infatuation with Yuri ever since he first met her and would likely wed her if not for Takuma and Ryo, who are overprotective of Yuri.

Bob Wilson is portrayed as a one-dimensional and happy-go-lucky fighter. He is a very cheerful person and is usally seen smiling, giving a thumbs up gesture after winning a match. Even when fighting, Bob shows a tremendous amount of spirit. During intermissions he'll often have something light-hearted to say that is fairily obvious for all to see. Wilson by definition is the epitome of the term irie, a strongly positive feeling.

Jack Turner is a member of Mr. Big's syndicate, and a developer of his own fighting style. One of Mr. Big's highest-ranking subordinates, he devastates anyone who crosses his path. Jack is also the leader of the South Town gang known as the Neo Black Cats. At some point in the past, he won a fight against {character}, sparking the latter’s hatred of him. He loses a fight with Ryo and Robert at Mac's Bar on their quest to save Yuri and then claims that he saw her taken to Chinatown.

Todoh is the creator and main teacher of Todoh style Kobudo, which derives its style from Aiki- jujutsu and Kendo. Todoh had a long standing rivalry with disciples of the Kyokugenryu school of Karate and considers them a threat to his style of teaching in terms of profits as well as personal animosity dating back to a rivalry with Takuma Sakazaki from when both men were very young. In his quest to find his abducted younger sister, Yuri, Ryo Sakazaki blatantly attacked Todoh at his school and fought him to interrogate him about the whereabouts of his sister. After Ryo easily defeated Todoh, he was humiliated and saw his school's finances as well as the attendance at his schools suffer. It was rumored that he went into hiding as a result of his loss and haven't been seen since, but according to his wife Shizuko, he's been training in another corner of the world for a rematch against Ryo in the near future. Due to his disappearance, his daughter Kasumi went on a personal quest to not only try to look for her father, but to gain revenge on Ryo and all Kyokugenryu disciples to try to reclaim her family's honor.

Kasumi is the daughter of Ryuhaku Todoh. Kasumi grew up learning the Todoh school of Aikido and Kobujutsu, taught to her by her father. As her family's sole heiress, she does all she can to stand up for the Todoh way. When Ryuhaku stayed at South Town to settle an old score with a man named Takuma Sakazaki, Kasumi remained in her house, waiting for her father's return. A couple of months later, she got some bad news: Ryuhaku had been defeated by Ryo Sakazaki, Takuma's son and hasn't been seen since. She decided to fight Ryo and anybody else in order to avenge her father. Unfortunately enough, her mother, Shizuko, did not like that idea. Eventually, she makes peace with him, and returns to Japan with her mother.

Xiangfei is a Chinese-American resident of South Town. She was taught various martial arts from a young age and hasn't lost a match since she was 10. However, Xiangfei got into a nasty argument with her parents and ran away from her home in retaliation. Currently staying with her uncle, she works as a waitress and doubles as the bodyguard for his restaurant. She is mainly known for busting people who try to leave without paying their bill. Due to his over bearing nature, Pai forbids her from entering any serious tournaments. However, the temptation was too great for Xiangfei and she sneaks away from home to participate in the second Real Bout competition.

Blue Mary is a hapa Japanese American resident of South Town, USA, whose family has long been involved in professions regarding the martial arts and law enforcement. Her grandfather was the famous Jujutsu master Tatsumi Suo. When she was a child, Tatsumi began to teach a student who studied under the Hakkyokuseiken master Tung Fu Rue. Upon hearing his disgrace from the Hakkyokuseiken school and that he was beginning to become involved with criminal activities, Tatsumi also refused to further teach him and was more confrontational about his student's fall from grace than his first. However, his student then killed him in combat. Little did any know, this disgraced student would later reveal himself upon South Town's conquest of its criminal underbelly as Geese Howard.

Terry and Andy were orphans who raised themselves on the streets. They were soon adopted by Jeff Bogard and eventually lived in South Town. When Terry was 10, he witnessed the death of his father at the hands of Geese Howard. Knowing that they needed more training to confront Geese, the brothers made an oath to spend a decade to fine tune their martial arts before trying to avenge their father. Unlike his brother Andy, who left South Town to train in Japan, Terry chose to wander in his home country, combining the skills learned from his father, his father's mentor Tung Fu Rue, and abilities gained from the streets. A decade later, the crime lord Geese Howard organized a tournament, dubbed The King of Fighters. Terry, Andy and Muay Thai Kickboxing champion Joe Higashi would enter with the purpose of facing Geese. The battle that followed would eventually see Terry defeating Geese, and for some time, it was thought that Geese perished in the battle.

Andy is one of Jeff Bogard's adopted sons and the younger brother of Terry. When Andy was nine years old, Geese Howard killed Jeff. Andy decided to perfect his own martial art over at Japan to get revenge against Geese and to differentiate himself from his brother. During his time in Japan, Andy learned the Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu (Shiranui Style Ninja Technique) and a form of empty-handed combat called Koppouken by Hanzo Shiranui. A decade after Jeff's death, Andy returned America, specifically to South Town, where he reunited with Terry. After paying respects to Jeff's grave, they encounter Joe Higashi and learn about the King of Fighters tournament hosted by Geese. He enters with them in an attempt to avenge their father, but lost before he reached Geese. When Terry defeated Geese, Andy felt a mixed sense of closure. He soon returned to Japan to continue his training.

Although Joe's place of origin is Japan, he spent the majority of his time in Thailand, where he trained in the art of Muay Thai. When Joe left Japan to travel abroad, that headband was given to him by his grandmother, so that no matter where he went, he would never forget his homeland. It was through his victories that he earned the nickname "Hurricane Upper" Joe Higashi. After Joe earned his title as the Muay Thai champion, he heads to South Town to prove himself in the King of Fighters tournament. On his way, he spots Andy and Terry Bogard, who were on the hunt for their father's killer, Geese Howard. As soon as he informs them that Geese is hosting the tournament, they became steadfast companions. In the tournament, he met with a bitter Hwa Jai and was able to defeat him. After this, they eventually became friends and rivals back in Thailand.

Lee is a master of Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts, the latter of which is dubbed "a gentle yet destructive" art. Born in Taiwan, his adoptive father and mentor, Lee Gakusuo, passed on his pharmaceutic knowledge and martial arts to him before instructing Lee to finish his studies in South Town. Once he arrived there, Lee became fascinated with the local style of Kenpo and neglected his roots to be a street fighter. He works as the director of the South town prison, but also has a small herbal shop which he runs part-time. During Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia's adventure to save {character}, they fought and beat Lee in Chinatown. He told the duo to meet with the bouncer of the L'Amor restaurant for information. Lee is invited to the first King of Fighters tournament. He reveals that his father once fought with a younger Takuma, who was responsible for the X-shaped scar on his chest. Lee decides to retire from fighting afterwards, concerned by competition from a rival pharmacy and knowing his master would chastise him for neglecting his medicine studies. Lee develops a miraculous medicine, apparently a cure for hemorrhoids.

John Crawley was a captain in the navy and a martial arts instructor known as the "Mad Dog" and the "Killing Machine". He served alongside Mr. Big, who saved him when he was shot in the back during an operation. Upon their return to South Town, he joined Mr. Big’s syndicate but remained in the army to funnel resources to Big, enabling the latter to hide in the military establishment during the events of {character}'s kidnapping. He fought Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia aboard the aircraft carrier Guardian, but was defeated. John then told the duo to meet Mr. Big at the factory.

Michael is a former heavy weight boxer champion. He was unbeatable for the title and was predicted to keep it for many years to come. However, Michael also participated in street fighting and nearly killed a man in one of his matches. Once the sports world caught word of it, he was revoked of his title and kicked out of the boxing circuit. He participates in the King of Fighters tournament for the thrill and to reclaim his lost glory before the world.

A former Muay Thai champion, he was defeated by Joe Higashi. Vowing to overcome the Tiger Kick with his own Dragon Kick, he was convinced his style should be more violent and brutal to defeat his rival. Killing thugs as he trained, he was eventually shunned by the martial arts world. Noticing Geese Howard's strength, he became his subordinate soon after.

When he was a young teenager, both Billy and his sister were orphans in London. Life was hard for them with Billy having to steal food to feed Lilly. They were spotted by Geese Howard, who was on a business trip in Europe. Seeing himself in the two orphans, he takes them in after he sees Billy's skill with his bo staff. Years later, Billy became the crime lord's, right-hand man. Geese would hold The King of Fighters tournament every year with Billy as his champion. Billy was undefeated until he was beaten by Terry Bogard, who moved on to defeat Geese. Billy then swore revenge against "The Lone Wolves" Terry, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi.