What is the fighting style of Paul Phoenix?

Paul Phoenix's fighting style is Judo. More precisely, Tekken describes it as integrated martial arts based on Judo, combining throws and grappling with powerful striking techniques.

Paul debuted in the original Tekken as an American martial artist determined to become the world's greatest fighter. His moveset reflects his Judo foundation through throws, takedowns, shoulder attacks, and close-range reversals, while his dramatic punches give him a distinctive arcade-fighting-game identity.

A common mix-up is to answer Boxing because Paul is famous for his enormous punches, especially the Phoenix Smasher, also known by many players as Deathfist. Boxing influences the visual feel of some attacks, but it is not his canonical fighting style. Wrestling is also misleading because Paul has numerous throws, while Karate is associated more directly with characters such as Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima.

Paul's rivalry with Kazuya Mishima is another important part of his background. In the first King of Iron Fist Tournament, Paul and Kazuya fought for hours before the match ended in a draw, establishing Paul as one of the series' strongest fighters.