Secret Tekken Rules for Learning Punishes 

man the new t8 players don’t know how nice they have it😂 these videos explain things that took hours to learn in minutes, so useful for new players

there used to be a bunch of videos for each character in tekken 7 named “dont let X character get away with these moves” they would show you flowcharts and unsafe moves that characters abuse ALOT and how to deal with it. hopefully these type of videos make a return and help out newer players.

PhiDX, I have to say in such a short time you have become my favorite Tekken content creator. Not only your videos are helpful, just watching you narrate what you do on Stream has helped me a lot. For example watching you say and proceed to duck the running 2 (I think) from Claudio and punish. That stuck with me and did it to the next Claudio until he stopped doing it lol. Now that you have been playing Lili, I'll probably pick even more stuff since she is my main. Thanks for all the content.

Punishment Tip: A little detail in this game that is such a good addition is that a lot of times there will be a few audio cues to indicate which moves are punishable and how much. Often the character will say something or just be loud and shouting when doing a move or a string ender, showing that probably it is unsafe or, at the very least, very - on block. Be careful though because these audio cues are not 100% reliable or at least they don't always indicate punishable moves , for example Azucena with her knee string will go "uno, dos, tres" and then "LISTO!" at the end, but she's safe if she does the ender. The reason why they're not 100% reliable it's because the audio cues are also for other move properties, things like highs and lows (Reina taking her father's example literally shouting "KAO" for Highs (it means face) and "ASHI" for Lows (which means legs/feet) and in our previous Azucena example it's a clue that the kick at the end of the "uno, dos, tres LISTO" string is a high that can be ducked and punished. Audio has never been more important in Tekken, a lot of information and clues are scattered in the sound effects and voices so, if you're learning, make sure you're playing without any other distracting sounds and obviously with audio on.

This method really shows "you gotta take a few steps backwards before you can take many steps forwards". Great video!

This is all like really simple obvious stuff in hindsight, but it’s enlightening gold for us low level players. Can’t believe it’s free, couldn’t imagine the coaching sessions

Knowing most strings are no longer block strings has changed my life man, thanks Phi. Just did a straight shot from beginner to warrior with Jin over the last 2 hours, absolutely hard carried by figuring out which strings are punishable and making it hurt. Back in Tekken 7 when I first started playing ranked I was always bouncing between Dans and Teals, then finally at some point I made it to warrior and even then it felt like luck. Getting good execution didn't help either. This kind of knowledge is absolutely key for approaching any match, because it's just so hard to memorise every possible move or stance combination the cast has.

I have started playing tekken "seriously" one year ago with T7 and I would have paid hard cash to have guides like these back then. You're doing the new players a great service and probably contributing a lot to this game's success in the long run. Even if I'm no longer the target audience for these videos I greatly appreciate them

T8 is my first fighting game... I think I lost 20 matches in a row at beginner ranks 😂 with your videos I'm finally getting an idea of what to focus on and learn. Great work, keep em coming!

I found you a couple days ago and seriously you are one of the best teachers for fighting games I have seen. The notes on the right at the same time is genius. Keep it up!

Good Video PhiDX 👍 - I'm not new but got to learn some frame data :P 5 years ago I was looking for a good channel for replay analysis and tutorials in T7 (Similar to Day9 when he used to make SC content) - It's really nice that you are filling that role. Thanks for helping out the community ❤

This video is really great, lots of high quality information that has been helping me out a ton. I've really improved a lot since I've started watching you, my rank hasn't raised, (however, I'm getting very close to Tenryu since I've started watching you, and I've been stuck at garyu for some time before I started watching you), but I know that I'm getting better and it feels really good! Thank you for all your help!

This is easily one of the best tutorials on punishes by far. As a long time Tekken player, I still struggle with this especially when learning new characters, but this broke it down perfectly. There are many videos that show the punish moves and the moves you can punish but noone ever really teaches you "how to learn" to punish, and this video does. While those other videos that show you how to punish certain moves are still useful, this is a much better foundation for those who are new to the game.

thank you for simplifying and making things seem more manageable, absolutely love the live example matches, instantly puts your teachings a cut above the rest ie other videos that only talk theory in practice mode.

Honestly watching you get easy hits and winning rounds just by practicing fundamentals is really nice to see, goes to show you don't need to know fancy stuff to win sometimes! Just learn the basics and be patient

Your videos have been so helpful man. As someone that's always loved fighting games but has never been able to stick with them bc of the learning curve, it's been awesome to dive into T8 and be able to see my progress, in a major part bc of your content. Again, I really appreciate the content & I'm stoked to be on my own Tekken journey for the first time since '98.

this was so helpful, especially the replay training at the end. thank you, I’m so glad I found your channel for Tekken 8!

Dude, the way you explain things in your videos are so good. I just got to Assailant because of your videos! Still a long way to go but it makes me proud having to achieve this rank coming from casually playing with friends since tekken 5. Keep it up! You're a great teacher!

Girlfriend just chillin in the back eating popcorn as he nerds out on block punishment. What a boss.

Excellent video. T8 is my first Tekken (dabbled in T7 but Kuni showed up late), and within the first minute of this video you've cleared up so many questions on "how should I punish properly".

I'm primarily a 2D player but have been having a blast learning Tekken 8, and found your channel after the video with Brian F. loving these videos geared towards beginners, very easy to understand and apply to my own gameplay

That replay tool is so insanely useful, it is the straw that is breaking this camel's back, and I think I'm gonna pick this up after not playing since Tag. Also stuff like the audio cues, animation cues, etc makes it a lot easier to learn what's going on. Very cool stuff, thanks for the content.

The absolute hilarity of expecting a yellow AZUCENA to block xD

Tekken 8 has so many systems that I think really streamline the training room grind and make it so much easier to learn. All of your guides are incredibly helpful as well, very concise and well explained. And watching you go and apply the strategies in a real game is really interesting. I found you through T8 but now that you mention league I'm gonna go look back at some of your league content, if any of the coaching there is like this maybe I can climb there too 🙏Cheers!

I gotta say, PhiDX, you got a talent for teaching in general. Have been going through your other Tekken 8 videoes and you explain it all so well. While also showing your teaching methods in live games. Amazing! I almost feel like trying Tekken 8 now 😂

I’m new to fighting games in general but I can already tell this is a helpful drill for learning punishes but also learning to be more patient by training yourself to not mash buttons during their strings. Which is something I struggle with, so thank you for this.

Is crazy how good and helpful this video is. I feel like this could easily be a free coaching session

All these informative videos you are putting out is helping me out so much, I really appreciate it. Keep up the great work!

Those videos are a great combination of theory and showing how to apply it! Keep em coming!

Thanks for taking time to explain this fondamental. That's really helpful. Now I look forward to your whiff punish video 😊

as someone who has a huge difference in performance based on whether or not im playing my main, this has helped a lot. for king ill do my punishes, backdash a lot, and do a lot of df1 and 1,2 with the occasional d3 mixed in. plus the occasional throw. thats it. its nice because i can just put all of my focus into staring at my opponent thinking about my punishes because my offense is so simple. its also very general because it relies almost entirely on generic moves that most characters have. i could do literally the exact same thing as lee, the only inputs that change being my 10f punish and my ws launcher.

Been loving these videos, dude, thank you so much for all the insights

Awesome video! You have been nailing the educational content recently!

PHiDX is the BEST tekken content creator

Your content is 10/10. You're the man, Phi!

Appreciate your work. It's very true that even a toddler can mix you up. The temptation becomes to just press your strongest buttons to pre-empt that and feed your ego but the game then becomes who can get the cheapest wins. Past a point wins just don't come cheap anymore. Once you break past that to top level though I suspect it comes full circle to being about the cheapest wins lol. Anyway this is a good method of making actual training manageable while promoting a healthy relationship with losing so thanks I needed this.

background mukbang was hype

Phi with another straight banger, can't wait to watch this one. Super beginner here and it's so fun learning fundamentals! The drive!

PhiDX, bro, you are on a ROLL, bangers left and right. Absolutely fire.

Thanks for using Jin in this video my friend mains him and he’s new to Tekken so that makes it even easier for him

Great guide! Some additions: hopkicks are really popular in low/mid ranks and are -13 on block. Learn to react to that animation with your i12/i13 punish. Which is often your heat engager. Punishing string enders with special punish when you learn them is also easy, since you can prepare for it during the string. If they press the ender, you know what to do in advance. Fast single moves, just punish with i10 punish. That’s what even pros do. Don’t have to time to select best punisher.

Thank you for this! Definitely in need of that video where the opponent doesn’t risk anything haha.

Awesome video! I’m planning on learning Reina and your coaching session with the lovely Sydeon teaching her the core basics and fundamentals of Reina and I think this should help.

25:39 amazing show of muscle memory, once he was sure he got that launcher he just continued the combo while reading chat

Excellent video as always. I save all of your videos. When the best has something to teach, it always pays to listen. I would like to add something about the benefits of using low parry to supplement low blocking. Until you learn what lows are punishable, you can opt for a low parry. Every character should at least have one low parry juggle. You will need to learn how to low parry anyway to use against lows in a lot of strings - you want to low parry the lows in certain strings, because the string will be cancelled when you low parry the low in it. Low blocking won’t work in these cases, because some strings will continue after you low block. For example, EVERY good player low parries the SECOND hit of Law’s infamous Junkyard string mixup. If you low block, the mixup continues and you still have to guess - no reward for your low block. But if you low parry, the entire string and subsequent mixup is cancelled, and you get a guaranteed low parry juggle. Whenever I play a character that I don’t know the punish on their lows, I low parry instead of low block. I ALWAYS get some type of juggle for my efforts, and the wall in some cases. This is what I do. Also, low pokes are usually safe or minimally unsafe on block, with a few exceptions. If you low block these, you won’t get much but a ws +4 in some cases. A low parry will always net you a juggle, as long as you execute the juggle right. So, I would like to add that you can always low parry if you don’t know the punish on a low to low block and punish.

"Going through the learning process of this game, you have to be willing to lose" Is literally the secret to all fighting games.

Specifying that string offense isnt "real" in Tekken the way it is in 2D games was actually a super helpful thing you spelled out there, so rhanks for that. So much language & conversation for Tekken takes that as a given which made it harder for me to understand the context. Loving your stuff, hope youre not pushing it too hard 😊

Just commenting to help u with the algorithm. New to tekken and your vids are really helpful

Amazing guide man i was not even going to use replay but the way u explained it was super easy and digestible thank you bro :)

I’ve completely missed that punishment training option just like the milk in the fridge door 😅 Really love that you went into actual games to demonstrate the principles you’re teaching.

Super helpful, I'll try to apply this method in my games. Thanks!

As someone who is self proclaimed "allergic" to practice mode, your videos have been extremely helpful. (although its still easier for me to just duck throws than to break them)

Your content is top notch. Glad I found your channel.

I'm a new tekken player who's currently Dominator rank. These guides have actually been helping me ngl. I was playing quick matches with Fujins and other ranks and learning these punishment tips have been helping me not get swept my them. I'm still losing but that's part of learning 😂

wilek's rules for punishes: ws4 every low, jab string every mid and high

I am sharing all these goated teaching videos. I have so many friends who are starting in Tekken 8 and these are gold for them

God tier Tekken youtuber. Your guides are amazing!

The only channel I know that teaches the proper way of Tekken.

I’ve be playing tekken since…tekken, your lessons are great for this new generation to catch up on all the unique aspects of tekken Thank Professor

I look at lows (prior to actual chip damage in this game.) As Tekkens version of chip damage from other fighting games. They are meant to put that fear of a low to make you duck and take the mid. Lows (generally) chip away at you, making you think. "Oh he won't go low again."

Thank you from France. Your content is very helpful Merci.

These videos really help so much! Thank you for being a dope ass teacher with some good ass tekken!!

I don't even have the game yet but watching your videos i already feel confident! :D

i mean if you dont wanna learn why you playing a competitive game then? get a few notes down like phidx and just open them everytime you match against him to remember how to punish Really good video for beginners if someone ask me for a great tutorial how to learn tekken, i show this video

Another excellent guide, Phi!

Thanks for this guide bro. Games getting fun now ngl I was having a rough time before

Man ur just incredible. Thank you very much, ur tutorial help me so much

really amazing video. Would love to see sort of zero to hero series, where you take 1 character and rank up with it but you limit yourself to only few moves per rank (like how would you recommend a brand new player that is starting from the scratch). You can explain why you think move is good and for what will you use it, as you rank up you introduce new moves, upgrade combos and so on... sort of like a path/blueprint that anyone can start using with any character. Mostly guides are way to complex for new players, covering too many moves and combos and not really explaining why those moves are picked up out of 100 others in the first place.

Your content is out here saving my life. Would you consider making a video about side-stepping / side-walking? As a 2D player, I'm getting stepped a lot and I don't know how to counter it and I don't understand when to do it myself.

Man this is such a gold mine. Yes blasted salami and mainMan are awesome but this is like a whole another level of instructional value. I'm not learning my character but I'm learning how to play a fighting game! This will knowledge definitely carry over to other games :D Now I just need to check my ego cause I'm a prick who doesn't like loosing );

Thanks for another helpful tutorial man!

I know I am making progress because I have been demoted 7 ranks since starting to watch your videos, yet I feel much more satisfied when I do win since everything I am doing is deliberate and not just spam.

LOSE A LOT, LEARN A LOT. i like this mentality when it comes to tekken.

Thanks for all this content

most helpful video so far

Play each character's stories using special style and familiarize yourself with those moves. There's a pattern on those key moves. Some are plus, some are safe, some are punishable and some are reactable lows.

Damn this video wouldve prevented me spending 12 hours of noting down character move lists and their frame data on hit/block. Did it for 3 😂. Great video again!

You are the tekken 8 content GOAT

The fact that this video has so many views is a testament to how good the average fighting game player is going to be. How well PhiDx has been providing for the community and good Tekken 8 is. I’m proud

I needed this🙏🏼

great video bro!

Phidx best guides thank u so much

Just started Tekken, and I'm at 11 wins 54 losses lol. Thanks for this video, I'm learning this atm. I feel like by the time I react to punish, my turn is already up. Its hard to know what the strings are supposed to look like. The only time I felt like I could consistently punish was after I queued into the same Kuma 3 times in a row today lol. Lost the first 2 but won the last set :)

That Anakin joke was so good holy shit

I think we also need a guide on how to do educated pressure.

thank you so much for the guide

You do get the false positives during the match. But during a replay the game let's you know if you did punish. I don't know if the game only reacts if you do the recommended punish but it's good to have feedback when you miss but also when you do well, so you know what to avoid and what to repeat.

I struggle to even remember what strings people have done on me, ill see something, punish it, they do it again, and I forget that moves punishable.

nice guide mate!

GREAT VIDEO! Especially for us Zafina mains. All 3 of us LOL.

Definitely need to work on this

I didnt even know replays have an implemented punish guide. Tekken 8 really is a masterpiece

Great vid man, quick question : in the end you note all the specific punishments you can do for certain moves, how do you expand on that? Is the "training" you can do afterwards to go in practice and learn how these moves look?

hi in your live demonstration against Azucena what was the music you have selected for the stage ? i have been looking and cant find it anywhere on the jukebox ?

Thanks for this.

Thank you for the vid.

How useful is it to note the inputs to the opponents’ moves during the replay? Because visually, in game, I won’t recognize “Victor’s u1+2” right away. I’ll know it as e.g. “teleport spinning sword swing”.

I feel like I’m in school. Thanks man.

how am i supposed to know what punisher to use? like am i supposed to memorise other character’s negative frame moves on block and respond with jin’s 14frame luncher?

i go practice mode enable cpu to the hardest level ... display frame at the middle of the screen just stand still and let the cpu attack while looking at frame what minus it is on block. and base on distant and base on that i try to punish the move..to get use to the animation... and remember the frame