KEN - GENERAL TIPS & STRATEGY

KARA-THROW

F + MK, LP + LK

Ken has one of the best kara-throws in Super Street Fighter 4, and it significantly extends his grab range.  To do this, you initiate a Forward Step Kick (F+MK) and then immediately follow it by a throw (LP + LK) a fraction of a second later.  These two steps must be done so quickly that it if you are using a joystick it will almost sound like you're inputting the commands at the same time. 

Here's how it works: The F+MK initiates the Forward Step Kick, which begins to move Ken forward immediately after initiation. If you do the throw quick enough, the throw will cancel the animation of the Step Kick.  However, the split second that the Step Kick is active will move Ken forward just a bit before the throw, which extends the throw's range.

If done correctly, Ken should seem to suddenly lurch forward a bit before going into the throw animation.  You can practice this in training mode, both to practice the button sequence and to get a feel for the extended range. The timing is very fast, but it is not tremendously difficult to execute. 

Ken's kara throw should be a big part of a good Ken player's ground game.  It instills great caution in your opponent (and perhaps fear if they don't know what's going on).  However, be careful not to abuse it, especially against characters who have fast special moves such as a Shoryuken. They can get a reversal on you.  If the opponent starts teching your kara throws, mix it up with poking or just pause, bait for them to throw something out, and punish appropriately.  Keep the opponent guessing and off-balance.

COMMUNITY VIDEOS

• SF4: Ken Kara-Throw Tutorial by xXRamza126Xx: This tutorial reinforces what is said above. It gives you a look at what is happening in slow motion.  It also gives you some useful setups for the kara throw!