Hadouken

Hadouken is a fictional energy-based attack in Capcom's Street Fighter video game series, most closely associated with the characters Ryu and Ken. The move involves focusing ki (inner energy) in the hands and projecting a straight energy projectile toward an opponent. In-universe, it is presented as a disciplined technique of channeling the user’s life force into a tangible attack. The name is derived from Japanese: 波動拳 (hadouken), with 波動 meaning a wave-like energy or surge and 拳 meaning fist; it is commonly translated as “surge fist” or “wave-motion fist.”

In gameplay, the Hadouken is typically a ranged move that travels across the screen and can be blocked by an opponent. It is usually performed with a specific input, often involving a forward motion followed by a punch button, though inputs vary between games and platforms. The basic Hadouken has several variants across the series, including additional versions that may require charging, consume more energy, or differ in speed, range, or damage. In many installments, other characters also wield Hadouken-like projectiles, each with unique properties that reflect their abilities and balance considerations.

Cultural impact of the Hadouken is broad. It is one of the most recognizable moves in fighting games and has become a symbol of the Street Fighter franchise. The term and its imagery have appeared in merchandise, parodies, and various media beyond gaming, contributing to the broader visibility of Japanese game history and the fighting game genre.