Ryu USF4 Tutorial by Bafael

Bafael's Ryu guide breaks down core spacing and defensive mechanics that separate competent players from stronger ones. The video covers shoryuken FADC options—light punch for raw damage, medium for invincibility frames, and EX for extended combos—alongside when to end strings with tatsu for corner positioning instead of shoryuken's riskier knockdown. Footsie strategy gets detailed attention: crouching medium kick serves as a safe fireball setup, while crouching heavy kick functions as a punish tool despite its vulnerability on block. The guide emphasizes projectile pressure as Ryu's primary midscreen control tool, explaining how varying fireball speeds—particularly light punch versions—forces opponents into predictable jump-in attempts that Ryu's anti-air arsenal can punish. Rather than spamming fireballs recklessly, the tutorial teaches measured pressure to bait defensive mistakes. This layered approach to neutral game management and risk assessment provides practical fundamentals applicable across matchups.