Shadow step doesn't work?

[Dark Redshift]

The game won't let me use Shadow step during practice, despite me pushing the buttons correctly like I did in the tutorial. Is this a bug or does it only work when there are opponents to fight?

[Mark]

It, like throws, requires an opponent. It also needs to be done in response to an attack.

[chrisjfinlay]

Yes, annoyingly you can't free-practice throws. You need to be in an actual fight. The only way to level it up outside of fights is the sleep training system.

[R3N]

You can train throw moves none stop in Kowloon.

[Dark Redshift]

Originally posted by kenxeus:

You can train throw moves none stop in Kowloon.

I think that's Shenmue 2; I was playing Shenmue 1 and I've only beaten it yesterday: Shenmue 1 ends after Ryo gets on the ship to Hong Kong.

[Daimon D. Heart]

Originally posted by kenxeus:

You can train throw moves none stop in Kowloon.

I wouldn't say non-stop. Kowloon is nice because there are a variety of street fights you can participate in against opponenets that can be thrown, but every fight has a 30 second time limit. You also have to wager a bet to initiate these fights. On top of that, each win levels up the street fighter you're against, making the next fight more difficult. Although loosing decreases the street fighter's level, you also loose your money. In the end, you're essentially "spending" $10 - $50 for 30 seconds (or less) for training. It's a real hassle.

The best time to train throw moves in Shenmue II is against the two secret fighters in the arcade before you go to Kwoloon. Even when you loose, you get to keep the progress you've made with your moves. There's also no time limit, but Ryo will suddenly pass out after a certain amount of time regardless of damage taken.

As for Shenmue I, unfortunately, the only options are to set your training at night to focus on only throw moves, spar with Fuku-san every chance you get, and use only throw moves anytime you get into a real fight. Even then, you'll never master all the throw moves. On a DC playthrough, I managed to master Overthrow by the end of the game. The best you can do is pick a favorite throw, set it to the shortcut, and spam it like crazy each time you battle.

It would be really nice if they could find a way to allow for more than one sparring match with Fuku-san every day. It would be even better if Ryo could ask Fuku-san to be a proper throwing partner for Ryo's training. There's a special name for it that I can't remember, but it's when your partner makes it easier for you to throw them by shifting their weight with you. You also help them break their falls by holding onto them to lessen the impact.