Correllation of Characteristics in MAs and OCCs

[Library Ogre]

But wouldn't you need Acrobatics for the deadliest of martial arts, Gymkata?

[Library Ogre]

Gymkata

To put it simply: Combine the mid-80s fascination with Ninjas with the mid-80's fascination with Gymnastics, and you have a terrible, terrible movie.

[Library Ogre]

[Mantisking]

Bassai Kata is most useful to those with Weapon Katas, since the penalty it applies to parries is offset by the WP bonuses. This may apply doubly to a martial art with WP Sword used by any OCC capable of taking Fencing (Worldly Martial Artists, or really pretty much any able to take a single MA), since Fencing when stacked with a WP (the Kobu-Jutsu kata "automatically gives the character full WP," so I figure this stacks) provides a strike and parry penalty. Note also that this is the best of both worlds: the parry penalty is offset, and the strike bonus is increased.

I'm not sure I agree with this assessment. While it's true the stacked bonus from the W.P. will help, only if your Parry bonus is higher than your Strike bonus will the penalty from Bassai Kata be offset. I think the best option for Bassai Kata would be to attack from surprise, therefore denying your opponent a Melee Round's worth of attacks.

Zanji Shinjinken-Ryu, which sounds much like an onomatopoeia for a sword fight, provides a very difficult decision. At 4 attacks base and with weapon proficiency in swords, this is a clear candidate for Bassai Kata. However, at first level that is not available. It is, however, available at 3rd, 7th, and 11th levels, but these are also the first and only opportunities for a Bugei to take a Chi Mastery skill.
So what do you choose? Bassai Kata would allow you to penetrate any defense, and your weapon proficiencies (especially if you took Fencing) will shore up your very noteworthy defenses while in melee (your preferred range.) Chi Mastery could also shore up a defense, but will not guarantee a kill the same way, especially since Shi Jin doesn't create damage through weapons.
I think a Bugei's best bet would be to take Kokyu (Body Chi) to increase weapon damage by pumping up the PS stat, then perhaps Bassai at 7th (what a long time to wait) and make the 11th level skill another Chi Mastery ability. I don't care to ponder which one. Note such a character isn't a one-trick pony; just reliable at his expertise.

Sounds like a good plan for advancement to me. Do remember though, if you have access to multiple styles, Body Hardening Exercises apply to all styles even if chosen for one style. So grab the ones that add P.P. and P.S.