Sword Art Online

[shinta|hikari]

I keep saying that dodging is manual. That means defending is too. Parrying attacks, using shields, all that is manual. Actually, normal attacks are manual too. All of these skills benefit from martial arts training, which improves reflexes, and coordination. Knowing Kendo in particular is a big advantage, since you know how to parry, block and strike using a sword from the get go.

The only time system assist kicks in is if the weapon is shining blue. That was clear in episode 1, when Kirito was explaining to Klein how to use sword skills.

You don't need to know martial arts to play SAO, but knowing it gives you an edge.