Laura (Street Fighter)
"Boom! That's how you start the fight and finish it quickly!
(ドーンと始めて、パパッと終わらせちゃうよ！ Dōn to hajimete, papatto owara se chau yo!?)"
—Laura (Street Fighter V)
Laura Matsuda (ララ・マツダ/松田 Rara Matsuda?) is a video game character from the Street Fighter series, first appearing in Street Fighter V. She is a free-spirited, hyperactive Brazilian woman and the older sister of Sean. Laura Matsuda bursts onto the scene in Street Fighter V as a vibrant fireball of energy and martial arts prowess. Hailing from Brazil, this Jiu-Jitsu specialist proudly carries the torch of the Matsuda family fighting style.
Unlike her younger brother Sean, who aspires to become a "fighter's fighter," Laura possesses a more focused and strategic approach. Trained by her Jiu-Jitsu master grandfather, Kinjiro, Laura seeks to elevate her family's art form onto the world stage. This ambition fuels her constant globetrotting quest for strong opponents to test her skills against. Every victory becomes a testament to the effectiveness of Matsuda Jiu-Jitsu.
Laura's fighting style is a unique blend of throws, grapples, and electrifying attacks. She incorporates elements of Capoeira, a Brazilian dance-fighting style, adding a touch of flair to her devastating techniques. One of her signature moves, the "Thunder Clap," channels electricity through her hands for a powerful projectile attack. This electrifying ability sets her apart from other grapplers in the Street Fighter universe.
Beyond her impressive fighting skills, Laura is a free spirit with an infectious enthusiasm for life. She thrives on challenges and adventures, always seeking new experiences and friendships. This outgoing personality sometimes lands her in trouble, as her impulsiveness can lead to misunderstandings. However, her cheerful demeanor and genuine nature quickly disarm most people.
Laura's journey in Street Fighter V intertwines with the series' overarching narrative. She joins forces with other heroes to confront the evil Shadaloo organization. While Laura primarily focuses on promoting her fighting style, she possesses a strong sense of justice and readily lends a hand to those in need.
Laura Matsuda's arrival in Street Fighter marked a significant moment for the franchise. She introduced a new fighting style, a vibrant personality, and a unique visual design that resonated with players. Despite some initial criticism regarding her story and character design, Laura's energetic spirit and electrifying fighting style continue to captivate fans and solidify her place within the Street Fighter legend.