The Boxers

The Boxers (properly known as Cìyìhétuán, or the Second Righteous Harmony Society) are an Ethnic Chinese gang operating out of Ousho City. They are a relatively new order, having grown up out of a variety of small, competing Ethnic Chinese gangs. They currently operate in small time smuggling, prostitution, drugs and protection rings. The group has some units of territory, typically centered around ethnic Chinese neighborhoods, which they claim to exist to protect.

Origin of the term Boxer
Members of the Second Righteous Harmony Society are known as "bokusa", or "Boxers" to the Japanese speaking majority on Ousho. The name choice is intentional stemming from their striking oriented martial art styles. The name is also intentionally derogatory as it carries connotation of a "prize fighter" mentality vs one of a spiritualistic martial artist. It also contains a reference to the failed Boxer Rebellion of the very early 20th Century, in which foreign influence (in that case, Western) won out over Chinese patriotism. The term is greatly frustrating to boxers, but it remains in wide use.

Martial Arts
Similar to the Yakuza clans, the martial arts have a strong presence amongst the boxers, as the whole organization seems built around the principals of the relatively young Burning Fist Kung Fu. It is a striking art, based around punches, kicks and deflections, but also incorporates weapon exercises (dadao being the most developed).

They are known to use collapsible fighting staves in addition to various other weapons. While it is a commonly used tool (amongst other collapsible and concealable weapons), it is unknown exactly how this particular weapon became associated with them above other, more iconic items like dadao. It is likely because the item is showy, and the "noble" sword already monopolized on by the Yakuza.

Spiritualism
The other basis for the group is the spiritualistic beliefs put forward by the sifu of Burning Fist Kung Fu. It is a secular path that draws on multiple old Chinese practices, and appears at least moderately influenced by neoShinto, though it is likely they are influenced by the same school of thought independently. The basics of the path put emphasis on the martial arts as a way to empower one's life, teach a form of social discipline and makes numerous lifestyle recommendations. The path also incorporates some alchemical teachings, magical theories and texts regarding spirit possession.