[RobLMor]

I've only recently found out about this bit in the game and have just got the chance to fight her on (yet another) play through. Does anyone have an easy way to beat her? It's costing me a fortune in HK$ and I just keep getting my ass handed to me. Never had this much trouble in a fight before

[LagunaVII]

Dodging and stab armour is the key to this fight keep pressing y and dodging all over the spot till you see an opening to hit stab armour. If you are having trouble finding an opening try hitting a two kick combo - dont go for a 3rd as it hardly ever hits. finally when the QTE comes use both thumbs, failing that will cause you to loose half your health where as a reversal takes quite a chunk of hers.
 
(Save before the fight and if you loose just reload)

[LagunaVII]

Also there is no shame in losing this fight - she is quite possibly the hardest fight in the game! I'm not even sure the reward for beating her is worth it

[Guppy]

only did this once she was tough and elieen before her.. this only happens when u impress fangmei.
(as the campain goes the cat and fangmei have alot in common lol
tsk tsk. hehe )

[Giorgio]

Personally, I found out that "Double Storm Kick" is a useful move when taking a fight on Izumi. Specifically, that's the only move that you will use. It makes the opponent to fall down, therefore at the right moment when they get up but before taking their fight stance, you have to keep doing that move and perform it successfully. That will make the opponent fall again and again, while you execute that move on them, at the right moment. It needs good timing.

From what I remember I managed to beat her by using this move, relatively easily. The difficulty on that is to maintain a good timing when to execute the move (as explained). Indeed, Izumi is the toughest fighter in the whole game; I wonder if Lan Di is an easier opponent than her... Chai and Baihu don't stand a chance...

I believe the reward for beating her is worth it, because the Duck (Penguin, in a rainy day) Racing is purely epic and positively out of the waters.

[Guppy]

ha the virtua duck racing.  EPIC
 

[RobLMor]

Thanks folks. Next time I get a chance, I'll have another go using some of these. Amazing that after all these years, this game is still surprising me 

[Shenmue Stare]

I never had a problem with this fight. I always just parried the shit outta her and countered. I suppose maybe be sure that your moves are leveled up next time you try.

[RobLMor]

SHE'S DOWN! SHE'S DOWN! SHE IS DOWN! HAVE IT! Get back to your shop and get me a Jet Cola and some chocolate!

[Guppy]

Love that feeling.. When u finally beat a certain moment in any game.

[Shenmue Stare]

What tactics did you eventually utilize, bruddaman?

[Giorgio]

Congrats, RobLMor; now you have made Izumi a bit upset! But she treats you right; Duck Racing is the ultimate bizarre mini-game of Shenmue!

Do you want to share with us how you beat her? Did you follow a specific method/hint you heard? Or did you find another way?

[LagunaVII]

Now get your self to the back of Man Mo Temple, go to the tree. Catch more than one leaf at a time on at least 3 occasions and then catch the feather

[Guppy]

The part where i finally finished a part in Shenmue 2 were the planks.. O god that was annoying, phew after i finally finished 

[jameswalker85]

You know... I don't think I ever unlocked the duck racing. Gonna have to see to that on my next playthrough. Which will be streamed... if anyone's interested.