Single Strike Master and Rapid Strike Master: The Japanese Sets Behind Battle Styles (2021)
By Dexhaul Team · October 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Two Japanese sets shipped on the same day in January 2021, each dedicated to a single battle style, and they combined into one English expansion eight weeks later.
Single Strike Master (S5D) and Rapid Strike Master (S5R) are the Japanese source sets for Battle Styles (SWSH5), which released in English on March 19, 2021 per Serebii. Both JP sets launched January 22, 2021. That split matters for collectors: buying JP meant choosing a side, while the English set mixed cards from both styles in every pack.
DexHaul covers the full JP-to-EN mapping for every major Sword and Shield era set. This guide focuses on S5D and S5R specifically.
At a Glance: S5D, S5R, and Battle Styles
Both JP sets and their English counterpart sit on a tight eight-week timeline. S5D Single Strike Master and S5R Rapid Strike Master hit Japanese shelves together, then merged into Battle Styles for the international release. The sets introduced the Single Strike and Rapid Strike battle mechanics tied to Urshifu's two forms from the Isle of Armor DLC in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
| JP Set | Code | JP Release | EN Equivalent | EN Release | JP Cards | EN Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Strike Master | S5D | Jan 22, 2021 | Battle Styles (SWSH5) | Mar 19, 2021 | 70 + extras | 183 |
| Rapid Strike Master | S5R | Jan 22, 2021 | Battle Styles (SWSH5) | Mar 19, 2021 | 70 + extras | 183 |
Card counts for S5D and S5R sourced from Serebii's Single Strike Master listing. Battle Styles has 163 regular cards plus 20 secret rares (183 total).
On this page 5 sections
What's Different in the Box
The structural gap between the JP and EN formats is wider than most collectors expect. A Japanese S5D or S5R booster box contains 30 packs of 5 cards each: 150 cards per box.
An English Battle Styles booster box contains 36 packs of 10 cards each: 360 cards per box. The per-card math and per-pull odds shift substantially between formats.
More important is what fills each pack. JP S5D packs are Single Strike cards only. JP S5R packs are Rapid Strike cards only.
English Battle Styles packs pull from both styles at once.
That is the defining difference for chase-card hunters: the JP format targets one style, while the EN format randomizes between both.
| Feature | JP Box (S5D or S5R) | EN Battle Styles Box |
|---|---|---|
| Packs per box | 30 | 36 |
| Cards per pack | 5 | 10 |
| Cards per box | 150 | 360 |
| Style coverage | One style only | Both styles |
| Pack MSRP | ¥165 | $4.00 USD |
| EN observed price (pack) | N/A | $9–12 (observed Oct 2026) |
Key Cards and Their JP Origin
Every major pull in Battle Styles traces back to one of the two JP source sets. Knowing which set originated a card is the core reason to buy JP: if you want Single Strike Urshifu VMAX, every pack in S5D targets that card. If you buy EN Battle Styles, half the available pulls come from S5R cards instead.
| Card | EN Rarity | JP Source Set |
|---|---|---|
| Single Strike Urshifu VMAX | VMAX / Full Art / Gold | S5D Single Strike Master |
| Single Strike Urshifu V | V / Full Art | S5D Single Strike Master |
| Tyranitar VMAX | VMAX | S5D Single Strike Master |
| Houndoom (Single Strike) | Rare | S5D Single Strike Master |
| Mustard (Trainer) | Uncommon / Full Art | S5D Single Strike Master |
| Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX | VMAX / Full Art / Gold | S5R Rapid Strike Master |
| Rapid Strike Urshifu V | V / Full Art | S5R Rapid Strike Master |
| Octillery (Rapid Strike) | Uncommon | S5R Rapid Strike Master |
| Empoleon V | V / Full Art | S5R Rapid Strike Master |
Full card lists for both JP sets are on Serebii's Rapid Strike Master listing. Octillery gained lasting competitive relevance as a draw-engine tutor in Rapid Strike decks throughout the SWSH era.
Japanese or English: Which to Buy
Price per pack
The JP pack MSRP of ¥165 worked out to roughly $1.50 USD at early-2021 exchange rates. That figure ignores import shipping, which adds $20–40 per box from Japan.
Independent shops list single EN packs between $9 and $12 (observed October 2026 on DexHaul). Sealed JP booster boxes from this era are scarce; when they appear, prices reflect collector demand rather than the original ¥165 per-pack rate.
Play legality
Both JP and EN Battle Styles cards are legal in the Expanded format at official Pokémon tournaments. All card languages are accepted in sanctioned play, so imported S5D and S5R cards work alongside EN copies. Check which style fits your current deck before importing an entire box.
Language and grading
EN cards are the practical choice for anyone actually playing the deck. JP cards suit collectors who want the original packaging, style-targeted pulls, or cleaner copies for PSA or CGC submission.
Both PSA and CGC accept JP and EN Battle Styles cards. JP copies from the SWSH era often show better centering, but neither version receives systematic grading preference.
If you plan to submit, check the population report before paying import costs. The Battle Styles vs Chilling Reign comparison covers how the sealed sets stack up if you are deciding between two SWSH era options.
A note on Q4 gifting
Battle Styles Elite Trainer Boxes are a practical gift for SWSH-era collectors this holiday season. The Single Strike and Rapid Strike ETBs come in distinct themed packaging, making it easy to gift the style that matches a player's deck. For more ideas across every product type, see the Pokémon holiday gift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Japanese set is Battle Styles based on?
Battle Styles draws from two Japanese sets: S5D Single Strike Master and S5R Rapid Strike Master, both released January 22, 2021. The EN set merged cards from both JP sets into one expansion on March 19, 2021.
Are S5D and S5R the same set?
S5D and S5R were sold as separate products in Japan on the same day. S5D contains Single Strike-themed cards only; S5R contains Rapid Strike-themed cards only. Buying both JP boxes is equivalent to one EN Battle Styles box in terms of style coverage.
How many cards does Battle Styles have?
Battle Styles (SWSH5) has 163 regular cards plus 20 secret rares, totaling 183 cards. Each JP source set contains 70 numbered cards plus a small number of secret-rarity cards above 70.
Is importing Battle Styles in Japanese worth it?
If you are chasing one specific style's chase card, such as Single Strike Urshifu VMAX from S5D, buying that JP box means every pack targets your card. The EN box pulls from both styles at once. Factor in import shipping ($20–40 per box) before committing.
Are Battle Styles cards still tournament legal?
Battle Styles cards remain legal in the Expanded format at official Pokémon tournaments. All card languages are accepted in sanctioned play.
Browse in-stock Battle Styles booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and Japanese imports from independent shops at DexHaul's Japanese Cards collection. DexHaul is independent and unofficial: every product link points to the merchant's own storefront.
Catch 'em all
More Battle Styles products from independent shops across the DexHaul network.