Close Combat
I had no idea about martial arts and the levels of power associated with it at that moment.
But even in that ignorant stage, I knew very well that the normal stages of power found within most movies or even novels were complete bullshit in the world of mechas.
There were definitely no body stages or muscle stages to pass, and definitely no dantian or inner power to acquire.
Additionally, there was no freaking way in hell that big fat lumbering mechas could exchange a hundred moves in a second and for personal fights to go on for more than half an hour, much less for days like what we usually find in most stories.
In fights, the slightest mistake could lead to instant defeat or death. And in most battles, mistakes would probably be made within the first minute.
A flawless fight for five full minutes against an equally strong enemy was probably as rare as a unicorn.
For a personal fight to go beyond ten minutes?
A rainbow colored unicorn.