Knowledge Tree Passives

Quick question: do the global passives in the semi-secret knowledge tree apply to both characters, or do I have to level them for each character? For example, on Naoe I have 8 ranks in 'Damage With Melee Weapons', which gives me +12% damage in melee. Would Yasuke also get that bonus? I would think so, giving that they are 'global' passives. BUT Yasuke has the same passive on his Knowledge tree and has zero points in it. That has me thinking that the bonus applies to the individual character. If they applied to both, then you could have 30 points from each character in that passive and things get a little crazy.

If anyone knows who the bonuses are given to, I'd appreciate the help. Thanks in advance! =)