Swordsmanship,+Sokan

Sokan
(By Sam)(ael) (Return to Swordsmanship)

Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Hyperspace War, Sokan teaching revolved around using the environment itself to gain a tactical advantage in combat. Sokan involved maneuvering so that swift strokes of the lightsaber could be aimed towards the opponent's vital areas, using quick tumbles, jumps, and movements. Combatants made use of large amounts of terrain, trying to maneuver their opponents into vulnerable areas during the course of battles that involved Sokan techniques. This technique allowed for great speed and mobility and left no openings in one's defense. Prior to the Clone Wars, Sokan practitioners integrated highly kinetic elements of Ataru with their ancient Sokan techniques to create a blend of styles that relied upon agility. Although it was unclear whether Obi-Wan Kenobi received formal Sokan training or not, the Jedi Master did employ elements of Sokan while dueling Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar. Towards the end of the duel, Obi-Wan sought the high ground and used his favorable positioning to defeat Vader, attacking his weak points. This was the factor that led to Vader's defeat, and, in his battle against Luke Skywalker on the second Death Star, the memory, or fear, of his defeat may be a reason why he threw his lightsaber when Luke got the high ground instead of going after him.
 * __History__**:

Sokan is definitely a philosophy more than a form, a style more than a stand-alone way of swordsmanship. It can be applied to just about any form of swordsmanship using a few simple considerations.
 * __Application__**:

-Always be ready to deliver a quick blow or many of them. -Direct your opponent into situations that will limit their ability to attack or defend. -Stay in a position that does not limit you more than your opponent. -Take advantage of the restrictions you have forced your opponent into with quick or powerful blows.

It should also be noted that with Sokan, the principles are applicable to all strategy. In pitched battles, In conversation, In debate.