Sokan


Sokan shouldn't be considered a true form, but rather a principle within lightsaber combat. Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the time of the Great Hyperspace War, the core of Sokan training was the utilization of the surrounding environment to achieve a strategic edge in battle.

Description

Sokan involved skillful maneuvering, ensuring that rapid lightsaber strikes could be directed towards an opponent's vulnerable spots, using quick tumbles, leaps, and other agile movements. Combatants using Sokan frequently utilized the terrain to their advantage, with the goal of positioning their adversaries into precarious locations during combat situations. This fighting style emphasized both speed and mobility, while simultaneously maintaining a strong defense. Before the Clone Wars, practitioners of Sokan integrated highly kinetic Ataru elements with their established Sokan techniques, resulting in a fusion of styles that heavily relied on agility. It was advised that practitioners utilize this style when on familiar terrain or on their home ground.

Known Moves and Maneuvers

High Ground Defense

Leveraging the terrain to establish a defensive advantage.

Unhindered Charge

A swift advance towards the opponent, bypassing obstacles and terrain to rapidly close the distance.

Applications

Darth Maul achieves Sokan against his enemies.

Darth Maul adopted an unconventional application of Sokan as he sought a method to manage his impending duel with Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. His solution was found in the Plasma Refinery Complex, which contained laser gates that rotated for a brief duration, leading to a narrow pit of molten material. Upon the arrival of the Jedi, Maul strategically led them to a location of his choosing, separating Jinn and Kenobi using a series of platforms. He then proceeded to lure Jinn towards the melting pit, with the laser gates preventing Kenobi from assisting his Master. Jinn, although partially aware of the Sith's intentions, continued to press forward alone. This proved to be a critical error. His fighting style, Ataru, was not only physically demanding, but also required ample open space for maneuverability. Consequently, Maul succeeded in killing the elder Jedi and nearly defeated Kenobi as well.

During his brief confrontation with Darth Tyranus during the First Battle of Geonosis, Master Yoda employed a series of three leaps around the hangar in which they were fighting, in order to evade Tyranus' blade attacks and regain the upper hand.

Even though it remains uncertain whether Obi-Wan Kenobi underwent formal Sokan training, the Jedi Master incorporated elements of Sokan while dueling Darth Vader on Mustafar. Near the culmination of their duel, Obi-Wan strategically secured the high ground, leveraging his advantageous position to target Vader's vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to Vader's defeat. However, the Sith Lord appeared to have learned from this setback and became known for employing a saber throw when his opponents gained the high ground, rather than pursuing them, as seen in his final confrontation with his son.

Appearances

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