Fans of the Sweet Science will recognize the words in the title of this post; in boxing, its one of the first principles. As much as learning the universal basics of boxing are important, such as the rules, conditioning and so on, so too is it very, very important for a boxer to find a style of boxing that best works for him. Some boxers, being tall, can utilize their superior reach; others, speed; and still others, power. Some boxers, while not having awesome “one-two” knockout power, may nevertheless be able to use their keen understanding of the mechanics of boxing and the human body, as well as being astute students of history and watching tapes of their opponent, to use all of this knowledge to their advantage during the fight, using the “point” system and endurance to wear their opponent down. Other boxers are shorter, more compact, and may do much better as an in your face kind of fighter-which quite a few boxers aren’t able to handle, especially for extended periods of time, say three or four rounds back to back.
The point is that very often, the boxer who has the best fit of his chosen style to his natural abilities, talents and gifts, more often than not, wins the fight. The same can be said of Game-after you learn the basics, such as the fundamental differences between Male and Female, what turns on both and why, etc, and when you’ve learned key principles such as Negs, Social Proof, PAS and so on, you’re then ready to give serious consideration to the style you will use, to best take advantage of your natural abilities.
Since Game tends to attract geeky types, and because many Game writers and the like will tend to draw analogies between Game and the Force-I’ve done it myself-I thought to illustrate a bit more by discussing the styles a Gamesman can use, by way of the various combat styles the Jedi, the fictional ancient order of Force users in the Star Wars universe, display in the franchise of films.
In the Star Wars universe, there are what is known as the Seven Forms, a series of styles of combat that developed over millennia. Shortly after a Jedi trainee is finished with their basic training, they are then sent off to study the ways of the Force with a Master. It is usually at this time that they choose a style of combat that best suits him; often, his Master will aid him in this regard.
The Seven Forms are as follows:
1 Shii-Cho
2 Makashi
3 Soresu
4 Ataru
5 Djem-So
6 Niman
7 Jumo
Let’s examine these forms briefly:
Shii-Cho is the first and most basic of combat for the Jedi. This covers all the fundamentals-stances, thrusts, striking points, swings, defence, offence. In Game parlance, this would be about learning all the most fundamental basics of Seduction, and while this style isn’t as effective against more higher powered Targets, no other form can be effective without a firm grounding in this one. It’s for this reason that such a style, for the aspiring Gamesmen, is most closely aligned in my view, with “Solid Game”.
Makashi is a bit more obscure, owing to the fact that, at the time when the Star Wars films are made, very few Jedi encounter another Force user in combat. Makashi was designed with *dueling* in mind, and relies on elegant, subtle, yet quick and precise, almost balletic moves. Its most effective in one-on-one situations, though a verified Master of the form can take on two highly trained Force users and defeat them both (as Count Dooku did to Obiwan and his apprentice Anakin in Attack Of The Clones). In Gamespeak, this style is best in terms of Direct Game, yet elegant, swift, with a rapier wit (Negs in this form are ultra smooth, subtle and highly, highly effective), perfect timing and a flair for fashion, elegance and style, perhaps just a bit over the top or having a thing for the dramatic.
Soresu is the third form of combat for the Jedi, and developed in the early days of blasters, which meant that Jedis had to learn to defend themselves from such attacks. In the films for example, when you see a Jedi blocking incoming fire from a blaster, he’s practicing this form to some degree. At the time of the Star Wars films, this form was pretty much the “default” style of combat, due mainly to the prevelance of blasters and the rarity of coming across Force using opponents. Because of its focus on defense, and not on offense and attacks, this form is often referred to as “the true Jedi form” because of the Order’s emphasis on passivity and peace, as well as mercy-Soresu tends to focus more on disarming an opponent rather than taking him out altogether. Obiwan Kenobi is recognized as the undisputed Master of the form and displays it beautifully, even as an older Man in the famous “cantina” scene of Star Wars: Episode Four, and his final duel with Darth Vader on the Death Star; and in his epic duel against his one time apprentice Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode Three. Notice how no matter how much rage and sheer power Anakin used against Obiwan, Obiwan remained calm and parried all his attacks, blocked all his blows and patiently bided his time, until, finally, Anakin revealed a blindspot-and Obiwan took him out. Its for this reason that Soresu is considered virtually invincible, because opponents have been known to get tired and give up. In Game parlance, this form doesn’t expend much energy chasing Targets around, but rather *draws them in* and then uses their energy with which to build attraction. “Maximum effect with minimum output” is a big feature of this style, and it is for this reason that its one of the best styles to have. But its also heavily dependent on one cultivating strong Inner Game, because that’s where this style’s true strength comes from. This style of Game relies on patience, tranquility and calm-cool, smooth, refined, yet focused and determined in the eye of the storm. Through this inner calm and peace, firm yet relaxed cool and confidence, and ability to draw in a Target to himself, such a Gamesmen rarely encounters flakes, LMR or ASD. Closes are almost always complete and full.
Ataru is the forth form of Jedi combat, which is focused on the body; this style makes use of the Jedi to accomplish great physical feats, such as leaping far distances, or performing acrobatic moves in combat. Yoda is a Master of this form of combat, because it both takes advantage of his shorter height, and as well his deep connection to the Force which makes it possible to for him to move as if a young Man. Ataru is also more attack oriented; notice Yoda doesn’t “defend” himself per se; offence is the best defence in this form. In the films, perhaps the best examples of this form in action was when Yoda engaged Count Dooku and more importantly, Senator Palpatine, who uses a Sith variant of Ataru as well. In Gamespeak, this style most relates to more flashier displays, like Peacoking that’s really over the top, working a room hard and taking it over, taking full advantage of the situation and engaging a group at full blast. The Gamesmen really puts his all into it and pretty much overwhelms or bowls over the Target and her entourage. Because this style demands high levels of energy, it is recommended that only high energy guys use it, otherwise you can burn out pretty quick. Also, a more older and/or short Man can use this style to great effect, because both states infer a less vibrant or powerful Man, and your Target can be both taken aback as well as impressed by your “Big Man” personality and/or your formidable level of energy, despite being older.
Djem-So, the fifth form of Jedi combat, is actually a mixture of Makashi and Soresu, a joining of both a dueling style, and a more defensive, “protective” style. Less “flashy” then Ataru, Djem-So concentrates on the principle of “peace through strength” and even a “might makes right” mentality. Unlike Soresu, where the user defends himself but doesn’t hurt the attacker, a practitioner of Djem-So deliberately turns defence into offence. This is seen for example, when both Anakin Skywalker and his son Luke, turn blaster fire right back on those who fired it at them. Some Jedi frown on this style, as it tends to focus more on the aggressive side of the Force. In Game parlance, this style tends to focus more on Direct Game, strong approaches, and taking any defences the Target will put up and turning back on her. Such a style is perfect for barrelling through a Target’s “Bitch Shield”, via use of sheer persistence, determination and will. Plus the more raw or naked displays of power is very often a big turn-on for many Women.
The sixth form of Jedi combat, Niman, is considered more of a diplomat’s form or style, because instead of focusing on any one form, these users kind of dabble in all of them, having a basic understaning of each. The problem with this form though, is that there isn’t enough of a grounding in any one style to really be able to make an impact when out in field and going up against hardcore opponents-this is why most Jedi were killed at the Battle of Geonosis in Attack Of The Clones. However, one important feature of this form is its use of two weapons at once, known as Jar Kai; the only practitioner to do this in the films was Anakin in his first confrontation with Dooku, and for a time he held his own, but was eventually bested by the Makashi Master. In Game parlance, this relates to “Game theorists” but not Game *doers*, who know all the theory and what not, but have very little actual hands on experience. However, if one is able to make use of two “weapons” at once or in tandem-say both be able to work Social Proof and Preselection at once-this form can be highly effective. But by and large, not highly recommended.
Jumo, the seventh and final form of Jedi combat, is similar to both Ataru and Djem-So, in that it focuses on physicality, offence, power and passion, but much moreso than either of the two forms-in fact, it so relies on the latter, that it brings the user very close to the Darkside. It is for this reason that very few Jedi can even learn the form, much less have the inner focus needed to keep from veering over to the Darkside. Only two displays of this form have been seen in the flms-Darh Maul’s Sith variant of Jumo, and Mace Windu’s “take” on the form, which he calls Vaapad. A major feature of this form is the blinding speed at which attacks are mounted, coming from all directions in a seemingly disconnected and unorthodox manner, but which are intended to both overwhelm and disorient the opponent. In Game, the practitioner using this style focuses on his inner passions as a source of his Game, and basically overwhelms his Target, coming at her from all directions and throwing everything at her including the kitchen sink. When executed correctly, it takes a Woman by storm and sweeps her off her feet. However, the downside here is that thins can get too hot too fast, and can be over almost as quickly as it began. That’s OK, if that’s what you’re looking for-but it does come at a price. For starters, the emotional toll this places on Women can be huge, since for them emotions and sex are closely linked; and the longterm effects can be hazardous to the Gamesman as well, unless he’s constantly doing inner monitoring of his own state, and focusing on the Light. For this reason, it is best that should a Man choose to use this style, it is highly recommended that he first have a very clearly defined code of conduct and rules of engagement, lest he be seduced himself by the Darkside of Game.
Speaking of which, I’ve mentioned several times the term “Sith variant” to the differing forms of Jedi combat, and this applies to both boxing, or any other martial art, and as well, to Game. The difference is that while the former focuses on a code of ethics and the highest good, the latter focuses on the exact opposite-being amoral/immoral, and using the style in question to humiliate, demoralize or in some other way, bring the Target down or low. In boxing this would equate to hitting below the belt, using head butts and so on.
For example, much has been said about the Neg. It is a powerful tool, no doubt, but it can also be used to hurt a Woman, sometimes deeply. In Jedi speak, when it comes to Sith, there is the tactic of Dün Moch, basically taunting your opponent while using other “dirty” tactics designed to demoralize your opponent. Darth Vader did this to Luke Skaywalker during their first duel on Bespin, by using the Force to hurl objects at him from many directions while also attacking him at the same time. Senator Palpatine did this to Yoda during their battle on Coruscant while in the main chamber of the Galactic Senate. And Darth Vader did it again during his final duel with his son on the Deathstar, by mentioning Leia Organa, Luke’s sister and his daughter.
In Gamespeak, Dün Moch is basically Negs Gone Bad, used intentionally to bring a Woman low, in a pernicious way. Other “dirty” tactics can be brought to play, too-just think of how a Gamesman can use Game in a negative, morally questionable way, and you have Dark Game. It’s something that is both highly effective, but also very, very damaging, to the Target and the Gamesman both.
Anyway, the above should give you something to think about as we head into Valentine’s Day Weekend. Remember: styles makes fights.
And Game.
Bonus Question: what style do you think The Obsidian uses?
Holla back
The Obsidian
