Open Yavin IV Have you Ever Considered Fighting Without a Lightsaber? If So Please Train With Me. It'll Be Cool I Promise.

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

{OOC: Hrimfaxi will just be teaching self defense for those who rely on a lightsaber. A good Jedi should be able to go hand to hand in the event they lose their blade!}

Yavin 4 was a historical planet of Jedi presence. Temples were made for the Jedi and the planet had thrived in the essence of the force. Hrimfaxi was not always a fan of jungle planets, but they did bring a slight feeling of comfortability. With said comfortability comes relaxation. With relaxation came focus. Focus would be what the Jedi coming to learn will need in order to handle their battles and various other altercations. In specific today, hand to hand self defense.

"Welcome my fellow Jedi. I am so glad you were able to come. I am Hrimfaxi Hraustr, for this of you who do not know my name."

Hrimfaxi would be walking back and forth in front of his class and would look at the individuals who had come to learn the ways of nonlethal combat. Mainly to get a good look at his comrades who believe he would lead them to success. Then also for the sake of remembering faces in general. He wanted to be able to work with his comrades often, and if he never meets them, how could he work with them?

"Now for the first lesson today. There is a bag in front of all of you. Place your lightsabers into the bag."

He knew that they would comply, though for those who wouldn't he would give his reason as to why they must discard their sabers for the training.

"I understand you have been trained to be responsible with your weapon. I trust that you would never use it on one of your own, but.. I will say in the heat of anger.. some tend to lead astray. I will use Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker as an example... must I say anything further?"

Hrimfaxi would look around for any questions being asked. It would be a little unnecessary at the moment but he didn't mind enlightening the future of the Jedi. Or even fellow Knights, or Masters.

​

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Combat training. She tried her hardest to avoid this type of lesson at all costs. Lightsabers were heavy, blasters were heavy, throwing punches was heavy. Then again, what isn't heavy when your arms are two pairs of small noodles. She didn't realize she needed to get serious until she went on a trip with Drastus; you can't be a combat medic if you can't combat.

And so she'd joined the Cathar's hand-to-hand lessons, dressed in comfortable leggings, a supportive crop-top, calf-length leather boots, and traditional Jedi robes to keep it all modest. While waiting for the others, the half-Sephi began to tuck her long hair into a messy bun; loose hair was ineffective during combat Or so she was told.

The tall, fluffy-looking Jedi knight had started the lesson by asking everyone to hand in their lightsabers. A fair enough request, really. She was a little concerned about finding her training lightsaber in a bag full of lightsabers, but that was a worry for another day. Well, another hour. She took a few light steps toward the bag, and delicately placed her hilt inside it before returning to her original spot.

Although she seemed nervous and tense, with her shoulders stiffly locked near her ears, her big brown eyes showed she had no questions.

---

Tag @Scoobert ​

 

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

After a quick survey of the training grounds, he took notice that all of the other Jedi present had been confident in the instructions they were given. This was a good thing, it meant he wouldn't have to simplify what he had said and can continue on with his instruction. Setting the bag full of lightsabers to the side of the training grounds, he would return to begin the lessons.

"First, we start with your standing position. Most of you have gained your preferred stance on account of your lightsaber, now it is time to feel yourself ready to defend your life in the event you have lost your lightsaber. Now let's start with standing how you would with your lightsaber, it is a good place to start. You know this position, and are more comfortable in it. I want you to fight out of it."

Hrimfaxi would walk around and try to see if any of the other Jedi were struggling with their positions. It was only a select few Padawans that may have had an issue understanding, but looking around at the other Jedi would help them to learn. After letting the Jedi class get into their preferred positions, he would look to see how the Jedi did throwing a punch, but he needed a volunteer.

"Padawan Vanhoop, please demonstrate how you would punch the enemy in front of you."

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove's large eyes scanned the padawans surrounding her, who were all taking a stance. While the majority stuck to Form I, she noticed a few taking Form II and Form III stances. But she wasn't brave enough for that. Although she liked Makashi because it relied on speed rather than strength, Force knew she didn't have a favorite style or stance. So, for the time being, she followed the majority of the class and assumed the Form I stance as best she could.

Wait. What? Demonstrate a punch?

Clove's lips pressed together into a thin line. She'd never thrown a punch in her life. Not even once. Sure, she's seen others throw punches. She's also seen a lot of Jedi train unarmed. But doing it on her own? That was something entirely new. Still, this was part of the lesson so she didn't complain.

Nervously she took a step forwards. Normally her dislike of the spotlight was not due to stage fright; she simply did not consider herself important enough to take the show. Others were more important to her. Today, however, was a completely different beast; every single pair of eyes was on her and her demonstration. Welcome aboard, stage fright!

Deep breathe in, deep breathe out.

The half-Sephi drew her right arm backward, just like in the movies, and made a fist with her hand. She held this pose for less than a second before flinging her arm into the air in front of her. Her legs and feet were unprepared for the large movement in her upper body experienced and were definitely not firm or steady enough to support her frame. So Clove stumbled forward, almost as if chasing her own fist, until her feet gave way and she tripped onto the ground.

For a few seconds, she lay there in silence. Then she snorted, which was followed by a burst of bubbly giggles as she sat up from the ground.

"I'm sorry, Master. I swear I'm taking your lesson seriously. I've just never actually thrown a punch before." She said this while clearly resisting another round of laughter, and quickly rose to her feet and returned to her place in line.

---

Tag @Scoobert ​

 

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

The young Padawan had obviously never been in a fight. Which is good that she made it to class today. Hrimfaxi will show her some basic maneuvers to start her off and then she will need to be ready for more advanced training from her Master. For now, it was time for Hrimfaxi to show how to punch.

"It was a good attempt Padawan Vanhoop. I like the force you tried to input, but you did not keep yourself balanced. Follow my instructions. Fett set shoulder width apart, then use your non dominant foot to step forward. Do not over step or under step. This is your base."

Hrimfaxi would then presume the position to show her what it would look like. After that he would bring his fists up in front of him. He would then demonstrate a punch slowly.

"You must first learn to guide your fist forward to the target. Remember to aim small so you miss small. Assuming you miss after my teachings, hopefully you will not. Then you guide it back. Keep your base firm. If you get off balance, then the enemy can trip you, or pull you, or push you. They will do what it takes to kill you."

He would then go back to walking around her and stop on the other side of Clove.

"Now, demonstrate again young Padawan."

@LilyNion

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan had spent the hours leading up to Master Hraustr's class debating whether or not to go. Combat was one of his weaknesses, and like many he was nervous about confronting said weaknesses; the fear of present failure impeding future growth. He'd made several casual passes along a walkway overlooking the training area, until the sight of his friend Clove finally convinced him to show up a few minutes late. The Togruta snuck in to the back of the small crowd of trainees while the Cathar Knight demonstrated a punch.

@Scoobert @LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove would be eternally grateful for the Cathar's easygoing and kind demeanor. After he demonstrated the punch, she felt far less embarrassed and more eager to give it a shot again.

During the explanation, a familiar figure entered the training area and joined the small crowd of trainees. It was her favorite Togruta! Her eyes brightened for a split second, and she lifted her hand to wave to Ruz before returning her attention to the teacher.

The half-Sephi made a point of observing the Jedi's posture so she could replicate it. Everything made sense, though the under and over step made her nervous. How was she going to know if she was over-stepping? Or under stepping?! Even so, there is only one way to learn.

"Okay!" She replied cheerfully to his request to demonstrate it again.

Clove put her feet shoulder-width apart and pushed her left foot forward, following the man's lead. Her fists were raised to the point where they barely covered her chin, and her elbows were tucked against her body to protect her ribcage. She memorized how this pose felt and how her muscles reacted to it by holding it for a few moments.

Then, similar to the Cathar, she punched the air; it was a smaller, slightly less forceful punch, aimed at a smaller target. Rather than letting her first fly forward like before, she guided her arms back to her body, allowing her feet to remain relatively stable on the ground. It wasn't perfect, and her body wobbled slightly during the throw, but it actually resembled a punch.

Proudly she flashed a smile at Ruz before sending her gaze to the Jedi Knight next to her, waiting for feedback, criticism, or whatever the man required.

---

Tag @Scoobert ​

 

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

She was following what he said and showed. Then she looked over at a small Togrutan boy. Hrimfaxi knew of him. He was Ruzaan Kai, Jedi Padawan. He fought bravely on Felucia. Though he had much to learn in all actuality. Ruzaan is what many would call a liability. Many would go as far as saying he shouldn't leave the sight of anyone above the rank of Padawan. The rule was already in effect, so why was he unsupervised walking into his class. Why was he late to the class. Hrimfaxi will deal with him in just a moment. For now he will make sure Clove does the punch correctly.

"Very good, Padawan Vanhoop. Keep taking these classes and every Sith shall tremble in their boots to the sight of you. For now, you should focus on taking the force into every movement you make. You are small, and fragile. The force will be you armor, and your sword shall you pursue it. "

Hrimfaxi would give the small Padawan a wink and a smile. Then he would sigh before continuing to speak.

"Padawan Ruzaan Kai, welcome to class."

The Cathar would turn his attention to the late participant. Now would be a quick lesson in why a Jedi should never be late.

"Glad you can join us. Perhaps you would like to explain to me why you arrive late to my class? Is it not important enough for you? Also where is your master? You arrive alone, showing you were unsupervised. We do take this mandate seriously you know?"

Hrimfaxi was not mad or upset. He simply wanted Ruzaan to learn that being a loose canon was not acceptable. The Cathar Knight would look to see the Togrutan boy and simply smile. He knew the way Padawan tended to act, but eventually the Padawans would become the future of the Jedi Order. They needed to act like they were going to be. Not acting like children all the time. Fun times are good, but with the rules that are set, and the risk of the Sith killing them. They should want to take things much more seriously.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @LilyNion

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

As Master Hraustr noticed him, Ruzaan internally lamented the environment on Yavin IV- green surroundings that clashed spectacularly with his reddish clay skin and white/blue montrals, making stealth impossible. Although the Cathar's tone was gentle, the critique of Ruzaan's late arrival still scored deeply, and the Togruta hung his head in shame. He felt his cheeks burning in embarrassment as the class turned to look at him, and the fact that Clove was among them only added to Ruzaan's desire to launch himself into the nearest star.

"I'm sorry" he mumbled, trying to come up with a good excuse before realizing the futility of that endeavor. "I was nervous about coming." Master Hrasustr's questions cut into some of Ruzaan's biggest insecurities; he did care deeply about this, despite his tendency to put on a happy-go-lucky façade. It was why he threw himself with what some would call reckless abandon into his studies to be a Jedi. "I... uh, don't have a master" he admitted. Ruzaan had not been selected for apprenticeship yet, and he couldn't help but worry that there was good reason for it. "Sorry" he finished, suitably chastised. "What did I miss?"

@Scoobert @LilyNion

 

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

Ruzaan had looked embarrassed and defeated. It was not the main focus to make him look a fool, it was to teach him the ways the Jedi follow. Then Hrimfaxi heard it, the boy had no master. This Padawan has gone on missions of attack, and defense and yet no Jedi has chosen him for training. The Cathar realized in this moment, the boy didn't need a lesson as much as he needed a shoulder. So now the Knight walked to the Togruta and would take a knee to get down to where Ruzaan did not need to feel looked down upon,

"Padawan Ruzaan. Look me in the eye. What you feel right now is okay. We have all been in your shoes some way or another. I know your feelings in this moment, and I want to give you some advice."

The Cathar Knight would look into the Togruta's eyes and would smile,

"Do not be sorry. If you ever feel you need a temporary master, I would be delighted to teach the ways of the Jedi. All you have to do is ask."

The Cathar would pat the boy on his shoulder gently before standing. Then he would turn back to the rest of the class before hearing the boy's final question. The Cathar's face was delighted to know that the Togruta wanted to catch up on what he missed. It showed he cared about his training. Most other Padawan get but hurt and wanna get hard headed.

"I was just demonstrating to your friend here how to properly execute a punch. I would imagine in your mission on Felucia you've learned how to defend yourself, but what about without your saber?"

The question was hypothetical.

"If you will, pass me your saber. This class is a saber free zone, we will learn how to survive without them here. Padawan Vanhoop, I have shown you the proper technique for this defensive move, would you be so kind to show Padawan Kai what you have learned please?"

@SlagathorTheUnknown @LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove's shoulders tightened as she watched her friend and the teacher interact. She was fully aware that the Cathar was correct, yet she couldn't help but feel sorry for her friend's embarrassment. His eyes screamed shame.

Thankfully, the Cathar turned the tables on the kid; she believed he had also noticed Ruz's shame because his tone became even softer and he knelt in front of him. Instead of a lecture, it became a talk of comfort. It was sincere and heartfelt. The half-Sephi wished she could join the Jedi Knight and shower Ruz with compliments, soothing words, and courage. But, at least for the time being, that wasn't her job. So she resisted the temptation and instead smiled brightly at Ruz.

Then it was her turn to showcase the punch. Again.

"Okay, Master Hraustr!"

The half-Sephi took a step closer and turned her body towards Ruz, allowing him to see what she was doing. She wasn't sure if she should explain what she was doing, so she chose to move slowly instead.

Clove stood with her feet shoulder-width apart and her non-dominant foot forward, as she had been taught. She gently bent her knees for stability and curled her fingers into a fist. She pulled her fists up to her chin level, while her elbows snuggly rested against her ribcage for protection.

Her lips were curved into a non-judgmental and kind smile as she turned towards the Togruta to see if he was still following along and understanding what she was doing. She was thrilled that he had decided to join the class, despite being nervous.

She then drew her right fist slightly backwards, winding up for the punch, before letting go. Her fist swung into the air, and she made sure she was focusing on a smaller target, as she had done before. After her hand made contact with the imaginary target she guided her arm back to her body, to avoid falling over.

Clove held that stance for a second longer, before straightening her knees and lowering her arms. "Just like that!"

---

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[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan nodded his appreciation silently as Hrimfaxi offered his services as a temporary master, still wishing that the Cathar's attention was elsewhere. He dutifully passed over his double-bladed training lightsaber- still locked on lethal mode, perhaps something he could get help changing back today?- and watched as Clove demonstrated a punch. It was slightly odd to hear her referred to as "Padawan Vanhoop"; to Ruzaan she was Clove, a good friend of his. However, if his brief interaction with Master Hraustr were any indication, the Cathar preferred formality and it would be "Padawan Ruzaan" and "Padawan Vanhoop" during this lesson.

As far as Ruzaan could tell, Clove had indeed thrown a good punch, and her smile following the brief demonstration raised his spirits somewhat. "Nicely done!" he said, honesty in his tone.

@Scoobert @LilyNion

 

[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

As Padawan Vanhoop had finished her demonstration of the punch, and Padawan Ruzaan had taken note of it, Hrimfaxi would then motion for Clove to go back to her spot. It was not time for a block. Which was vital to a defense class. The Padawan's would need to know how to properly maneuver the enemies attacks to where they don't get hit.

"Now we must learn how to block a punch. Which is very important. First we must take our defensive stance. Then we must bring our arms up like before. This time I want your palms open, you must be ready to catch. Not attack. I want to see you take your stances everyone. In the stance of what form you prefer, or form I as it a very reliable defensive form."

The Cathar Knight would walk around to see how everyone was doing. Making small adjustments to a couple untrained Padawan younglings, and even a Jedi Knight taking the class. He was never upset with anyone, as he was happy they were here to learn rather than be stubborn and not.

He would then make his way to see how well Clove and Ruzaan were fairing.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @LilyNion

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan practiced punching, doing his best to mimic Clove's form. Feet apart, non-dominant foot slightly forward. Fists near your chin, elbows tucked in. A quick windup and a small rotation of the hips, tapping into the power of his core and leg muscles to add power and speed to his punch. His fist flew forward faster than he'd ever been able to move, surprising him. I can do this?!

A grin spread over the Togruta's features, and he listened to Hrimfaxi's next instructions. Defensive posture? Ruzaan had that covered, thanks to his instruction in Form III. His right foot, already a couple inches behind his left, stepped backwards another step. He allowed his weight to settle more onto his right foot, which would allow it to serve as a pivot point if an enemy tried to flank him to his left, and also enabled a quick shuffle backwards if needed. His hands dropped slightly with the movement so that they were no longer tight against his chin- with his upper body further back, he'd have more time to react to strikes aimed at his head.

Since this posture was one he was familiar with, he was able to loosely follow Master Hraustr's progress through the small group of trainees. The Jedi Knight was a good teacher; he was both supportive and respectful of his students, while pushing them to learn and grow. As the Cathar approached him and Clove, Ruzaan nodded slightly in acknowledgement and thanks for the Jedi Knight's kind words earlier.

@LilyNion @Scoobert

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Ruzaan picked up on the form super quickly, much to Clove's happiness! He was doing so well and his posture seemed pretty close to the Cathar when he explained it to her. She gave him a bright and proud grin, before focusing back on the Jedi Knight who continued the lesson and introduced the opposite of what they've just been practicing; defense.

This, too, was something Clove was new at. But, thank the Force, the Togruta seemed to know what he was doing. So now it was her turn to study his posture, and learn from what he was doing. It was very similar to the offensive pose, but the fists were lower and freer, while his right foot leaned back even further. To put more weight on it? That made sense!

The half-Sephi would carefully mimick his pose as best as she could. The pose felt a bit weird, but she noticed how easy it was to pivot or move. Her arms were in a comfortable position to react to any oncoming attacks. And most importantly, she felt like she could dart backward or to the sides whenever she wanted. Which give her confidence, because she was well aware her quickness and agility were her strongest weapons.

With a slight proud smile drawn on her lips, she focused back on the teacher as he approached herself and Ruz.

---

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[Hrimfaxi Hraustr]

As he stood back the Cathar knight would look on at the group of Jedi as they took their preferred stances. Ruzaan took Form III for swiftness in the change of attack. A good pivot foot, and a decent preparation for the oncoming attacks. Smart decision, and as for Clove she went for the Form III as well, though she may need a slight bit more practice. Which nothing is wrong with needing some extra practice, Hrimfaxi hadn't started off the best either. It takes time to perfect the attacks and defenses of hand to hand combat.

"Very good Padawan Ruzaan. Padawan Vanhoop, you have done fairly well."

The Cathar came over to speak with the two. They seemed comfortable with one another, so they would be partners for this exercise.

"Clove, go ahead perform your punch on Ruzaan. Ruzaan you will defend by motion you mirrored arm outwards, blocking the punch and sending her arm to the outside. This leaves you open for a quick counter attack. It is not always the case that you will be able to attack immediately after, for sometimes the opponent will play dirty and you will need to continue defense. We will get there later. Please go ahead and demonstrate."

@SlagathorTheUnknown @LilyNion

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan smiled his appreciation of Master Hrimfaxi's praise, the grin fading somewhat as the Cathar paired him up with Clove and instructed the Ruzaan to defend himself against a punch from the half-Sephi. He knew that Clove could throw a good punch- she'd just demonstrated it- but stepping into a defensive stance against his friend was a strange adjustment. Try as he might, Ruzaan just couldn't view Clove as a threat; he knew the diminutive half-Sephi to be more interested in healing than fighting, and his guard relaxed just as the punch started coming his way.

Only his height advantage and his Form III training kept the punch from landing solidly on his jaw. He managed to narrowly evade the fist speeding towards him, but the effort required to do so threw him off balance and he stumbled slightly before his feet were once again underneath him.

"Nice punch!" Ruzaan praised Clove, simultaneously impressed and embarrassed. He should be doing better, shouldn't he?


(OOC Note: Rolled a 45/100 for Ruzaan's defense)

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[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove bit her lower lip at the prospect of fighting her friend Ruzaan. But, just like the first time, she took a stand in front of him and bent through her knees. Her fists were close to her chin, and her elbows were locked against her ribcage. She nodded her head to indicate she was ready, or as ready as she could be considering she was about to punch one of her best friends.

She took a deep breath in and swung her fist at the Togruta, who had begun to let down his guard. Even though her fist didn't make contact with him, it was enough to send him stumbling backward before he could correct himself. Her ears perked up, as she was taken aback by how well she performed her punch. And it appeared that Ruz agreed. "Oh, thank you so much!" She beamed at him.

"Okay, your turn now Ruz, don't hold back!"

The half-Sephi shifted to a more defensive stance, but it was clearly weaker than Ruz's. Still, she was prepared to try to avoid his punch as quickly as she could.

---

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[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan was disappointed in the results of his defense, but it was hard being melancholy around Clove for long. The half-Sephi's smile lit up the practice area and drove away the Togruta's negative thoughts.

After she indicated that she was ready, Ruzaan aimed a punch. It was weird punching Clove, who had to be on a top 10 list of least-punchable humanoids somewhere, but he did his best to focus on what he had been taught. A split second later, his fist was speeding towards Clove.

((OOC: Rolled a 76/100 for how well Ruz throws the punch))

@LilyNion @Scoobert

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove knew she could rely on her ability to think quickly and move even quicker. What she didn't expect was that she wasn't as light on her feet as usual due to the defensive stance, or that Ruz was far faster than she had dared to hope.

There wasn't enough time to dive or swirl out of the way, and the Togruta's fist landed squarely on her shoulder. While he wasn't much taller than she was, he was built stronger than she was, because Clove was as light as a feather. And that was enough to knock her off her feet and onto the ground. Her butt took the brunt of the fall's impact, causing them and her tailbone to ache. When she came to a halt, she looked up at Ruzaan, a surprised expression on her face. Then she burst out laughing. "Oh, Ruz! That was an amazing punch!"

The half-Sephi began to crawl back up on her feet, happily laughing at her friend's success. Then her eyes turned to the teacher, and she politely waited for the rest of the group to be finished as well.

---

Spoiler: OOC

Rolled a 17 on defense.

Tag @Scoobert @SlagathorTheUnknown ​