[closed]

[art_of_war]

WHO: Thrawn, Bodhi Rook
WHERE: Neo-Jedha
WHEN: Wee morning hours
WHAT: Thrawn teaching Bodhi how to avoid being hit altogether
WARNINGS: None anticipated, though it's Star Wars and that generally gets it's own warning



[ It was quiet in the morning. The lavender-grey light of dawn barely starting it's creep in the East. The sun would rise soon and people would begin moving about the dojo. But for right now it was empty.

Empty save for Thrawn. He had suggested meeting early to avoid others and was somewhat amused that Bodhi seemed so surprised by the suggestion. But Bodhi reminded Thrawn of Eli. And besides, it was no trouble to teach him this. ]

Comments

[onlydoubts]

[ It's true that Bodhi had been surprised by the offer.

Where he'd once felt uncomfortable and confused when it came to Grand Admiral Thrawn - well, he was still a little confusing to Bodhi, why he was spending his time helping a remarkably average defector was still somewhat of a mystery to him.

Not so much uncomfortable, though.

But since he'd offered, it wasn't unwelcome. Bodhi could really stand to learn defense, which is how he came to Neo-Jedha that morning, dressed in something easy to move around in, instead of his usual jeans and t-shirt. ]

Good morning. I'm not late, am I?

[art_of_war]

[Thrawn turned away from watching the sunrise. He was dressed simply, though the black tank left more of his blue skin exposed than he usually preferred. ]

No. You have remained punctual.

[ There was no way to know if Bodhi would even show up, but Thrawn behaved as if he would. He had also been...well not exactly 'kind' but perfectly polite, and generally agreeable. Less of the 'Grand Admiral' and more just Thrawn. ]

[onlydoubts]

Great, great. Ace didn't want to let me leave him alone this morning.

[ He's not so sure Kanan wants dogs in his place, though - and doesn't want him as a distraction to the session, so he'd left him to a friend for the time being. Dropping his bag on a bench, he stretches his arms, as instructed when Cassian had been teaching him. ]

So you still want to start with blocking and dodging? I didn't get that far, before.

[ His combat experience was ... basic and kind of non existent. Still not great, but better. Maybe? ]

[art_of_war]

[ Bemused, Thrawn made no comment about the dog. He still had his hands clasped behind his back too.]

As this chiefly consists of dodging a hit perhaps it would be best if you showed me what you do recall?

[onlydoubts]

Alright. So, like this. [ Bodhi nods, standing up when he'd finished stretching out his (hah) muscles.

Here goes.

It's a little difficult to do this without any opposition, but pulling up the kinds of attacks that had been demonstrated, he holds his fists over his face to block, and moves from side to side, even ducking - as if dodging a rain of hits from more than one direction. He's fast, but he's not particularly all that well backed or strong. ]

[art_of_war]

What you are demonstrating is purely reactive; you are first hit, then do your best to protect your head.

[ Thrawn stepped in front of Bodhi. Indicating his chest. ]

Keep your focus here. An oncoming fist is connected to an arm and those are connected across the chest. Often a hit will be telegraphed before it connects. But above this you must be fast. Lightening fast. Speed will save you far more than strength.

[ But what is needed most is practice. To that end Thrawn relaxed his posture, hands loose at his sides. ]

Now hit me.