Echani (martial art)/Legends
- "It is the way of the Echani to be able to read their opponents - to know where an opponent is going to strike before it connects, anticipate it, and then strike against them. Echani battles are fought several minutes in advance - in many ways, it is much like the game of dejarik played in the core systems. The most advanced among the Echani are able to predict the course of battles by months, and the most revered are said to be able to predict the path of wars. "
- ―Brianna, to Meetra Surik
The Echani art was an unarmed combat discipline developed by the Echani. Tradition dictated that combatants (usually) made no use of armor, weapons or Force techniques, as the art was focused on mastering the body itself as a weapon. Echani culture held the belief that combat was the only means to truly know someone, a pure form of expression where words were swept away, allowing for action to reveal the true nature of the people involved. Their duels were rituals, and it was important to follow etiquette, for that would allow them to read each others' stance and fight accordingly. In this manner, battle was seen as a form of communication similar to art. Exposing emotions in combat, however, made the duel a personal thing; engaging in repeated sessions was a courtship of sorts, in which one's favors were won through superior fighting prowess.[1]
The Echani art had three tiers, each relying on foundations, and featuring higher forms than the previous one. Echani children began by learning the foundations, progressing over time from one tier to the next as the instructor saw fit.[1]
Practitioners
- "Training is something reserved for certain caste members of the Echani... but I do not see the harm in instructing you in some basic principles. I do not understand how you and Atris fight, but I will instruct you on how Echani children are raised on warfare."
- ―Brianna, to Meetra Surik
During her visit to the Telosian Jedi Academy, Meetra Surik may have sparred with some of the Handmaiden Sisters, the daughters of Yusanis, a famed and powerful Echani warrior. They had mastered the Echani forms both in single combat and in group.[1]
Echani fighting techniques were frequently taught to special forces units across the galaxy during the Old Republic era.[1] After the formation of the Galactic Empire, the Emperor's Royal Guard and Imperial Intelligence trained in the Echani arts.[2] The Imperial sympathizer Mahd Windcaller was also skilled in the art of Echani and was the head of a group of women bodyguards who were similarly trained.[3]
Users
- Brianna[1]
- Emperor's Royal Guard[2]
- Handmaiden Sisters[1]
- Phow Ji[4]
- Lumiya[2]
- Atton Rand[1]
- Mahd Windcaller[3]
- Mahd Windcaller's female bodyguards[3]
- Sun Guard of Thyrsus[5]
- Yusanis[1]
Appearances
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Mentioned only)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
- MedStar I: Battle Surgeons (Mentioned only)
"Martial Arts" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) (Mentioned only)- Star Wars: Crimson Empire (First appearance)
- Star Wars: Head-to-Head (Mentioned only)
Sources
- Star Wars Handbook 2: Crimson Empire
- Hero's Guide
"The Emperor's Pawns"—Star Wars Gamer 5- Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords: Prima Official Game Guide
- Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Galaxy at War