Private Dodge, Deflect, and Dismantle: The Art of Soresu

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari ​

Matthew led Roman to an expansive, open field, its grassy terrain rolling gently beneath a clear, pale sky. A soft breeze whispered through the air, carrying the scent of wildflowers from the edges of the field, where clusters of yellow, white, and purple blooms dotted the ground. In the center, the tall grass swayed like the surface of a tranquil green sea, disturbed only by the occasional flutter of an insect or bird darting overhead.

The sun hung high, casting long shadows from distant trees lining the far side of the clearing. A small hill rose slightly to the right, offering a subtle vantage point, while the rest of the field remained level—perfect for the training Matthew had in mind. The ground beneath their feet was firm yet soft enough to cushion any falls during practice.

Matthew folded his arms, his expression neutral yet expectant as Roman surveyed the peaceful, expansive space around them. There were no distractions—no noise of the city, no structures, only nature. It was the ideal place to focus.

"Soresu," Matthew began, "also known as Form III, is the most defensive of all lightsaber forms. It's designed to protect and minimize exposure to attacks, waiting for your opponent to tire, make a mistake, or leave an opening. It's called the Resilience Form, or the Way of the Mynock—survival through patience.

There are six principles of Soresu. Let's go through them.

One. Defense Above All

The bamboo bends in the storm, but it does not break.
Soresu prioritizes defense. Your stance must be compact, your movements minimal. The less you move, the less energy you waste, making it harder for your opponent to find an opening.

Two. Efficiency of Movement

The river flows smoothly because it follows the path of least resistance.
Every movement has purpose. Be efficient, Roman. Keep it tight, conserve energy. In a long battle, your endurance will be your greatest weapon.

Three. Patience and Endurance

The mountain does not seek to conquer the wind; it simply outlasts it.
Victory isn't rushed. Let your opponent tire, let them chase you. Wait, endure, and strike only when the time is right.

Four. Observation and Precision

The hawk sees all from above and chooses its prey wisely.
Soresu relies on watching, reading your enemy. When they overreach, you'll know. One strike, and the battle shifts.

Five. Adaptability

The willow bends with the breeze; it adapts to survive.
Be ready to shift, deflect whatever comes. Whether blasters or blades, your defense adjusts, molding to the flow of the fight.

Six. Mindfulness

The still pond reflects the sky clearly, while troubled waters show nothing.
Stay calm, focused. In battle, control your emotions. Soresu requires clarity, harmony with the moment. Stay centered, and the rest will follow."

Matthew paused, giving Roman time to absorb the teachings, his expression softening slightly. "Now, let's see if you can apply these, not only in form but in spirit."

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

As Master Matthew's words sank in, Padawan Roman felt a wave of determination wash over him. The tranquil beauty of the expansive field seemed to resonate with the teachings, each principle taking root in his mind like the wildflowers surrounding them. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air rich with the scents of nature, and focused his thoughts inward.

The foundation of Soresu began to crystallize. Defense above all--he understood; it wasn't just about blocking with his lightsaber, but about finding strength in reserve, becoming the bamboo that bends but does not break. He imagined himself compact and centered, ready to absorb whatever came his way.

Efficiency of movement was next. Roman visualized the graceful flow of a river, and knew that each flick of his wrist or shift of his stance must be deliberate. He had often wasted energy in the heat of training, losing focus and exhausting himself prematurely. This time, he vowed to move only when necessary, conserving energy like a seasoned warrior.

Patience and endurance echoed in his mind like a mantra. "The mountain outlasts the wind." Roman felt a serene conviction settle within him. In the heat of battle, it was easy to succumb to haste, but today he would wait, watch, and strike only at the perfect moment. He could almost feel the rush of adrenaline ebbing away, replaced by a tranquil resolve.

With the principles of observation and precision, Roman imagined himself as a hawk, keen and vigilant. He envisioned the dance of combat, waiting for an opponent to falter--an overreach that would unveil the opportunities for victory. He had always admired the elegance of the Jedi who could turn a flurry of chaos into a moment of calm clarity. It was his turn to embody that philosophy.

Adaptability flowed naturally in his core; he had often adjusted his tactics based on the circumstances around him. Drawing inspiration from the willow that bends with the breeze, he recognized that this was integral to mastering Soresu and transforming unexpected challenges into advantageous openings.

Finally, the essence of mindfulness reached deep within him, urging him to remain centered like a still pond. Today, distractions would not have sway over him. He imagined the serene surface of a pond, reflecting the clear blue sky, as he learned to untangle the chaotic emotions that sometimes surged within him during training.

With a firm resolve, Padawan Roman looked at Master Matthew, a newfound clarity in his gaze. "I'm ready to put these principles into practice." he said, determination sparking in his heart. He tightened his grip on his lightsaber, prepared to embrace the Way of the Mynock, embodying patience, resilience, and unwavering focus as he stepped forward to train in the open field beneath the ever-watchful sky.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari ​

"Then draw your blade. " Matthew said drawing his sunsword and twirling it once.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

At his command, Roman drew his emerald blade, assuming the opening stance of Soresu. He tried to imitate what he had seen and learned from holo-videos and lessons in his training. Feeling the weight of Matthew's judgment on him, Roman gazed upon the sunsword, being twirled around with relative ease.

The Padawan steadied himself for a moment, waiting for Matthew to spring into action. Surely he wasn't expecting him to make the first move? This was a defensive form he was learning after all. The silence stretched and Roman's grip on his blade tightened, readying his reflexes for any movement.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari
​

Step one was endurance. They would start small.

Matthew advanced on Roman, his blade set to training mode, meaning any strike that broke through the guard would result in nothing more than a welt or a bruise. Matthew, a rather large man, was well aware of his strength. He had to temper his strikes, though even when holding back, they were still forceful.

He began with light testing, probing Roman's guard before settling into a steady rhythm of attacks. The goal was to wear his student down over time.

The first strike came high, aimed toward Roman's left shoulder. A quick parry met the attack, but Matthew pressed on, following immediately with another high strike, forcing the student to hold his ground. His movements were designed to test the guard.

Matthew shifted his weight, sending a mid-level strike toward the torso. As the blades clashed, he flowed seamlessly into a low sweep aimed at the legs.

"High, high, mid, low," he called out, keeping the rhythm. His strikes came faster now, steadily increasing the pressure. Matthew intended to wear him down, force the defenses to buckle under sustained attacks. Matthew continued the pattern, and acted accordingly until he started calling low and struck high to see if he could throw Roman off.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

As ready as he thought he was, Roman couldn't help but shake in his guard as Matthew made his way towards him. The striking difference in height and prowess was evident to the Padawan with his teacher's blade drawn. The big man was a force of nature, and Roman had to dig deep to keep his guard steady and ground himself.

He executed his first parry, his muscles trembling at the realized strength of the Master. With each high strike that came crashing down, Roman tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade, surprised he could handle the onslaught so far. Roman started anticipating Matthew's movements, adapting and responding, as the Paladin called them out.

"High, high, mid, low..." Roman repeated under his breath, commiting those commands to muscle memory. He could feel himself fighting against the fatigue of it all, combating the urge to falter in his guard. That was when he noticed Matthew's change in tempo, a quick shift to the unpredictable.

The known pattern turned erratic as Matthew suddenly called out low before striking high, catching Roman off guard. His blade connected, and a sting flared on his shoulder where the training weapon had struck. Roman gritted his teeth, a surge of frustration welling up inside him trying his best to shake the mistake off.

Bruises and welts continued to form as Roman let slip a mistake here and there. Sweat continued to trickle down his forehead as the flurry of attacks kept coming. When would this end? Roman dug deep down, remembering the Master's words on endurance just a moment ago. Wait, endure, and strike when the moment is right. Sure Matthew had the experience and size, but Roman had a youthful stubbornness about him, he would try and outlast him.

Seizing on the first opportunity Matthew slowed down in his attack, Roman parried and made a slice towards his midsection before falling back to his defensive guard.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari
​

Matthew tsked gently, his voice deliberate and calm, "Your opponent will lie and cheat, Roman. Never trust them to 'play fair.' They will distract you, taunt you, toy with you, and—"

He didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he shifted smoothly, moving in perfect synchronization with Roman's sudden attack. Roman's strike was determined, but Matthew's response was effortless, almost casual, as if he'd anticipated the move all along. With a graceful sidestep, Matthew allowed Roman's blade to pass by harmlessly. He stepped into Roman's inner guard, countering his strike with a fluid motion that ended in a flourish. The veteran Paladin's blade arced downwards and back, aiming to catch Roman in the lower back/flank just as they passed each other.

But Matthew wasn't committed to the hit; his movements were more about teaching than dominating the fight. His blade moved like a whisper, glancing close enough to remind Roman of the mistake but never fully connecting with full/ hard contact.

"Never assume your opponent is finished," Matthew continued, not missing a beat. "A good fighter doesn't just attack—they manipulate. They let you think you've won, and then they take the victory back when you're most vulnerable."

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

Roman thought he had waited for the right moment, maybe it was his youthful arrogance, but the calculated strike ended up backfiring. The Paladin's effortless sidestep sent Roman lunging forward a little too far, the momentum of his attack leaving him exposed. He was surprised when he felt a slight sting on his lower back, the sunsword making contact with him enough to teach a lesson.

He hadn't expected the graceful counter, but it shouldn't have surprised the young Jedi. It was like Matthew had known exactly where Roman was going to strike, predicting the move before the Padawan had even thought to do it. The sting wasn't all too painful, but it still stung his ego just the slightest bit.

Roman gritted his teeth, feeling a frustration simmer up as he resumed his guard, continuing to parry away attacks. It was more evident now that Roman still had so much to learn with this form, but he was grateful he had Matthew's guidance.

He corrected his posture, tightening his grip on his blade as Matthew eloquently explained where he had gone wrong. The Padawan wanted to be the manipulator, the one to truly have the upper hand in combat. "How do I know?" he inquired, eyes still set on his defense. "How do I know when they're most vulnerable if they're so good at hiding it?"

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari ​

Matthew tightened his grip on the sunsword, he stepped forward, initiating the next round of their training with a steady advance.

The moment he moved, he unleashed a series of strikes—testing yet controlled. The first was a low sweep aimed at Roman's legs, quickly followed by a swift upward slash toward his midsection. Matthew's strikes were relentless but measured, deliberately pushing Roman to adapt while keeping the pressure high.

"Remember, you must keep your guard up!" he called out as he shifted seamlessly into a high strike aimed at Roman's shoulder. The sound of their blades clashing echoed across the field, punctuated by Matthew's steady rhythm and the soft rustling of grass beneath their feet.

"Body Language!" he continued, his tone firm but encouraging. "Watch my stance! The way I hold my weight will signal my intention—keep your eyes on me!" He pressed on with another series of quick strikes—high, mid, low—forcing Roman to respond and react, each attack a lesson in observation.

"Try to read my movements!" Matthew called out again, this time punctuating his directive with a feint to the left before driving forward with a low thrust designed to test Roman's timing.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

Roman scrambled to defend against Matthew's relentless attack. The sunsword, felt heavier than most blades as it made contact with his own. Matthew's initial sweep caught him off guard, forcing Roman to step back a bit out of his guard, the blade slicing through the air mere inches from his leg. He retaliated with a clumsy block as he veered the blade back up towards his midsection.

Matthew's voice, loud and commanding, shouted a constant reminder to keep up and keep guard. He tried to listen to his words, to focus on his stance, on the subtle shifts in his weight, but the pressure was overwhelming. The rapid-fire sequence of strikes left Roman breathless, his movements becoming frantic and sloppy.

He felt the sting of a glancing blow on his shoulder, a testament to his failure to maintain his guard. Frustration gnawed at him, but he refused to let it bother him. He dug down deep and tried to maintain his focus, his eyes glued to Matthew, trying to decipher the hidden messages in his movements.

Matthew's feint and drive was almost missed, Roman despite his fatigue, caught it. He braced himself, expecting the low thrust that followed, and managed a last-second block. His body ached, but in the depths of his exhaustion, a tiny spark of understanding ignited. "How was that?" Roman questioned as if actually accomplishing anything.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

Roman Vossari

Matthew watched Roman closely, observing the progress he had made during their sparring. As Roman managed to deflect his last attack, albeit with difficulty, Matthew stepped back and lowered his weapon, signaling a brief pause.

“Good, Roman. Your form is getting sharper, and you’re reacting quicker. But,” Matthew gestured towards Roman’s heaving chest, “your endurance still needs work.”

He took a moment to let Roman catch his breath. “A strong defense is only as good as the stamina that supports it. You can’t maintain your guard if you’re running out of steam halfway through the fight.”

Matthew’s expression softened, though his tone remained firm. “To build that endurance, I’m assigning you a specific task. You’ll perform a regimen three times a day—before each meal, start a daily exercise routine designed to push your limits.”

He stepped forward, his voice steady and instructive. “Each morning, before breakfast, you’ll start with a 5-kilometer run. Keep a steady pace, not too fast. After that, three sets of twenty push-ups, twenty sit-ups, and fifty lunges—alternating legs to keep your balance. Then, you’ll take a weighted blade—heavier than your normal saber—and practice fifty swings in each direction: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. Two sets of each.”

Matthew gave Roman a hard look. “You’ll repeat that regimen again before lunch and again before dinner. This isn’t going to be easy, but if you want to stay in a fight without tiring, you need to build the stamina to match.”

He let the weight of the task sink in before he continued. “So, Roman—are you ready for that?”

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

Shock overtook Roman's face as he watched Matthew finally relent and step back. He silently thanked Ashla, not knowing if he could have continued much longer. His lightsaber felt heavy, his muscles ached, and he could still feel the sting of the sunsword on him from previous mistakes.

Roman leaned over putting his hands on his knees as Matthew explained to him what the Padawan already knew. For too long he had slacked on the physical side of his training, feeling his studies within the force come a little more natural to him. Yet ever since the Invasion on Tython, where Roman struggled to make it through, he had felt the need to step up this aspect of his training as well. Matthew's regiment of three times a day seemed a bit much, but if a Paladin like Matthew felt it worth while, Roman would accept it.

"Five kilometer run, twenty pushups, twenty sit-ups, fifty lunges... understood." Roman groaned, straightening up to meet Matthew's eyes.

Roman gripped his hilt a little tighter, unsure if Matthew would see an opportunity to spring into action again. "Three times a day... I'm ready for it." He would push through the pain, the exhaustion, the burning muscles to achieve the stamina Matthew demanded. Roman would prove that he could endure, that he could be the warrior he aspired to be... that he needed to be.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari ​

And so, Matthew resumed, driving Roman through several more rounds, each one meticulously focused on refining his form and strengthening his blocks. Roman's defenses grew incrementally stronger, yet Matthew held nothing back, ensuring every mistake was an opportunity for growth.

By the end, Roman's muscles were quivering from the strain, but his guard had tightened. His body learned to respond naturally, blocks becoming faster and more fluid under the seasoned warrior's rigorous guidance.

As they paused, Matthew nodded with a hint of satisfaction. "Good. Tomorrow, we'll work on an advanced drill—an exercise in blocking and intuition." He leveled his gaze at Roman, letting the importance of the words sink in. "You'll learn to deflect strikes from any angle, without hesitation. This will sharpen your instincts and fortify your endurance."

He placed a firm hand on Roman's shoulder. "Rest up. You'll need every ounce of strength for what's next."

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

Roman's muscles screamed in protest with every step he took back towards the temple. Each inhale and exhale burning in his lungs, a testament to the challenging training session Matthew had put him through. Despite the exhaustion that threatened to pull him under, his determination pushed him after the training.

The five kilometer run before lunch was a blur of strained muscles. The push-ups, sit-ups, and lunges felt like an eternity, each repetition a battle against fatigue. The weighted blade, heavier than his own, seemed to grow heavier with each swing. He repeated the routine before dinner, his body slowly beginning to adapt, a painful reminder that the journey to strength was long and hard.

The following morning, Roman stumbled out to the training field. The exhaustion was still burning within him, each movement a reminder of the previous day's workout. He felt stiff, his muscles sore and protesting, but he was ready to face whatever Matthew had in store for him. Even though he felt weak and tired, he was determined to push through and continue his training, eager to learn under Matthew's guidance and to improve his skills. The thought of his master's words, "You'll need every ounce of strength for what's next." spurred him on. What was in store for him today?

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari
​

Matthew had set a large box out in the field. When he opened it, a few hundred miniaturized Marksman-H combat remote droids lay inside, neatly packed yet ready to spring into action. He picked one up, and it whirred to life as its repulsors activated. One by one, the small spherical droids lifted from the box, floating upwards and beginning to spread out.

"These training remotes have a setting that'll sting sharply if you miss the block," he explained, glancing over with a slight smile. "We'll start with five, gradually adding more as you get used to blocking and predicting the attacks. Rely on the Force—it'll guide you, letting you feel where the strikes will come from next."

He watched with a keen eye as the remotes took their positions, faintly buzzing as they awaited the command to begin. Matthew intended to push him beyond reflexes, honing a connection to the Force that would bypass sight and sound entirely, relying on intuition alone.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

The first few strikes caught him off guard. The sting, jolted through his arm. Frustration pushed at the edges of his focus. He couldn't figure out a pattern, a rhythm to their movements. His eyes darted from one to the next, a frantic attempt to track their erratic paths.

Then, Matthew's words echoed in his mind, rely on the Force. He squeezed his eyes shut, a sudden wave of calm settling over him. The buzzing intensified, the air around him seemed to vibrate with the droids' energy. He pushed his awareness outwards, trying to feel beyond the confines of his senses.

A faint whisper, a tingling sensation pulsed through the Force. It was subtle, yet it painted a picture. He felt the anticipation of a strike, a subtle shift in the Force field before the bolt was unleashed.

He reacted, a controlled swing of his lightsaber. The bolt deflected with a soft hiss. Another whisper, another intuitive prediction, another controlled swing, another deflection. The rhythm of the field, once chaotic, became a dance of anticipation and response. Roman felt ready for more as he opened his eyes to hopefully meet an approving gaze of Matthew.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roman Vossari ​

"Good. very good. " Matthew moved slowly, holding an armful of mini remotes. He activated one or two at a time, giving them a quick glance before tossing them into the air, where they hovered and joined the growing swarm around him.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

​

A surge of pride warmed Roman at Matthew's praise. His earlier frustration had melted away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. He had found the rhythm, the connection to the Force that allowed him to anticipate the droids' attacks. But that sense of accomplishment was short-lived. Matthew was already adding more droids to the mix.

Roman closed his eyes again, pushing his awareness further into the Force. He was quickly overwhelmed. Each sting was a sharp reminder of how far he still had to go. Yet, with each sting, he learned, adapted. He honed his intuition, his connection to the Force growing stronger with every deflected bolt.

Before he knew it, the field was alive with droids, more than two dozen of them buzzing around. He'd never imagined such tiny droids could be so challenging, so effective in pushing him beyond his limits. Each one was a nagging reminder that no matter how strong he was, there was always room for improvement.