The Ackerman Factor

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Mikasa is a powerful force in the Attack on Titan series.  Even before you see her in action against titans, you KNOW she’s someone to be reckoned with by the way the neighborhood bullies react to her arrival when they’re picking on Eren.  So, obviously, the girl can handle herself in conflict even without her military training.  We find out a bit later with expansion of her backstory how true this actually is.

So, as with all skill breakdowns here on the blog, we’re going to start with a look at martial arts styles you should check out if you’re looking to become more like Mikasa.

Hand to Hand

Mikasa’s hand-to-hand combat style has two main hallmarks: Hard strikes, and redirecting force with throws and locks.  So, I’m going to recommend two different martial arts, here.  For the strikes, I recommend boxing.  Boxing features incredibly powerful hand strikes thrown from a conservative, upright stance.  It favors practicality over formalities and pomp (something that I feel Mikasa would appreciate,) with an emphasis on live practice (again, something I think she’d appreciate.)

For redirection and throws, I’m going to have to point towards my old standard, judo.  There simply isn’t a better art out there when it comes to using an opponent’s force to put them on the ground.  One could argue a good aikido practitioner would be able to do the same, but judo’s emphasis on live, unscripted practice gives it the edge.  Plus it features a solid basis in groundwork as well, making you a very well-rounded fighter.

Swords

Fighting with two straight blades in the style of any Titan hunters generally wasn’t seen in most historical contexts.  As such, there aren’t many modern martial arts that utilize two swords.  Filipino arts like kali might be a good start, though.  They utilize short swords, as well as escrima sticks and other weapons in both hands at times.  Kali also features a lot of freeflowing movement that might remind you of fighting with ODM gear (if you squint one eye and flutter the other.)

Beyond that, for any sword contexts, HEMA (historical European martial arts) schools are always a good place to start, as well.  Though there isn’t much historical basis for double-sword play, I’m sure with enough of a background in single short sword you could probably fudge something.  A lot of HEMA school practitioners can be up for playing around a bit, anyway.

The Ackerman Factor

Mikasa possesses a unique ability that most other people don’t.  She has a stalwart, determined, and almost ruthless drive to get something done once she’s set her mind to it.  This goes beyond your normal level of “determined,” though.  In the show and the manga, it’s discussed almost as something akin to a “bloodline limit,” the idea of an inborn ability you unlock in your own genetics.  It’s said that all Ackerman’s are capable of unlocking this hidden strength if they endure a traumatic enough event.

Levi, Mikasa, and Kenny Ackerman all exhibit heightened strength, speed, and senses beyond that of a normal human soldier.  These only exhibit themselves, however, when they set their mind to as task, when “they know what needs to be done.”  How do we adapt this ability for ourselves?

Well, while superhuman speed, reflexes, and strength are a bit beyond what we can reasonably ask for, we can follow the Mikasa workout to become incredibly strong and agile compared to most average human beings.  Beyond that?  It’s a mental game.  It all comes down to focus, and determination.

Most people spend their days with their focus split between a dozen different points.  Work, school, different tasks at home, maintaining relationships with friends, etc.  The fact is, our focus is usually split, and that can be said of most humans on this planet.  But what if you shed that habit?  What if, instead, you focused on a single interest?

We know what that sort of thing leads to.  That’s how we get Olympic level athletes, hyper-successful business people, master craftspeople, and anyone else who totally involves themselves in their domain of choice.  By seizing a single goal, (“what needs to be done,”) and focusing on that, and everything that supports it, you can make incredible progress in life.

How do we achieve that?  Well, first, you need to pick something that you are passionate about.  This is the most important thing.  You can’t fake enthusiasm for something, and if you’re not enthusiastic about it, then you’re going to fail before you begin.  Then, you need to methodically cut out anything in your life that doesn’t relate to attaining mastery and/or achieving your goal in this interest.

Now, be warned, if you do this, you’re not going to be “normal” anymore.  You’ll probably lose some friends (but you might gain more in the areas of your interest.)  You will have a less varied life than you did before.  You’ll have to adapt to a new lifestyle, and a new method of living.  However, in doing this, if your stick with it, you might attain something almost superhuman.

What are you passionate about?  What “needs to be done?”  This is a question you can only answer for yourself.  But once you find it, seize upon it, and pursue it with the passion of Mikasa Ackerman.

Omni-Directional Movement

So, ODM gear isn’t real.  Sorry to spoil it for you, but it’s just not something that physics really work for.  Could you build a belt with two gas-powered grappling hooks?  Maybe.  But the fact is, even then, it wouldn’t work like it would in the show.  So how could we simulate something similar in the real world?  Well, there is one real-world analogue that’s maybe a little less badass (in a “murdering titans” kind of way) but a little more cool…

Aerial Silk Acrobatics

You’ve probably seen this before, maybe in a circus or at a fair.  It’s one of the only circus arts I haven’t actually tried, but it’s not limited to the circus.  Aerial silk acrobatics are becoming a new fitness trend, mostly because it’s really freaking cool to suspend yourself from the ceiling doing spins and flips entirely under your own power.

The good news is, because of this, it’s actually not impossible you might have classes or an instructor near you.  Give it a google search and see if it’s a possibility!  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to come up with any kind of central organization or database, but a simple search yielded a school within half an hour of my house!  I can’t promise you’ll be so lucky, but it’s worth a shot, as these classes are becoming more popular all over the country.

That’s it for the abilities of Mikasa Ackerman!  I’m sorry this post was so delayed, I’ve been spending so much time jamming on the YouTube channel that I’ve had basically NO time.  This should mark our return to regular updates again, though, so I’ll see you again on Thursday!  Thanks for reading!  As always, remember to live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome!

The Best Dan Wallace