Skills
The Last Priestess of the Winds
Jul
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Talim, The Last Priestess of the Winds. She’s an incredible combatant, able to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Mitsurugi, Nightmare, and Voldo (that beautiful spring flower that he is.) We’re not given too much of a backstory for her and how she acquired her skills, but we can examine them and see what we can do to acquire them. Let’s take a look!
Bladed Tonfa
So, in the literature for the Soul Calibur series, Tali’s weapons are referred to as “elbow blades.” The fact is however, they are not elbow blades, they are merely tonfa with blades attached to them! Tonfa (sometimes called tuifa,) are a wooden weapon that features primarily in Okinawan kobudo (weapon arts.) Most styles of Okinawan karate (including my own, isshinryu,) feature tonfa as part of their weapons curriculum.
Tonfa are pretty cool, they look similar to police batons if you’re not familiar with the actual weapon itself… Then again, if you’re reading an article about Talim (or even looking at the image) you can probably guess what they look like. Think a club, but with a handle that you can spin it with. Or, in Talim’s case, a club, covered in blades, with a handle… At any rate, with or without blades, these things can inflict some damage.
So, if you’re interested in picking up tonfa, you’re going to want to take a look at Okinawan karate styles. Isshinryu, shorin-ryu, ryu kon kai, and others feature tonfa kata. Some teach weapons earlier than others, so if tonfa are your primary goal, you might want to shop around a bit first. Luckily, most karate styles that have spread around the world are primarily Okinawan in origin, with just a few (kyokushin, looking at you,) being an exception to the rule.
Vertically Challenged
Talim is one of the smallest members of the Soul Calibur cast, and yet, she’s still got the chutzpah to go up against the likes of Astaroth and Nightmare. It takes more than attitude and bravery to go up against significantly larger opponents in combat, however. Generally speaking, larger, stronger opponents have the edge in any kind of close range fighting. This is why there are weight classes in combat sports. If you want to win against a larger opponent, there are definite tactics and strategies you need to employ.
Get fast. One of your main advantages as a smaller opponent is speed and maneuverability. You are literally a smaller target. Talim uses this to great advantage, and you do, too. Keep moving, stay out of range, and only engage when it’s on your terms.
Get smart. A stronger or larger opponent is not necessarily a smarter opponent. Use feints, traps, and trips to keep your opponent guessing. Going for a straight line of attack and trying to overpower them is a waste of energy, instead you want to try to fight smarter.
Don’t be afraid of the inside. The most dangerous place to stand against a larger and stronger opponent is at their maximum range. You either want to be beyond their reach…or inside it. Someone with a longer reach than you can have difficulty striking effectively if you’re too close. Yes, you’re in danger of a grappling situation going inside a larger person’s guard, but it’s basically the only place you have of inflicting significant damage. Get in, dish the pain, and get out.
Influence the Wind
We can’t control the wind to augment our combat moves in real life. We can, however, influence the world around use, in a way that’s actually quite reminiscent of Talim: by speaking our truths. What’s better than the fight you win? The fight that you don’t have to fight at all because your passion and words have influenced those around you to join your side.
We influence those around us every single day. Even if you don’t want to, or don’t think you’re influencing others, you still are. Your very existence influences other human beings in your orbit. So, speak to what you’re passionate about. Influence those around you by telling them the truths that exist inside of you, the things you really believe. You’ll be surprised at how much sway you may hold with others, once you start speaking from the heart.
That’s it for The Last Priestess of the Winds. Tune in tomorrow for The Brightest Soul. Live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome!
