Skills
The Fist of Talon
Aug
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Doomfist began life as a martial artist, continued as a CEO, evolved as a mercenary and prisoner, and has now culminated as the head of Talon. He has a wide array of skills, talents, and abilities, and we’re going to take a look at some of the key elements of his skillset today!
The Martial Artist
Akande studied multiple martial arts in his youth, primarily traditional African arts, which is super cool because this is our first chance to feature those arts here on the blog. We’re going to take a look at those styles, and then also some similar styles we could find to emulate them (since it’s pretty difficult to find traditional African arts outside of their native countries at the moment.)
Dambe
Dambe is an art originating with the Hausa people in Western Africa (primarily Niger, Nigeria, and Chad.) It’s a distinctive style of boxing used for show matches, competitive matches, and even (traditionally) preparation for war. It traditionally features a two-sided approach, with the front hand being deemed the “shield” hand, held open towards the opponent, and the front leg being wrapped in a metal chain, both primarily being used for blocking and trapping. The rear hand (the “power hand” or “spear hand”) is wrapped in cloth and rope, similar to a traditional boxing glove, and is used for most attacking (along with kicks from the rear leg.) Matches are fought standing up, with kicks and punches, and end when an opponent touches the ground with their knee, either hand, or their body.
There are strong parallels to be drawn between this style of boxing and Doomfist’s own style of combat, where he exerts the most offensive control with his rear prosthetic arm, and his lead hand has a hand cannon to handle opponents at a distance.
Gidigbo
Gidigbo is a kind of mixed martial art practiced by the Yoruba people, found in Nigeria, Bennin, and Togo. It’s typically more focused on grappling and close-quarters combat than Dambe, and also features a significant element of mysticism, with practitioners relying on various charms and spells to give them an edge in combat. Like Dambe, Gidigbo is practiced as a martial art, but also has ceremonial aspects at large events, meetings of different social groups, and tournament-style functions. A gidigbo match is typically won through throwing another opponent on the ground, although some reports say even lifting both of an opponent’s feet off the ground can serve as a victory condition.
Doomfist doesn’t typically engage in much grappling, however the theme of throwing an opponent (rising uppercut) or knocking them into the ground/wall (rocket punch) definitely emulate the spirit of Gidigbo.
Alternatives
Unfortunately it’s pretty difficult to encounter these martial arts without actually traveling to Western Africa, something that’s probably a bit out of reach for most of us. However, we can always try to find some closer and more available alternatives. My personal recommendation would be kickboxing (muay thai or American kickboxing,) and Judo. Kickboxing is the closest all-around striking art to Dambe, especially muay thai with it shin and leg checks (though they don’t typically wrap their legs in chains,) or American kickboxing with its prevalence of powerful punching. Of course, regular old boxing would definitely work quite well, too. Even though it’s not as encompassing as Dambe, obviously Doomfist himself doesn’t do much punching in-game…
Judo is the alternative I would pick for Gidigbo just for similarity of victory conditions. Also, barring a sudden acquisition of a giant rocket arm, it’s probably your best bet for being able to send someone flying through the air.
Lead From The Front
Doomfist is not an armchair general. He doesn’t sit at the back lines and strategically move his pawns. He has an incredibly strategic mind, yes, but he engages this in the front lines, in the heart of combat. While a front lines fighter, it’s important to note he’s not a durable tank like Reinhardt or Winston. He requires support and a team while he surgically (or not so surgically) eliminates the most valuable targets on the opposing side.
To truly lead and inspire people, whether it’s a shadowy criminal organization like Talon, or just a group of friends on a project you’re working on, you need to take an actionable role in the endeavor. Your teammates should see you in the thick of things, taking shots with them, showing courage with them, and bearing the brunt of whatever hardship you’re endeavoring against.
Knowing what to do in a given situation is great, sure, but ideas, thoughts, and strategies are a dime a dozen. You need to be able to execute on a plan. Being in the trenches with your teammates inspires confidence and enthusiasm in others. Communication works better if you can understand where others are coming from, and what they are dealing with. Plans execute more smoothly if you’re actually involved in the execution of that plan.
At the same time, a Doomfist who dives into an enemy team solo just dies. Quickly. You can’t be a one-man army. You need to work together with your team to accomplish your goals. Without support and assistance, you’re just a lose (arm) cannon, and you’re going to blow yourself up. Take time to discuss things with your teammates, don’t just assume they’re going to know automatically what your plan is.
Strength Through Adversity
“Only through conflict do we evolve.”
Now, obviously Akande takes this motto a bit literally, but conflict does not have to mean armed combat. Growing stronger and improving yourself through the power of adversity is definitely “a thing.” Working out, sparring in a martial arts class, enrolling in high-level academics, or taking the leap to a job a bit outside your current skillset are all ways of imposing adversity in your life in an effort to grow and improve.
It’s important to not overload yourself, however. Often the mindset can be “the harder it is, the more i’ll improve.” This is not the case. When you’re self imposing adversity, it is definitely possible to stack too much on your own plate. Remember, life is unpredictable, and more than happy to unload some adversity on you itself, without warning. Don’t give yourself more than you can handle, because more is always likely to come along at some point. Pace yourself, and aim for improving on area of yourself at a time.
Doomfist is a relentless and driven individual. In emulating his skills, you must emulate his mindset as well. The most important thing isn’t how fast you’re progressing, it’s that you never stop evolving.
Live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome.
