Ahsokahas done well to expand the lore and potential forStar Wars. What has become more familiar to fans of the books and graphic novels is starting to find its way onscreen. Naturally,Star Warsis a vast cinematic universe. But the hyper-focus on Jedi and Sith in live-action entries tends to marginalize other cultures that populate the franchise’s universe.
IntheStar Warsuniverse, the Force is a vague phenomenon that is called by different names among different cultures. The Lasats, for instance, believed that the Force, which they referred to as the Ashla, was the great spirit of the galaxy. The wooden Ashla Staff itself had a special connection to the Force. Throughout the galazy, there are many Force-sensitives beyond Jedi and Sith who are just as unique, Force-capable, and formidable in their own ways. The witches inAhsokahave proven this.
Following the show’s success, it’s the perfect time to portray a wider, more diverse range of Force techniques onscreen. The world of martial arts is a prime candidate for this, especially considering the talents of martial arts film stars like Jackie Chan.
RELATED:Ahsoka Proves The Madalorian Is In Good Hands
How The Jedi and Sith Use The Force
The Force inStar Warsis perceived as a source of power by Jedi and Sith. This power can be influenced by the user’s emotions. Certain emotions can lead to the negative effects of a Light Sided Force-user falling to the Dark Side. Anger, fear, and hatred are the most common triggers of Jedi becoming Sith, such as Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi train themselves to suppress these negative emotions. Though this deprivesthe Jediof experiencing the full emotional range of life, it’s in pursuit of the greater good. It also enables them to remain neutral and objective in diplomatic relations.
The Sith, however, embrace their negative emotions as a means to enhance their Dark Side powers. That being said, a Sith lord’s power compared to another Sith is not necessarily relative to whom is filled with more hatred or fury. The same goes for comparing the power of Jedi. How skilled a Jedi or Sith is in steeling their emotions through Force techniques is what determines the level of mastery or power a Jedi or Sith. Though Anakin was a powerful Jedi, he arguably lost his fight toJedi Master Obi-WaninStar Wars: Revenge of the Sithdue to a difference in skill level between the two, even if Anakin were considered the powerful one at the time.
This emotion-based use of the Force seems to be unique to Jedi and Sith. Emotions can be powerful forms of energy, but they are a double-edged sword: easily accessible yet difficult to manage. The emotions of Jedi/Sith become a means to harness the power of the Force, as indicated by the color of their lightsabers. Mastering one’s emotions is a difficult endeavor even for non-Force users. But, the Force can be engaged to empower people in a variety of ways for many different Force-sensitives andnon-Force users inStar Wars.
How Other Force-Sensitives Use The Force
Witches inStar Warsuse the Force through magic. Unlike the Jedi and Sith, the witches do not consider the Force as a separate thing from themselves. Rather, it is considered the life force of all living things. Their Force-magic is neither dependent on nor affected by their emotions. It is just as much a part of them as it is a part of nature. This important distinction defines the relationship and Force-potential of witches, especiallythe Nightsisters inAhsoka.
Whereas Jedi/Sith channel the Force through their emotions, the witches channel the Force through living things. This emotionally neutral approach makes performing magic a more accessible form of engaging with the Force. It can be more easily taught, without the drawbacks of refraining from certain emotions. The witches' emotions do not dictate their alignment. Therefore, some witches can useDark Side magic inStar Warswithout being aligned with the Dark Side. To witches, magic is magic whether sourced from the Light or Dark Side of the Force. This allows witches to theoretically practice magic from both sides, as opposed to most Jedi and Sith who choose one or the other.
The rare Force-users who practice both sides of the Force have been among the more powerful (and sometimes more dangerous) Jedi, evidenced by Jedi Master Mace Windu and mercenary Baylan Skoll. Their purple and orange lightsabers, respectively, indicate a balance of the Light and Dark Sides of the Force within them. However, their dependence on managing their emotions may prove to be a hindrance for Jedi, but a nonissue for witches.
In other media, audiences are introduced toForce-sensitivesfromStar Warscultures that either traditionally have not used the Force in the way Jedi/Sith and witches have, or who have historically not used the Force in supernatural ways. Unfortunately, they are underrepresented onscreen. Shamans, psychics, mystics, bounty hunters, indigenous peoples, and martial artists are among these underrepresented groups. Their lack of portrayal onscreen further demonstrates the need forStar Warsto diversify and include cultural stories thatgo beyond the Jedi and Sith conflict.
In a world often dominated by the terrors of the Empire or the Sith, these underrepresented cultures should not be treated as insignificant or relegated to minor plotlines. Ahsoka Tano’s statement regarding how the Force is in everyone can pave the way forStar Warsto feature more underrepresented cultures. Introducing a Force-based martial arts user could be just the way to do that.
Why Martial Artists Should Join Star Wars
Star Warsis known for its lightsabers and blasters in combat. But when Ahsoka told the Mandalorian Force-sensitive, Sabine Wren, that there’s more to being a Jedi than wielding a lightsaber, that sparked the possibility for change. After the poor display of hand-to-hand Force combat by Ezra,Ahsokamay have alluded to a future where martial artists, such asaction-comedy star Jackie Chan, could have a place inStar Warswithout the obvious disadvantages. Plus, adding someone like Jackie Chan toStar Warscould have the benefit of saving the diminishing live-action martial arts film genre in the West if done right.
Martial arts have been developed inStar Warsto specifically combat Force-sensitives. Teras kasi, a deadly martial art to master the self, is one which Qi’ra mastered to fight Darth Vader. It allowed the practioner to punch through armor or maneuver acrobatically at high speeds. While teras kasi is a Force-less martial art, there could be Force-infused martial art forms as well. The Sith technique of energy shield could be useful for martial artists to deflect blaster beams and lightsabers. Ahsoka telling Sabine to train her mind and body could lead to more Force hand-to-hand combat. This may align more with Sabine’s Mandalorian nature as a warrior.Natasha Liu Bordizzo’s workinCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destinymay pay off for Sabine if the series delivers on Ahsoka’s suggestion.
This would be an excellent opportunity forStar Warsto cast people from underrepresented cultures where various martial arts have originated from, or those who mastered them in real life. Actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, and Michael Jai White would offer a striking change toStar Warscombat. Pairing Sabine with theDrunken Masterstar, Jackie Chan, would yield more credibility to the franchise as being less sci-fi military and more sci-fi martial arts oriented. It could also add Jackie’s comedy chops to compliment Sabine’s sarcasm.
The hypothetical casting pool spans from Brazil to Japan ifStar Warswere looking to cast a martial artist master for Sabine while she and Ahsoka explore Peridea. ForStar Warsto grow and maintain its audience, it is an imperative to feature and explore these other cultures, as well as their relationship to or use of the Force.Ahsoka’s next season should take advantage of this opportunity ifStar Warsis going to introduce the live-action debut of The Ones, powerful Mortis gods who guard how the Force is used in the galaxy. Portraying more forms and techniques of the Force onscreen would make these gods much more interesting characters.
