Summary
Ahsoka's training techniques mirror Anakin's approach, as she focuses on lightsaber combat to ensure Sabine's protection.
Luke Skywalker focused on cultivating a deep connection to the Force during his training of Grogu and Rey, which differed from Ahsoka's initial emphasis on lightsabers. It is unclear if Ahsoka ever grasped the same understanding about war as Yoda did, given her decision to depart from the Jedi Order and forge her own destiny.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 3.
While Luke Skywalker acquired and passed on one of Yoda's significant teachings within the Star Wars timeline, Anakin, on the other hand, did not receive the same training. This leaves uncertainty surrounding Ahsoka, who has now become a master herself. In the Ahsoka series, we observe that the central character, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, has reunited with Sabine Wren, portrayed by Natasha Lui Bordizzo. Ahsoka has agreed to instruct and guide Sabine in her path towards becoming a Jedi. However, Ahsoka's initial training methods might reflect her own training under Anakin Skywalker.
In episode 3 of Ahsoka, Tano takes up Sabine's training while they travel to stop the comeback of Grand Admiral Thrawn, the leader of the Empire. It is worth noting the particular emphasis Ahsoka places on Wren's training, particularly in comparison to her own training under Anakin Skywalker. It is also intriguing to compare this to Luke Skywalker's training of Grogu and Rey in the sequel trilogy of Star Wars, raising the essential question of whether Ahsoka ever learned one of Yoda's most important lessons.
Ahsoka's Training Mirrors Anakin's Approach - Lightsabers First
Sabine, despite her significant weapons training as a Mandalorian and basic lightsaber training from Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus in Star Wars Rebels, is not as skilled in lightsaber combat as she used to be. After Ahsoka left her training, Sabine has become rusty due to not practicing for an extended period of time. Recognizing the need for Sabine to be able to defend herself in dangerous situations, Ahsoka decides to prioritize lightsaber training now that they are reunited.
This emphasis on lightsaber combat mirrors Ahsoka's own experiences during the Clone Wars. As Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, Ahsoka's Jedi training occurred amidst the chaos of war. Anakin saw it as crucial for Ahsoka to be adept in lightsaber techniques and capable of protecting herself in any perilous circumstances. Anakin, skilled in combat himself, focused on teaching Ahsoka the intricacies of lightsaber dueling, as it was his area of expertise during the Clone Wars.
Luke's Training Of Grogu & Rey Shows He Learned Yoda's Most Important Lesson
Luke Skywalker's training under Jedi Master Yoda was distinct in that wielding the lightsaber was not the primary emphasis. One of Yoda's earliest and most significant lessons, shared in The Empire Strikes Back, was the notion that "Wars do not make one great." Luke embraced this concept, evident in his own teachings as a Jedi Master. When instructing both Grogu and Rey, Luke's initial priority was establishing a deeper connection with the Force, recognizing that mastery of the lightsaber was just one aspect of being a Jedi.
Despite being trained as a Jedi during a time of conflict, Luke benefited from the wise teachings of Obi-Wan and Yoda. He learned to defend himself as a Jedi, while also receiving comprehensive instruction that extended beyond mere warrior skills. As a result, Luke's focus as a teacher initially centered on the Force itself. This was especially true during his training of Grogu, as the galaxy had entered an era of peace under the New Republic. Subsequently, Luke's years as a recluse following the downfall of his Jedi Academy influenced his approach to teaching Rey. He placed greater emphasis on meditation and fostering genuine understanding of what it meant to be a Jedi, and the potential they still held.
Has Ahsoka Ever Learned The Lesson Anakin Couldn't?
The true question is whether Ahsoka acquired a similar understanding about war as Yoda did after departing from the Jedi Order and surviving Order 66. As Anakin's Padawan during the war, Ahsoka naturally learned the ways of a warrior, which she appears to be passing on to Sabine through lightsaber training. It can be assumed that Ahsoka primarily saw herself as a warrior, hence her focus on lightsaber combat. However, it is highly probable that Ahsoka gained additional knowledge and experience while following her own path and striving to become something beyond a Jedi in the vast Star Wars galaxy.
New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.