Unveiling the Revolutionary Evolution: How Star Wars Transformed Jedi Combat and Defying Yoda's Traditional Approaches

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7.

Summary

The Jedi and ex-Jedi in Ahsoka have deviated from Yoda's beliefs by incorporating the Force as an offensive tactic in their fighting styles.

Both Sith and Jedi now employ the Force during combat, employing it to repel adversaries and launch counterattacks.

Driven by the goal of creating visually stunning lightsaber battles and showcasing the power of the Force, the tactics employed by the Jedi - including former Jedi Ahsoka - in Star Wars have undergone a complete transformation. However, Master Yoda would not approve of this change. The Ahsoka series has introduced intriguing characters such as Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati to the galaxy, both fallen Jedi who add depth to the storyline. Additionally, Sabine Wren has been reintroduced as a Jedi Padawan, and now Ezra Bridger has made his return. These characters, alongside Ahsoka herself, represent a significant moment in live-action Star Wars storytelling, as it has been decades since so many Force-users have shared the same space.

The story of Ahsoka has featured numerous battles between these Jedi and former Jedi, resulting in extraordinary lightsaber duels. The techniques employed by these Force-sensitive warriors have evolved due to the demise of the Jedi Order and the need to elude the Empire's pursuit after Order 66. In episode 7 of Ahsoka, the utilization of the Force for offensive purposes is prominently showcased, contradicting the disapproval of such a technique by Yoda.

Yoda Insisted Jedi Use The Force To Defend, Never To Attack

Yoda, one of the Jedi Order's oldest and most respected masters, always held significant influence over the Jedi way. Among his firm beliefs was the proper utilization of the Force. Yoda possessed deep understanding, able to discern when an individual hovered near the precarious edge between light and darkness. Consequently, due to the inherent dangers, he vehemently advocated for the Force to strictly be employed as a defensive measure by the Jedi.

However, in the era following the Galactic Civil War, long after the collapse of the Jedi Order, Yoda's perspective on utilizing the Force in combat has become obsolete. This change primarily stems from the Jedi's necessity to adapt to a galaxy still hunting down any remnants of their kind, regardless of their association with the former Jedi Order. The Force no longer encounters imposed limitations, a position Yoda would never have supported.

Now Jedi & Sith Are Using The Force In Battle

Ahsoka demonstrates that both Sith and Jedi now employ the Force as a means of attack, whether it is to repel their opponent or completely halt their offense. This is prominently showcased in Ahsoka episode 7, where Ezra chooses to utilize the Force instead of the lightsaber offered by Sabine to battle Grand Admiral Thrawn's Night Troopers and Shin. He effectively fends off Shin's lightsaber strikes with the Force and even counters her movements.

The inception of this concept can be traced back to Ahsoka and various other Star Wars series. Ahsoka forcefully throws Shin against a stone in Ahsoka episode 4, even though the dark apprentice hadn't initiated combat. Grogu also exhibits the use of the Force in multiple attack scenarios, notably against stormtroopers aboard Moff Gideon's light cruiser in The Mandalorian season 2, as well as the Praetorian Guards in season 3. While the Sith have been employing the Force as an offensive tool for many years, the Jedi are now discovering ways to employ it offensively in their endeavors too.

The "Rule Of Cool" Is Bigger Than The Jedi Code

The primary reason for this change is the exhilarating sight of Jedi utilizing the Force as an offensive technique. This grants them a superior advantage over their Sith counterparts, intensifying each lightsaber duel. The Force has always held great appeal for Jedi, captivating viewers who yearn for its power in reality. Observing their beloved heroes employ it in such a manner holds significance beyond mere adherence to the Jedi code, particularly in the absence of Yoda's guidance.

With the impending Ahsoka finale, numerous opportunities arise for the series to showcase additional instances of Force attacks during showdowns involving Jedi and former Jedi. Baylan and Ahsoka are overdue for a final confrontation, where Ahsoka hopes to eventually triumph over the former Jedi general - although his hidden motivations may cause him to withdraw from the larger battle. Sabine finds herself in a similar predicament with Shin, although the likelihood of Shin seeking redemption implies that their conflicts may conclude. The last episode of Ahsoka promises abundant thrilling action, especially with the increased presence of multiple Force users on screen.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.