Written by Camila Domingues and Adam Buck
Content Warnings: Violence, Oppression, and War
Rikkan Ruka S’topa:
The entire history of Riik is stained by the blood of too many. A ruthless and aggressive species, the Rikkan had often seen tribe clash against tribe in fights and wars that would end when there were only a few left standing on the battleground.
As they chased more and more honor and territories for themselves, different tribes began to adapt the overall brutal way of fighting into something more clean-cut, something that could be passed down through generations and perfected as time passed. One of such tribes was the Udar.
The Udar tribe was known for its ferocity and more radical way of living. Most tribes only left the elderly and sick behind, the Udar were infamous for also leaving small children that couldn’t keep up. Their fighting style reflected a more radical tradition when it came to combat – they were known for almost wiping out other tribes in order to gain their territory and more honor. The Otaman, or leader, of the Udar, Draug, established their combat style into an actual form that was taught to the young children and practiced by all; it became known as the Ruku S’topa. It’s signature was blows to the head, solar plexus, kidneys, and knees – the targets most guaranteed to ensure debilitation.
As the Rikkan began to adapt to the constant changes to their environment, the Udar began to mate with other clans and subsequently brought Ruku S’topa to more and more of the planet. The art became more prominent, it soon became adopted by all tribes, though each made their own little changes or additions.
Time passed and as Riik underwent changes, so did Ruku S’topa. Instead of flourishing as it had before the Cradle of Peace, it almost became taboo as the Rikkan strived to find a place in the galaxy among the other newly discovered and befriended races. As the Rikkan customs and traditions evolved and changed, adapting to a lesser need for violence, the form lost its original brutality. Causing it to fall from popularity. Though they still fought to protect their allies, more and more Rikkans busied themselves with academics and inventions instead of focusing on a barbaric combat style, and Ruku S’topa became the thing of history lessons and curious researchers – though there are constant rumors that various different tribes still teach and cultivate Ruku S’topa.
When a group of friends who had always been fascinated by the martial art decided they would get together and teach it in secret – quickly what started as a means of having fun and exploring their history eventually turned into a legitimized fight club, named Mother’s Wrath. The Mother’s Wrath is led by either a Maty, the female champion, or a Bat’ko, the male champion. Champions ruled for as long as they were undefeated, which usually means awhile. As the current civilization was not raised in the same harsh and brutal environments of their ancestors, under which Ruku S’topa was originally taught; this has led to there being a harsh learning curve in modern times. New members spend years perfecting their fighting, obtaining countless bruises, broken bones, and deathly close calls. Nevertheless, the Mother’s Wrath is still ongoing, and all of its brutality aside, it serves as an excellent outlet for Rikkans who need to release their anger- and one that doesn’t involve brutal murder.
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Mother’s Wrath’s longest-leading Maty, Ahura, was dethroned and brutally beaten by the newest Maty, Vauda Kang, who has abandoned the club and what it stands for. Claiming that this is not who she is anymore.
Tallunian Tai Chi:
In a time when food and other resources were scarce thanks to the Rikkan. Tallunians were reaching a boiling point with their oppressors. Rumors of resistance gave some Tallunians hope, while others gained inspiration. If Tallunians were to rebel, they would need a way to defend themselves.
Rikkan troops would never allow Tallunians to train in hand to hand combat under their watch. So the Tallunians hid their new form of combat in the form of exercises.
Tallunians promoted this new exercise as a way of staying warm and physically fit for labor. Unbeknownst to the Rikkan, martial applications were hidden among the movements of these exercises. The Rikkans were brutal, savage fighters and most Tallunians would not fare well in direct combat. Tai Chi, the name for these exercises, focused on redirecting an opponents’ energy and using it against them. The practive ensured that when the Rikkans retaliated for the loss of their ships and supplies, Tallunians were able to hold their own.
Initally during the occupation it was difficult to spread the word and practice of Tai Chi. Yet when RiIk forces were forced to withdraw due to the oncoming winter, those who knew Tai Chi could teach others. During the winter time, the Tallunians practiced and refined their new form of combat free from Rikkans watching them. They found that even the smallest Tallunian could take down someone twice their size. As the end of winter approached and the return of spring, the Tallunians knew the Rikkans would redeploy. Now however the oppressed were ready to fight back.
The Tallunians now armed with Tai Chi, as well as weapons from other Galactic powers, the tides of war began to shift in their favor. The Tallunians rejoiced after the battle of Grah Medoh, when the Rikkan forces surrendered. Though there was always question about what would happen to Tai Chi when the fighting was done. Over time some continued to use it for exercise – going through the forms and staying active – while others abandoned this new art in the time of planetary peace.
A handful of Tallunians, however, wanted to explore more possibilities of Tai Chi. Settling in the Frost Horn mountains. According to legend, this mountain range was where Tai Chi was first developed. These Tallunians built the first Tai Chi monastery at the base of the mountains. They named the Monastery The Rime Stone Monastery, due to the cold coming down from the tips of the Horns and layering everything in frost. Here they learned that performing the forms of Tai Chi and quieting their minds, they found not only peace, but balance, enlightenment, and self-actualization. They discovered that by slowing down their movements and controlling their breathing, they could center themselves. Discovering harmony both within and with the environment around them.
Other species began to find the benefits of Tai Chi. Masters of the art began to take the form across the galaxy. When the Guardians established their academy in the Frost Horns, masters from the monastery would come and teach new guardians the ways of Tai Chi.
Since the spread of Tai Chi across the galaxy, several different styles have emerged. The most popular, and original style, is known as Yang style.
