Vim is an old-world style whose origin can be traced to the planet Iridonia as a form used by covert, clan-based assassins. The form spread beyond the planet slowly and seeped into the world of mercenaries and bounty hunters where it dwindled into secrecy and nearly to extinction. As the role of mercenaries and bounty hunters became more prevalent in the struggles of the Empire, Vim began to reemerge as one of the most easily adaptable fighting styles and soon found favor within the special operations community.
The primary focus of Vim is to subdue an opponent rapidly and efficiently. A practitioner of Vim is well versed in striking Meridian points and using body levers of many species, facilitating an ability to execute precise takedowns and render adversaries ineffective. By applying varying levels of force, striking to specific anatomic pathways or offsetting an individual’s balance, skilled Vim users are capable of compensating for lack of physical prowess and ability. The necessity of controlling muscle tension is critical to this art, requiring a student of Vim to be able to withstand the instinctive reactions of their victims who may not go quietly. Thus, a student of Vim takes great care in honing their resilience, as well as their fortitude, and puts special emphasis on increasing physical endurance.
The form itself is defensive at the core of its design; its users aware that most effective points of a body are not accessible until extended or in motion, they rarely strike first. Vim is an art of evasion that teaches the avoidance of contact until absolutely necessary, using dodges and contortions to escape the impact of an opponent on the offensive. However, once contact is imminent, Vim’s precision will allow it’s users many options which are not based in strict katas or forms, a fact that lends itself to the style’s fluidity.
Stance
The practitioner of Vim will use a stance that lends itself primarily to evasion, with a secondary thought on opportunity. In this wise, an opponent unfamiliar with Vim will see a lack of form or no set stance.
Striking
Due to the nature of the style, strikes are quick, deliberate and accurate, requiring a dexterity that is above average to be flawlessly effective. Strikes manifest from the use of the hands, in varying and complicated postures, depending on location of the strike and do not accommodate for kicks of any kind.
“Levering”, though not a strike in the normal use of the word, comes by way of instantly brief holds, directed by the users hands, and is used to redirect an opponent’s motion or flow of energy.
Defense
Evasion is Vim’s primary defense, with levering as a secondary, offensive approach to defending oneself. Vim possesses no blocks or parries, other than levering, to redirect an offensive opponent.