Variant of: Jeswandi
Prerequisites: Jeswandi 3/5, DEX 18
Style: Soft
Weapons: unarmed, improvised
Shadow Fist is a sneaky art, brought about by several less honorable outlander students of the Bothan Art of Jeswandi. Used almost primarily to teach ruffians, bounty hunters, and assassins to deal with aggression, this art developed a pretty nasty reputation for 'dirty fighting'. Many suppose that the art was originally invented by the Mandalorians, an assumption that the Shadow Fist teachers enjoy thoroughly. This legend helps brings more students to them, as well as increases the intimidation the form seems to have. The Mandalorian connection has been recently repeatedly debunked in official circles, but this has not stopped the adherents from making that claim.
The art is very evasive, and defensive, allowing the adherent to bide his time until the perfect angle of attack opens up. Emphasizing quick, precise strikes, Shadow Fist aims for the weakest possible points on the body. The axiom of Shadow Fist is that you can't hurt what you can't hit. It revolves around deception and misdirection, relying on quick, erratic movements, and stealthy attacks, to cause damage over a period of time, while wearing out the opponent.
Unlike other variants, Shadow Fist is not officially recognized by it's parent art. Jeswandi regards Shadow Fist as vulgar and crude.