A Jedi training technique in Star Wars is more powerful than fans think. Star Wars: Age of Republic – Obi-Wan Kenobi #1 shows Anakin training using a particular method that proves to be very helpful by the end of the issue – levitating rocks using the Force. It is also one that may be recognizable by fans of the films – both original and new.
Despite there being nine movies in the Skywalker saga, Anakin’s training is largely absent from all of them. Luke and Rey’s training are both focal points in their respective trilogies, but not much is known about the training padawans underwent during the time of the Republic when it comes to the films. When fans see Anakin he is a boy yet to be trained, a teenaged apprentice about to become a Jedi master, or as a new Jedi master turning towards the Dark side. He is never seen completing a traditional training exercise. That’s where Star Wars comics come in and fill some gaps.
In Star Wars: Age of Republic – Obi-Wan Kenobi #1 Anakin is at the Jedi Temple in Coruscant lifting rocks with the Force. Written by Jody Houser with art by Cory Smith and Wilton Santos, this issue shows Anakin arranging the rocks into floating sections before being interrupted. Later, it becomes clear that this exercise can be used for more than just learning how to manipulate objects using the Force.
This situation shows that a simple exercise like lifting rocks can help a Jedi apprentice get out of a tough bind. Even without a weapon, Jedi are not defenseless so long as they can locate resources near them and combine them with their natural abilities, regardless of age and experience.
In Empire Strikes Back, Luke is lifting objects around him while concentrating during his training with Yoda. Similarly, in The Last Jedi, Rey is seen lifting rocks to free the remnants of the Resistance after having rocks lift around her during meditation on Ahch-To with Luke. In The Rise of Skywalker, rocks revolve around Rey during meditation.
