EDIT: Please note that Cito48 informed me that this pressure tactic is punishable by Guile’s flash kick, so consider him a character that this tactic doesn’t really work with.
Over the last couple weeks I’ve been trying to sharpen my DJ game. After playing around a bit, I noticed that the sobat kick actually has a ton of use as a pressure/clip dmg tool. It not only breaks armor, but it “jumps” over many low attacks. Distanced properly, and with some match-up practice, it can be your ticket to winning many games we thought as lost causes for DJ. Depending on distance, each sobat kick has different uses…
LK Sobat
LK is your up-close pressure tool, hands down. At the right distance, it is nonpunishable by most characters and will also lead your opponent to make a move. The LK sobat also has the added advantage of invincibility to certain low attacks.
The set-up: I have found that for the lk sobat to be nonpunishable, it must be far away such that the c.lk will just barely (or not at all) hit your opponent. If your opponent is too close, I suggest throwing out a c.lk to put some distance between DJ and his foe. Follow-up with an lk sobat, rinse, repeat until the other player makes a move. Here are some examples:
#1) If the player jumps in on you…
LK or EX upkick if you have charge.
Sans charge, c.HP may be your best AA bet. I have not tested it in all situations, and the timing is a bit tricky, but I think it will trade in your favor.
#2) If the player opts for a fireball…
c.HK slide under for a nice punish+knockdown
I think it’s obvious to warn not to become too predictable with this move. Be random with the timings; you don’t need to use it whenever you’re charged… you can wait a bit. This will throw your opponent off a lot of the time, leaving you open to do some moves. Also if your opponent starts walking backwards you can c.HK slide at them for a nice knock-down. backwards-walking opponents also set you up for…
MK Sobat
I found it interesting that this move is actually nonpunishable at fairly close range, and moves far to boot. Make sure your opponent is about 1/3 of the screen away, and so long as you land both kicks in the MK sobat you will not have to fear being punished. On top of that it does some good clip damage. However, you have to get your spacing right on this, as missing the first kick and only landing the second will leave you open. On top of that, the second kick will not break armor.
This move is excellent if your opponent is in the corner, but out of lk sobat range. The MK sobat will leave you, when both hits blocked, at range to do the LK sobat pressure explained above.
Conclusion
DJ’s sobat pressure tool is a fountain of untapped potential in the current player pool. I have not seen the move itself used much at all (albeit for the EX version which goes through fireballs), which is a shame since it is really useful. Note however that this is a tactic, and by no means is it a replacement for zoning and forms of pressure, etc. This is just one of many ways you can make your offense game stronger, and I have found that it is KILLER against guile players.
Anyways, I hope you guys got something out of this. I welcome comments and suggestions, and I can explain things a little better if you ask. Feel da rhythm!