Sawk are generally considered the most difficult of Unova's pokemon to train, not because they are lackadaisical, but because they train themselves so hard that they see little need for human help. The fact that Sawk are also bipeds with some resemblance to humans in build also works against their obedience; to Sawk, humans seem like weaker versions of themselves, and few martial artists would seek to learn from a weaker master.
For this reason, training a Sawk has little to do with physical development of the pokemon, which they are quite capable of handling on their own, but with winning their respect and improving their grasp of strategy. Most successful Sawk trainers must themselves become muscular men, although a few dedicated women are also able to command these pokemon, for a Sawk's respect can only be won through sparring.
It is remarkably difficult for a human to take down a Sawk in battle, and those who have sought to compel these creatures' obedience through pure contests of strength have universally embarrassed themselves and landed flat on their backs. Although it is necessary to grow strong enough to withstand these's pokemon's attacks and move them back – a feat most adult men are unable to accomplish – combat with a Sawk must also rely on cleverness. Most trainers who subdue their Sawk use techniques which most martial arts competitions would consider illegal cheap shots – those reluctant to use them will typically find their honor rewarded with their pokemon's disrespect - and all must learn to master evasion and exploit these pokemon's weaknesses. The battle need not be won, although victory helps; the purpose of this sparring match is to convince Sawk to acknowledge their trainer's strength. And that strength, in life as in pokemon battles, is ingenuity.
