Through Trakata was long lost to the Old Republic, and not used by either side very much for different reasons, it certainly is practical and WILL throw the opponent off, for the very same reason: it isn't used. Makashi also depends on whether your opponent is Sith or Jedi. Sith tend to use Ataru and Djem So, which were mainly created to counteract Soresu. Jedi, on the other hand, prefer Makashi, which is more defense driven, but also slightly offensive. and Shii Cho, which is entirely based upon achieving sun djem.