That there is some sort of distinction seems plain to me, given that last statement from Erik that Sounsyy quoted. "The Fist of Rhalgr is their order". So I'd say yes, probably a militarized organization or something along those lines. You could be trained as a monk but would likely still need to be inducted into said order. I mentioned "war-priests" earlier because I recall reading something from over on the Official Forums that described the Fist as a very religious and militarized order/sect/organization/what-have-you.
As a sidenote, found this tidbit for monk/pugilist lovers while poring through relic quest dialogue to find out whether Ivon Coeurlfist was of the Fist.
Interesting confirmation that there are some aetherial / metaphysical / physical aspects to chakra, and that chakra basically describes internal aether and/or associated internalized processes.
To wrap back around onto the original topic: aether-wielding martial artist is a go. The likelihood of an Othardian Fist is rather low, an Othardian monk in the Ala Mhigan sense somewhat more likely, an Othardian pugilist quite possible so long as pugilism isn't a specific style exclusive to the Ul'dahn guild (which it doesn't seem to be, but I can see arguments for it).
EDIT:
Found it. Info dump from Erik, apparently.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threa...-Spoilers)
"It was thought that all versed in the ways of the chakra were lost... But then what of this Widargelt simpleton? Just who is he? Perhaps the end of the Fist was not the end of the monks after all."
As a sidenote, found this tidbit for monk/pugilist lovers while poring through relic quest dialogue to find out whether Ivon Coeurlfist was of the Fist.
Gerolt Wrote:Accordin' to the writer, the Sphairai ain't no ordinary weapon.
Apparently, they're tools for tappin' a monk's “chakraâ€â”€whatever the hells that is─throwin' open the floodgates...or summat.
Buggered if I know how it works. But I do know the fists need some crystals embedded in them.
Eh? Chakra's the aether what courses through yer body, ye say?
Interesting confirmation that there are some aetherial / metaphysical / physical aspects to chakra, and that chakra basically describes internal aether and/or associated internalized processes.
To wrap back around onto the original topic: aether-wielding martial artist is a go. The likelihood of an Othardian Fist is rather low, an Othardian monk in the Ala Mhigan sense somewhat more likely, an Othardian pugilist quite possible so long as pugilism isn't a specific style exclusive to the Ul'dahn guild (which it doesn't seem to be, but I can see arguments for it).
EDIT:
Found it. Info dump from Erik, apparently.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threa...-Spoilers)
"It was thought that all versed in the ways of the chakra were lost... But then what of this Widargelt simpleton? Just who is he? Perhaps the end of the Fist was not the end of the monks after all."