Lightsaber Forms
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"A lightsaber—any weapon—only achieves worth in how it is wielded—in the effort, the struggle of one who holds it." - Darth Traya.
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Shii Cho
Makashi
Soresu
Ataru
Shien and Djem so
Niman
Juyo/Vaapad
Jar'Kai
Tràkata
Sokan
Telekinetic Lightsaber Combat
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Dun Möch
Form Zero
Lus-ma
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Saberstaff Combat
Lightsaber Pike
Falling Technique
"A lightsaber—any weapon—only achieves worth in how it is wielded—in the effort, the struggle of one who holds it." - Darth Traya.
Lightsaber combat refers to several schools of martial arts specialized in, though not limited to, fighting with a lightsaber. Such fighting forms were required to compensate for or take advantage of the unique attributes of lightsabers, notably the odd balance of the weapon, all of the weight being in the hilt, and the omni-directional cutting edge. The most prominent lightsaber-oriented combat styles were the seven forms of the Jedi Order, which will be the first seven. The rest are more obscure of less used forms.
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Shii Cho
"It is simple, and its simplicity is strength." - Kreia
Also known as The way of the Sarlacc or the Determination form, Shii cho was the first of the classical 7 forms of lightsaber combat. It was developed during the transitional period within the Jedi order from Metal swords to lightsabers. Shii-Cho was intended to cater to these new weapons, establishing the basic motions and target zones utilized with a lightsaber. As Shii-Cho was effectively an experimental combat form, and was created prior to the emergence of Dark Jedi and Sith Lords, it did not address the issue of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and was quickly replaced by Form II. Despite this, Shii-Cho continued to find a niche as a training form, with almost every Jedi duelist receiving some instruction in it, and including elements in their own combat styles. Shii-Cho was considered an effective fall-back option when no other form or combat style would do.
In combat, Form I lightsaber combat was wild and raw, relying on deliberate tactics and being primarily aimed towards disarming rather than injuring foes, in keeping with Jedi philosophy. Basic initiates in the style demonstrated rather clumsy performance, though in the hands of a master, Shii-Cho was fluid but highly randomized and unpredictable. Such masters include (but are not limited to) Kit fisto, who employed a dual wielded Shii cho variant against droid general grievous, and the famous kyle katarn alongside almost all temple battlemasters during the days of the Galactic Republic.
Makashi
"He is a fencer. Leverage, position, advantage—they are as natural to him as breathing." - The spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn to Yoda on Count Dooku
Also known as the Way of the Ysalamiri or the contention Form, was the second of the 7 classical forms of lightsaber combat. Developed for the purpose of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, to address the failings of Form I, Makashi was the most dueling-centric of the seven classical forms. Relying on precision and efficiency over Shii-Cho's wild, sweeping motions, Form II allowed an initiate to defend himself against an opponent with minimal effort, while placing a heavy focus on avoiding disarmament.
Makashi was described as elegant and focused, and was based on balance and footwork to outmaneuver opponents. Fluidity, precision, and economy of motion were relied on, rather than strength, with Form II bladework heavily utilizing jabs and light cuts rather than hack and slash movements. It was at its best when going up against a single opponent, but as time went on blaster wielding opponents became more and more apparent while single-duelists became increasingly absent. As the form was designed for lightsaber combat only, it had next to no defence against blasters which made the form lose alot of its practical applicability, and caused its relative obsolence. It would eventually be supplanted by the more defensively orrientented form III.
Notable users include Darth Tyrannus (Count Dooku), Meetra surik, kento Marek and the infamous Asajj Ventress.
Soresu
"That is so like you, Master Kenobi. I am called a great swordsman because I invented a lethal style; but who is greater, the creator of a killing form—or the master of the classic form?" - Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi
Also known as the way of the Mynock or the Resillience form, was the third of the 7 classical forms of lightsaber combat. Soresu was developed during the widespread emergence of blasters as an offensive weapon. Essentially a development on Form I blast-deflect training, Soresu relied on tight bladework and subtle dodges to provide maximum defensive coverage, minimizing exposure to ranged weaponry. Over time, Soresu transcended this basic origin, and came to be considered the ultimate expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy.
Like Makashi, Soresu relied on economy of motion and energy efficiency, keeping up constant blade-movement to build up momentum and minimize energy-expenditure. Form III focused on strong defensive technique to essentially outlast an opponent, waiting until he began making mistakes due to frustration or fatigue, before taking advantage of these lapses and countering. However, despite its effectiveness, Soresu would receive heavy criticism due to its lack of offensive capabilities, as it facilitated survival rather than victory. As an answer to these weaknesses, the highly aggressive Form IV: Ataru and Form V: Shien forms would be developed side-by-side.
Notable users include Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Zannah, Darth Kreia and Coleman trebor (who absolutely sucked)
Ataru
"Ataru is the name given to the movements of this form—though it is aggressive, it is focused, and its best use is in combat against a single opponent." - Zez-Kai Ell
Also known as the way of the Hawk-bat or the agression form, Ataru was the fourth of the seven classical lightsaber forms, its origins going as far back as the mandalorian wars, when it was more commonly used by Jedi. Though its popularity fell in the later stages of the Republic, it nevertheless remained a formidable weapon among both Jedi and Sith.
An aggressive style, Form IV was fast-paced and effective against single opponents, though weaker in prolonged combat and confined spaces. Also, it was not recommended for use against opponents wielding blasters. Ataru was characterized by Force-assisted acrobatics, such as somersaults and leaping strikes, both for attack and defense. Another characteristic of the form was its fast, powerful strikes from multiple directions.
Notable users of this form include Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, Kavar and Mara Jade Skywalker.
Shien and Djem so
''Victory through superior firepower'' - Unknown Sith on Form V
Also known as the way of the Krayt Dragon or the Perseverance form, Form V was the fifth of the classical seven forms of lightsaber combat. It was developed by practitioners of Form III who felt that the defensively-minded form would unnecessarily extend time spent in combat by forcing its users to wait for an opportunity to strike rather than create their own openings. Form V combat was characterized by power attacks and defense immediately followed by a counter-strike.
Shien, considered the classical variant of Form V, was more adept at blocking blaster bolts than for blade-to-blade combat, whereas Djem So was developed later and was specifically intended for use in lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So were designed to use an opponent's attack against them, as evidenced by Shien's focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin and Djem So's emphasis on immediate counter-attacks. Although some Jedi felt that Form V encouraged aggression and domination, that sentiment did not stop many Jedi from practicing the form.
Notable users include Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Galen Marek, Starkiller and Kyle Katarn.
Niman
Also known as the way of the Rancor, the moderation form or the diplomat's form, Niman was the sixth form of classical lightsaber combat. The form was characterized by its ''Jack of all trades'' philosophy, combining elements of the preceding lightsaber forms into a single, generalized form. Niman balanced out between the various specializations of the other forms, covering many of the basic moves, but focusing on overall moderation. This resulted in a fighting style that lacked a significant advantage, but also lacking any serious drawbacks, and thereby not leaving adherents as exposed as some of the more aggressive or specialized forms. Overall, Niman had a fairly relaxed focus on bladework, designed as a simple, easily mastered fighting form for Jedi who preferred to devote most of their time to study and diplomacy. Despite this, it could be absolutely deadly in the hands of a skilled practitioner
To compensate for the relaxed focus on bladework and lack of significant specialization, Niman training regimens encouraged the inclusion of Force-based attacks in combat, such as telekinetic pulls and shoves used in sync with lightsaber strikes. Also, as Niman was developed from two pre-existing martial arts fighting forms that both emphasized the use of dual-blades, it provided a firm foundation for duelists looking to study into such practices. Ultimately, Niman's success in combat was dependent on a practitioner's intuition and creativity in combat, rather than the responses common to the other forms.
Notable users include Exar Kun, Darth krayt and Darth Plageius.
Juyo/Vaapad
"I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light."
―Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi
Also known as the Way of the Vornkr or the Ferocity form, Form VII was the last of the classical seven forms of lightsaber combat. the Juyo incarnation of Form VII was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat and was said to involve significant internal focus on the part of the user. As time passed, knowledge of Form VII became restricted among the Jedi Order, whose members were worried that its precepts would lead practitioners toward the dark side. In contrast, members of the Sith, such as Darth Maul, employed Juyo without reservation, as did Dark Jedi such as Galen Marek.
In the later days of the Old Republic, a new variation of Form VII, dubbed Vaapad after a creature native to the planet Sarapin, was created by Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Sora Bulq. Vaapad was explained as being a state of mind rather than just a fighting style, allowing the wielder to channel his own inner darkness into the duel, and accept the fury of the opponent. Windu, Bulq, and Windu's Padawan Depa Billaba were three notable practitioners of the Vaapad variant. Records of both Juyo and Vaapad survived the Great Jedi Purge and were recovered by the New Jedi Order, who preserved the records of Form VII.
Other practitioners include Rahm Kota, Quinlan Vos and Darth Bane. This end the 7 most practiced forms and brings us to the more obscure ones.
Jar'Kai
"Perhaps you would like to learn something before you die. The use of two blades, one to support the other, can be traced back thousands of years and was common to both of our species. The invention of lightsabers has done nothing to lessen the effectiveness of this strategy—as you are about to learn." - Boc Aseca to Kyle Katarn
Jar'Kai was originally a style of swordplay that utilized dual blades, developed by the Yovshin Swordsmen. A similar dual-blade technique referred to as Niman was developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer monarchy. Niman was adopted by the darksider group known as the Legions of Lettow during the First Great Schism, as well as the Jedi Order itself. Niman was developed into the sixth form of Lightsaber combat, retaining its name, while Jar'Kai became something of a blanket term for dual-blade combat. Though Jar'kai was most commonly practiced during Niman training, Ataru also employed it in its training regimen
Dual-blade fighters, whether classical Niman duelists or individuals applying the Jar'Kai tactic, were able to maintain a strong offense, as the speed of attack that two blades allowed would overwhelm most opponents. A typical maneuver was to continually attack with one blade while relying on the other for defensive coverage, ensuring that the duelist could keep up his guard even as he attacked. However, it was common that both blades be used for offensive purposes, keeping up a continuous wave-front assault.
Another advantage of Jar'Kai was that the two blades made it easier to hold off multiple opponents, as one simply had more blades to parry with. Asajj Ventress, a dual-blade practitioner, demonstrated this during her mission on Ruul, where she held her own against up to three Jedi simultaneously. Dual blades could also be used as a defensive or compensatory measure when engaging another opponent who utilized multiple blades in combat, as shown when Kit Fisto stole and took up one of the blades of the cyborg Grievous, whose mechanical anatomy allowed him to wield up to four lightsabers at once.
The primary weakness of the form was its lacking defense against power duelists such as Form V: Djem so practitioners, because the two-handed style would not allow for putting one's entire body behind a block, making it less effective
Tràkata
Created by a Jedi Consular in the days of the Old Republic to compensate weaknesses with lightsaber, Tràkata was a form of lightsaber combat developed for taking advantage of a lightsaber blade's ability to be turned on and off, a unique quality in a melee weapon. Quickly shutting off then re-igniting the blade could cause confusion in one's opponents, allowing for diversionary feints in combat. Mixed with Jar'Kai, Tràkata was extremely effective, even against multiple opponents. Sith Lords would occasionally use this form to free their blade hand, allowing greater control of some force powers, such as Force lightning. The Jedi refrained from this style due to their unwillingness to rely on deception
Sokan
For the most part, Sokan was a principle of lightsaber combat, rather than a true form. Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Hyperspace War, Sokan teaching revolved around using the environment itself to gain a tactical advantage in combat. Sokan was based on out-maneuvering opponents, using quick tumbling and jumping movements to close the distance and facilitate swift strokes towards the opponent's vital areas. Terrain was heavily relied on for this purpose, and allowed for great speed and mobility, and also facilitated self-defense. Prior to the Clone Wars, Sokan practitioners integrated highly kinetic elements of Ataru with their ancient Sokan techniques to create a blend of styles that relied upon agility. A prime example of using the sokan technique was in the duel between Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and the fallen jedi knight Anakin Skywalker.
Telekinetic Lightsaber Combat
Telekinetic lightsaber combat was the art and practice of wielding one's lightsaber with Force-based telekinesis. It was extremely difficult, and required great aptitude in such applications of the Force. The primary advantages of such a fighting form were obvious; range ceased to be an issue, and the option of wielding numerous lightsabers simultaneously became viable. The most basic application of telekinesis in lightsaber combat was the saber throw. Using the Force to guide the lightsabers arc through the air, users could throw their lightsabers in a boomerang fashion, cutting apart obstacles and surprising foes. More adept users of such a technique could hurl their lightsabers across great distances, make mid-air course-corrections, or simply allow their lightsaber to hover in place
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Dun Möch
Dun Möch was a traditional Sith tactic based around psychological warfare. Primarily, the practitioner relied on taunts that exposed an opponents inner doubts and weaknesses, disrupting their concentration. Proper execution of Dun Möch called for great patience and control, a rare trait among the Sith, especially those of the earlier eras. One of the finest demonstrations of this technique was in Darth Bane's defeat of Sirak during their time at the Sith academy on Korriban. He demonstrated the need for patience by drawing out the battle to take advantage of Sirak's lack of endurance, and exhibited fine control by withholding from striking an early killing blow as Sirak's form began to slip. Rather than settle for a quick victory, Bane sought to completely destroy Sirak, allowing the tantalizing closeness of victory to fuel his rage, unleashing it in a powerful blow that disarmed Sirak, ending the duel.
Form Zero
"Remember, your lightsaber is an invaluable tool. Even when inactive, it can defuse a potentially volatile situation. Trust me on that." - Kyle Katarn
Form "Zero" was not an actual form of lightsaber combat, but rather an ethical principle. It was an expression of the idea that a Jedi should know when to use their lightsabers, and when to withhold from resorting to force and instead find an alternative means of solving a problem. This idea was defined by Jedi Master Yoda to address the need of the Jedi to restrain themselves when tempted to use "aggressive negotiations," and instead use another well-developed Jedi skill, such as the Jedi mind trick. This was a method used to arrive at a solution without resorting to violence.
Lus-ma
An obscure lightsaber technique, Lus-ma was one of the fighting forms that Count Dooku trained Grievous and his IG-100 MagnaGuards in. Beyond the fact that one of these initiates used Lus-ma to counter a Soresu move, next to nothing is known of the style.
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Saberstaff Combat
"In combat, your mind tries to keep track of each blade separately, effectively doubling the number of possibilities. But the two blades are connected: by knowing the location of one, you are automatically aware of the location of the other. In actual practice, the double-bladed lightsaber is more limited than the traditional lightsaber. It can do more damage, but it is less precise. It requires longer, sweeping movements that don't transition well into a quick stab or thrust. Because the weapon is difficult to master, however, few among the Jedi-or even the Sith-understand it. They don't know how to attack or defend effectively against it. That gives those of us who use it an advantage over most of our opponents." - Blademaster Kas'im
The primary purpose of the double-bladed lightsaber was to allow for a faster rate of attack, unleashing a rapid assault with only a minimum of movement, "more slaughter per swing" as some put it. Saberstaffs were also excellent defensive weapons, as the doubled length of the weapon provided more surface area for deflecting and parrying. In addition to the practical benefits of the weapon, it also possessed a great psychological impact. The dual-blades increased the visual impact of the weapon, and in combat, opponents would intuitively try to track the blades separately rather than as a single weapon, overwhelming them.
However, despite all of the advantages offered by the weapon, its weaknesses were equally obvious. Special training was required to wield the weapon effectively, with those attempting to use it without such discipline likely to bisect or impale themselves. The techniques employable with a double-bladed lightsaber were extremely limited, as the second blade rendered many positions and movements impossible to execute, or required the wielder to twist himself awkwardly around the weapon to do so. Many techniques required the user to perform elaborate flourishes in order to move the staff around their body, leaving them open, and any sort of fighting method that focused on power or penetration was difficult to apply.
Lightsaber Pike
Resembling an ancient pole-arm in many respects, the primary purpose of the lightsaber pike was to allow vastly increased range. The primary feature of the weapon was the long shaft that the lightsaber was mounted on, which was machined from a lightsaber-resistant alloy, such as phrik. The shaft provided several advantages: drastically increased range, use as a close-quarters defensive weapon, with the large surface area of the shaft being used to block enemy strikes, and the improved leverage granted by such a large handle, allowing wielders to dole out devastating power attacks.
However, like the Saberstaff, the weaknesses of such a weapon and the associated combat styles were obvious. The long shaft made many positions and movements awkward, sometimes impossible, to execute, it did not transition well between thrusts and slashes, and required plenty of open space to wield properly.
Falling Technique
First off. this technique is not canon in any aspect. You may never see any wielder use this technique as it reqiures an uncanny amount of endurance, as the primary focus is to keep dodging the opponent's attacks until he or she wears out. This technique also had a psychological component to it as it would frustrate the opponent, which made their morale and will drop. Another reason it is rarely practiced is because admittedly most of the dodges are pure luck.
Info I found somewhere and threw it up on here.
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