Lightsaber Forms

Lightsaber combat is the fictional style of lightsaber fighting used by Jedi and Sith in the Star Wars franchise. The details of the saber styles are never mentioned directly in the released Star Wars films, but they are explored in novelizations as well as expanded universe sources such as the novels, magazines, comic books, the Star Wars Role-playing Game and "Visual Dictionaries."

The stage combat used in the films are a combination of Kendo, Iaido, and occidental sword work such as fencing.

The seven forms of lightsaber combat

Each Jedi chooses the style of lightsaber combat that best suits him or her. For example, Master Yoda uses the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height, as well as to take advantage of his nearly limitless amount of Force power; Mace Windu uses Vaapad to tap into his anger and employ it constructively (albeit without giving himself over to the dark side); Count Dooku's practice of the Makashi form fits first of all his intention to frequently engage in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat and second his emphasis on class and elegance as well as precision. The Jedi Exile was an expert in many of these forms but never relied on just one. In the game, the Masters remark that he masters their forms amazingly quickly, as if he had studied them for years.

Form I: Shii-Cho

Younglings, the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Master. Younglings are taught Shii-Cho first because of its simplicity and versatility. In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the Younglings that can be seen being taught by Yoda to deflect light blaster bolts are in the beginning stages of Form I. It is probably based on basic fighting techniques from Kendo.

Sometimes called the ideal form, Form I used horizontal side-swipes and parries made with the blade of the lightsaber held upright to push the point of an enemy's blade away during a side-to-side attack. If the attack is a downward slash aimed at the head, Form I simply reversed the motion, with a horizontally-held lightsaber being moved up and down to deflect a blow. All the basic ideals of attack, parry, target zones, and practice drills were created with the Form I style.

Form I, like the other forms of lightsaber combat, includes the following basic techniques and concepts:

• Attack, a set of attacks aimed at different body zones
• Parry, a set of blocks to thwart any attack in the specified body zones
• Body target zones (1, head; 2, left arm; 3, right arm; 4, back; 5, left leg; 6, right leg)
• Training drills called velocities

There was only one known master of Form I in the Star Wars Universe: Kit Fisto. Though Kit Fisto was a master of Shii-Cho, he could not defeat Darth Sidious with it in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Based on KOTOR 2 and the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, the Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails.

Known practitioners: Kit Fisto, Jedi Younglings

Form II: Makashi

After Form I's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form II came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his opponent tires himself out. The form relies on parries, thrusts, and small, precise cuts—as opposed to the blocking and slashing of the other forms. The blade manipulation required for this form is very refined and requires much focus, but the results are extremely potent. However, as ranged weapons such as blasters come into play, or more than one opponent is present, the advantages of this form become obsolete.

Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, allowing the Jedi to attack and defend with minimal effort. Although many Jedi historians considered Form II to be the ultimate refinement in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it was dropped in favor of Form III combat when blaster weapons became prevalent in the galaxy.

In the time near the Clone Wars, the Jedi Order seldom practices this technique. There is little lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat involved in a Jedi's life, so Jedi Masters have found it impractical.

Darth Tyranus (also known as Count Dooku), from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, has mastered Form II to the highest degree, fighting with the precision built into the ancient technique. When he wields this form, it devastates the Jedi; the system of Jedi training at the time of confrontation between Darth Tyranus and other Jedi does not prepare the Jedi for the precise movements of a form bred for lightsaber dueling. Former Separatist general Sev'rance Tann was also a practitioner of Form II. It is also possible that General Grievous was also a practitioner of this form since he was trained by Count Dooku, although Mace Windu said to Obi-Wan Kenobi that Grievous was a practitioner of all lightsaber combat forms in the novelization of Revenge of the Sith due to his adaptive combat capabilities.

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Count Dooku mentioned that Master Tholme kept up his dueling skills better than most of the Order who switched to deflect blaster bolts, making Tholme another possible candidate of Makashi.

This style is based on the Spanish style of fencing, "La Verdadera Destreza," which is based on classical philosophy and mathematics including the works of Aristotle, Euclid, and Pythagoras. Makashi users are elegant, precise, calm, and confident to the point of arrogance. Form II users have extreme faith in their chances for victory, and often look so relaxed while fighting that it appears that they are dancing.

Known practitioners: Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus, Exar Kun, Sev'Rance Tann*, Asajj Ventress*, Komari Vosa*, Darth Sion.

* Their preferred form is unknown, but Count Dooku's training most likely drew them towards Makashi.

Form III: Soresu / Zorasu

Form III, the most defensive of all of the forms, was developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Most opponents that the Jedi faced during the prequel era carried blasters. Soresu (or Zorasu as called by masters of this form) utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as little energy as possible to execute these moves. This technique exposes as little target zones on the body as possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. It borrows movements from Kendo, Wushu and Fencing, making it a very beautiful and graceful form. After Darth Maul's defeat on Naboo, Obi-Wan Kenobi decided to perfect his practice of Soresu since Qui-Gon Jinn, Kenobi's mentor and Form IV Ataru master, fell against Darth Maul. By the time of Revenge of The Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi is acknowledged as The Master of Soresu, granted by Mace Windu in the novelization.

Unlike Form II combat, which was developed to work against another lightsaber, Form III was most effective in anticipating and deflecting blaster fire. It stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. It was essentially a defensive technique, emphasizing the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy while reducing the exposed areas of their bodies. In the wake of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn at the hands of Darth Maul, many Jedi turned away from the Form IV style of open, acrobatic fighting and took up Form III in order to minimize the risk of injury or death at the hands of an opportunistic opponent.

Though initially developed to deflect blaster fire, Soresu, if perfectly mastered, could act as a defense to any type of attack, including that of a lightsaber. Obi-Wan's performance of Soresu in Episode III is the prime example of the Form.

Practitioners of Soresu comfortably remain on the defensive until their opponents make a mistake; only then do they strike offensively. It focuses heavily on counterattack and defensive strikes - there are no preemptive strikes in the form. Soresu can best be described as a passive form and one to be used by Masters who are extremely patient and passive. Soresu users do not wish to fight, or harm. Even during a fight they prefer to remain on the defensive, and they will strike only when absolutely necessary, or if their opponent drops his guard during battle. Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee are also proficient in this form.

Known practitioners: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Barriss Offee, Luminara Unduli

Form IV: Ataru

The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought physically impossible without the aid of the force. It is quite similar to the martial art, wushu. It is very acrobatic and even more so with the use of the Force, and very articulate when slowed down. The majority of kung fu sword techniques are displayed through this form of Ataru, and may have been incorporated into this style by the earlier practitioners.

This was one of the more recent lightsaber combat techniques, developed by the Jedi Knights during the last centuries of the Old Republic, around the time of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Sith Lords. It emphasized acrobatic strength and power in wielding the blade, attributes which were frowned upon by many traditional Jedi Knights and Masters. It found a niche among the eager padawan learners of the time, who believed that the Jedi needed to become more involved in rooting out crime and evil and eradicating it. This Form was practiced by Qui-Gon Jinn, although his death at the hands of Darth Maul exposed the weakness of Form IV in defending a Jedi's body. Yoda, however, practiced Form IV with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, left every point on an opponent's body open to attack.

Yoda was acknowledged as the greatest master of Ataru. He used it in almost all of his battles, and the style made him a virtually unstoppable whirlwind of destruction despite his small size and advanced age. Qui-Gon Jinn was also a master of this form. Kenobi was also very advanced in Ataru, but temporarily abandoned it in favor of Soresu because he felt that his master's death demonstrated a fatal flaw in Ataru's defensive capabilities. Nevertheless, Obi-Wan applied Ataru acrobatics to face Dooku and Anakin (the latter after he turned to the dark side as Darth Vader) in Revenge of the Sith.

More correctly, Obi-Wan used Form VIII, also known as Sokan. Like Ataru, Sokan utilized acrobatic traits. They are used, however, to attack an opponents' vital body areas, whereas Ataru is more focused on engaging the opponent in general.

Aayla Secura is also a master of this form, according to Jan Duursema, who co-created the Twi'lek Jedi; Quinlan Vos had taught Aayla Form IV. Darth Sidious used a Sith variant of this form, which included stabs and wide swings. Darth Maul's fighting style was largely Form VII, but also used acrobatics associated with Ataru to make himself an even more devastating warrior.

In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very high and very fast, masters of Form IV are sometimes only seen as a blur. In order to achieve the acrobatic prowess, amazing reflexes and physical punch of this form, a Jedi Master would focus on the Force, letting it flow deeply throughout his entire physical being, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age, or poor conditioning. Due to its aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies; however, it leaves the user open to attacks from multiple opponents; therefore, it is wise to use Ataru in a duel, but not in open warfare. Emotional control is key, as is letting one's emotions fly free. This is not a contradiction, as displayed by Yoda's firm control despite his screams and grunts.

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Jedi Master Tsui Choi was another Jedi as small in size as Yoda, but demonstrated similar Force-Acrobatics in lightsaber fight, making her a very possible practitioner of Ataru. Master Choi was also one of the Jedi who survived the initial stage of the Jedi Purge along with Bultar Swan.

Being similar in height to Yoda, Yaddle and Even Piell may have been Ataru practitioners as well.

Asajj Ventress may have been an Ataru practitioner based on her performance in the arena on Rattatak in the first season of the Clone Wars cartoon series.

Known practitioners: Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Sidious, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aayla Secura

NOTE: In real life, the name may have been derived from the Japanese verb ataru, which means "to hit" or "to strike."

Form V: Shien / Djem So

The name of the Fifth Form of lightsaber combat varies in different sources. According to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Shien is the Fifth Form. Revenge of the Sith Novelization stated clearly that Shien and Djem So are two different styles, and Anakin Skywalker mastered them both. By comparison, Djem So demonstrated an even higher level of physical strength and aggressive moves. So it is believed that Shien and Djem So both fall under the category of Form V, much like Juyo and Vaapad in Form VII, with Shien better at dealing with blaster bolts and Djem So better at blade-to-blade combat. It can be described as a mix of medieval swordmanship and kendo.

Form V was developed by a group of Jedi Masters who felt that Form III was too passive, while Form IV was not powerful enough. It addressed the shortcomings of both forms, in which a Jedi Master may have proved to be undefeatable but could not overcome the enemy. Among the many unique aspects of Form V was the development of techniques in which the lightsaber was used to deflect a blaster bolt directly back at the firer, deliberately to cause harm to the opponent.

Form V is a powerful style developed by Form III practitioners that preferred a more offensive angle. The defensive nature of Form III often leads to dangerously prolonged combat. This style came about from combining Forms II and III. Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master Plo Koon, and Anakin Skywalker, both as himself and as Darth Vader, are all practitioners of Form V. Jedi Master Agen Kolar may possibly have been a Form V practitioner since he favored aggressive negotiations. Luke Skywalker's use of Form V is probably as much instinctive as trained, as he was trained as a Jedi by both Obi-Wan Kenobi (Forms III and IV) and Yoda (Form IV). However, Luke's particular form of lightsaber combat may in the end be something entirely new, with traces of Forms III, IV and V mixed together with his own personal styles. It is doubtful that Masters Kenobi and Yoda had time to actually teach him the finer points of the combat Forms. Just like most other things about being a Jedi Knight, Luke would probably have to figure out whole new fighting styles to replace the ones lost during the Great Purge.

Embodying the perfection of the idea of counterattack, Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. The example is commonly used that while Form III combatants effortlessly deflect laser bolts, Form V practitioners excel at redirecting the laser bolt toward the opponent. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent. Also, it utilizes Form II's parries, allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it.

However, where Form II concentrated on precise and elegant parries, Form V permits the user to actually fully block and repel attacks since it calls for the use of more brute, Force-enhanced strength. This is evident in Revenge of the Sith when Dooku takes a swing at Anakin and Anakin not only blocks it, but pushes Dooku back with overwhelming strength. Also, in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, we see how Form V can be used to physically bully an opponent. In a rage, Vader continuously locked sabers with Luke only to throw him back and press his assault. The same happened in the second duel as Luke forced Vader back with his onslaught of physical strength.

Form V is also different from Form III in the fact that Form V practictioners believe that the best defense is a good offense. It has already been observed that Form III users simply deflect blaster bolts and parry lightsaber attacks until the opponent makes a fatal mistake. Form V practitioners take the near impenetrable defenses of Form III and press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength. A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat an enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi describe by the maxim "peace through superior firepower." To some Jedi Knights, Form V represents a worthy discipline prepared for any threat; to others, Form V seems to foster an inappropriate focus on dominating others. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.

With the offensive but refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Form V has been proven to be a highly effective style. Both Form V and VII call for its user to use emotion to enhance their strength. Form V users can best be described as bold, powerful, fearless and confident. They are unafraid to let their emotions rule them and contribute to the fight, though they are wary of falling to the dark side. A master Form V stylist will be able to pull back from the abyss of the dark side, as Luke Skywalker did when he defeated Vader, though that does not always happen.

In the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, Jedi Master Vrook teaches the Jedi Exile Shien if the Exile is a Jedi Guardian, a Jedi Sentinel, or the advanced forms of either.

In Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, It is revealed that Aayla Secura knows about Djem So as well. It is highly possible that Cin Drallig was also a practitioner of this form, because in the "Revenge of the Sith" video game he uses attacks and stances similar to Anakin's.

Known practitioners: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Plo Koon, Agen Kolar, Aayla Secura and Master Vrook.

Form VI: Niman

The Form VI was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the Great Jedi Purge. This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form." One can see this in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones when many of the saber-wielders on Geonosis are killed. In fact, all of the Jedi using Form VI were killed at the Battle of Geonosis, including the Form VI practitioner Coleman Trebor, whose technique could not defend against most of Jango Fett's masterfully placed blaster shots.

Form VI attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate, making Form VI well suited for diplomats and consulars, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics, negotiation and force mastery instead of combat training. It can be affectionately referred to and known as a sort of "Jack of All Trades" form, with mastery of no one aspect of combat, but competency in all.

This was one of the most advanced of the seven primary forms of lightsaber combat developed by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. At the time of the Battle of Geonosis, Form VI was the standard in Jedi fighting techniques, emphasizing the use of techniques from Forms I, III, IV, and V in overall moderation. Many Jedi Masters considered it the "Diplomat's Form" because the user had to use their knowledge of political strategy and negotiation - along with their own perceptions - to reach a peaceful decision with minimal bloodshed. Many Jedi skilled in Form VI techniques had already spent at least ten years studying the other four Forms, an aspect that many Masters felt was too demanding of the Jedi's time in regards to its benefits on the battlefield.

There is, however, one saving grace to this form not mentioned above. Niman is the stepping stone to the dual lightsaber form, known as Jar'Kai. No one who has successfully mastered Jar'Kai has done so without first mastering Niman.

In Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, a picture was presented which Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi posed a Niman ready stance.

Known practitioners: Coleman Trebor, numerous Jedi who perished during the Battle of Geonosis, and others — see Jar'Kai later in this article for a list of former masters

Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad

In the Jedi world, Form VII was an oddity for millennia. It was modified by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who used it to create his Vaapad fighting style. The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form VII requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms. Form VII is without question the rarest form, and only two Jedi have ever mastered Vaapad fully: Mace Windu and Depa Billaba. Sora Bulq, who instructed Quinlan Vos in a few of its basics, never fully mastered Vaapad, Mace Windu stated that Sora knew "almost as much as him". As stated in Star Wars Insider, Darth Maul was trained in Form VII combat as well. Sora Bulq helped Windu develop Vaapad, but Bulq and Mace's Padawan, Billaba, proved too weak to master the flow of the light and dark sides, and fell to the dark side. In this way, Vaapad mastered them. Many believed Plo Koon could master Form VII, but he believed that it was too dangerous so he took on Form V instead. In KOTOR II, the Jedi Exile can learn Juyo from Master Kavar, but only if the Exile is a Guardian, Weapon Master, or Marauder.

Sometimes used as another name for Form VII itself, Vaapad is in fact a "sub-form" of Juyo. The term Vaapad comes from a non-sentient predator on the planet Sarapin and its moons. A Vaapad has no fewer than seven tentacles, while the largest ever killed had twenty-three. However, the tentacles moved so extremely fast that no one could actually count the tentacles until the monstrosity was slain. Standard Juyo contains sleek, fast movements with strong strikes, whereas Mace Windu's specialized Vaapad focuses the use of the Force and emotion to fuel attacks (which explains why Sora and Depa both fell to the dark side in using it) normally used in Juyo. Regular Juyo can be mastered (or at least "sub-mastered") much more easily than Vaapad, but Juyo can never truly be used to its full extent unless training in Vaapad is taken. Standard Juyo is not as powerful as Vaapad, but lessens the risk of falling to the dark side.

Intrepid, somewhat direct movements are used in combination with very advanced techniques involving Force-powered jumps and motions. Form VII does not appear as fancy as Form IV, but the technical details of it use very open movements resulting in a very unpredictable battle style. The staccato swings and flow of the form make it seem as if the attacks are not linked—but in reality, it is merely confusing the opponent. The sword techniques of this art are very practical, using "battlefield" philosophy; kill, move on.

Form VII demands the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controls it (if mastered). Form VII, when fully mastered, results in extraordinary power.

Only through the learning of several other forms could a Jedi began to understand Form VII, being the most demanding combat style. It involved so much physical combat ability that its training brings a Jedi very close to the Dark Side of the Force. To master Form VII, a Jedi had to employ bold movements and be more kinetic than in any other form. Form VII employed the use of overwhelming power directed through unconnected, precise movements that kept an opponent continually off-guard.

However, Vaapad borders on the edge of using the dark side, as it channels one's anger and darkness into the attack— it may be related to Japanese shinkengata [1]]. Only Windu's mastery and concentration of the light side prevents him from succumbing, which is why Vaapad is rarely practiced and very dangerous. As mentioned above, the only two other known practitioners of Vaapad, Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba, both fell to the dark side of the Force.

Vaapad goes beyond being a fighting style as it becomes a state of mind and a power. The state of mind requires that a user of Vaapad be allowed enjoy the fight and be given over over to the thrill of battle and the thrill of victory. Vaapad is a path that leads through the penumbra of the dark side.

The power of Vaapad is simple: it is a channel for one's inner darkness; and it is a reflecting device. With strict control, a person's own emotions and inner darkness can be changed into a weapon of the light. Vaapad is also a superconducting loop, with the user on one end and the opponent on the other. Vaapad is able to take the hatred, anger and rage of the opponent and reflect it back at him. In his fight with Palpatine, Mace Windu used Palpatine's own speed and hatred against him, reflecting it back against the Sith Lord and using it as his own power. Vaapad is at once a form of lightsaber combat, a state of mind, and an actual tangible power. To use it required great mastery, discipline and, above all else, purity of heart and spirit. Vaapad users are intense, focused, and introverted; there are even signs of pent-up hostility in them.

In KOTOR 2, which takes place about 4,000 years before the Clone Wars, Juyo was one of the lightsaber forms that could be used, showing that even though Juyo was incomplete, it was still an effective form for millennia before Mace Windu completed it with Vaapad.

In the novel Star Wars: Shatterpoint, Mace Windu indicated that part of Depa Billaba's Vaapad blade work has even surpassed Mace Windu himself and the Vaapad he created and used.

Another variation of Juyo is used by Master Cin Drallig in the Revenge of the Sith Video Game, whose personal style takes the extremely high speed at which Juyo operates and takes it to a Vaapad-like level without losing the power of normal Juyo (if the word 'normal' could ever accurately describe Juyo).

Vapaad gives the user a unique position for fighting dark side users, for when mastered, it allows the user to draw upon the dark side's strength. In Revenge of the Sith, Mace Windu might have been unable to defeat Sidious had it not been for his mastery of Vaapad.

During the Clone Wars, Mace Windu was the only living master of Vapaad. When he Sidious killed Windu, the form died along with him, never to be taught again.

Known practitioners of Form VII: Mace Windu, Sora Bulq, Depa Billaba, Quinlan Vos (Incomplete Training), Darth Maul, Cin Drallig, Master Kavar.

Other forms of lightsaber combat

These forms are variants and sub-styles evolved from, or to be used with the seven main lightsaber forms. They are founded on the basic principles of combat and survival, or were developed for own personal use.

Form VIII: Sokan

Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Sith War, Sokan combined tactics that allowed for evasion and mobility with the kinetic motions of Form IV combat. Sokan involved swift strokes of the lightsaber, which were aimed towards the opponent's vital areas in addition to quick tumbles and movements. Combatants made use of large amounts of terrain, trying to maneuver their opponents into vulnerable areas during the course of battles that involved Sokan techniques.

Obi-Wan employed elements of Sokan while dueling Anakin on Mustafar in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, when Obi-Wan sought the high ground and used his favorable positioning to defeat Skywalker, attacking his weak points.

Form IX: Shien

This variation of Djem-So uniquely involves a Jedi holding the lightsaber horizontally. The Jedi points the end of the blade at the opponent; it is swung in a fast arc while the Jedi punches their saber-hand at their opposing combatant, in a stabbing motion. Adi Gallia uses a personal variation of this Form, holding her saber vertically instead of horizontally, almost as if this Form is aiding the combat of others.

Form X: Jar'Kai

The dual saber Jar'Kai permitted a Jedi to fight with two lightsabers, one in each hand, as seen in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones by Anakin Skywalker. One of the blades in the wielder's hands was used for attacking while the other one was used for defending, such as parrying, or for more offensive power. Often, a Jedi would wield a short lightsaber (very rarely referred to as a "lightdagger") as a main-gauche instead of a normal lightsaber to gain more balance. This technique was probably inspired by the Japanese art of Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu.

Many Jedi trained to use the Niman style in the hopes of gaining a basic knowledge of the dual-bladed attack, but very few Jedi ever totally mastered Jar'Kai. Serra Keto, Sora Bulq, Asajj Ventress, Komari Vosa, Darth Revan, A'Sharad Hett and Joclad Danva (who can be seen wielding two lightsabers in the background during the Battle of Geonosis), the Dark Jedi Boc and the Emperor's Hand Jeng Droga were all practitioners of Jar'Kai. Niman is the stepping stone to dual saber mastery, and no one has ever fully learned Form X without first mastering Form VI.

"Form Zero"

Form Zero was the basis for instruction of lightsaber combat that was originally defined by Jedi Master Yoda in describing the lightsaber technique of Felanil Baaks. The art of Form Zero lies in a lightsaber that has not been ignited. A Jedi cannot protect and serve the galaxy in the Jedi way if he/she does not know when to draw his/her sword and when to resort to different means of solving a problem. The knowledge, understanding, and wisdom behind the idea of right and wrong encompassed the idea that a Jedi who feels the necessity to use Form Zero, the absence of violence, is truly gifted in the ways of the Force.

Dun möch

The Sith aimed to completely dominate an opponent's spirit through whatever means possible by employing their own lightsaber combat doctrine. Dun möch commonly involved spoken taunts, jeers, and jests that exposed the opponent's hidden, inner weaknesses and/or doubts. Other variations on dun möch involved usage of the Force to throw large, weighty objects at the Sith's opponent during combat, which both distracts the opponent from the battle and could potentially cause damage.

• Darth Vader uses this style against Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back.
• Count Dooku uses it against Jedi Master Yoda in Attack of the Clones
• Asajj Ventress while dueling early in the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series
• Count Dooku against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith.
• Darth Sidious also uses this style against Yoda in Revenge of the Sith.

Saber throw

The Jedi or Sith employ an attack in rare instances to use the cutting power of their lightsabers for an object at an unreachable location called the saber throw, or a throwing of his or her lightsaber. The lightsaber is thrown; usually the blade tip spins in a circular motion about the hilt; and the saber hits its target, usually to cut it. Skilled practitioners will use the Force to manipulate the trajectory of the lightsaber and then redirect it back to their hand.

• When Yoda fought his way into the Jedi Temple in Revenge of the Sith, he used this technique to kill an attacking clone trooper.
• When Luke Skywalker jumped atop a suspended catwalk in Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader threw his lightsaber to bring the catwalk crashing to the ground; some say that Darth Vader lacked the physique, speed, and Force power to jump atop the catwalk himself to continue the duel, while others count this as an example of his mastery of many techniques of the Force, confusing and intimidating his younger, less knowledgeable opponent; a third opinion states that Vader tried to avoid fighting an opponent on higher ground, given the outcome of his first battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• In video and computer games featuring lightsabers such as the Jedi Knight and Knights of the Old Republic series, this is a common technique as seen mastered by Kyle Katarn, Jaden Korr and other Jedi.

Tràkata

This is a form of lightsaber combat unique to only one or two of the most powerful Jedi. The Jedi will keep the lightsaber in their grasp, but will keep it turned off. The Jedi will then dodge or defend any attacks using the Force. Some of the more skilled Jedi may launch attacks using the Force in-between sweeps of the opponent's lightsaber. They will then wait until the right moment and swiftly turn the lightsaber on and off, sending the blade through the enemy's body. This will instantly wound or kill the enemy. This technique is difficult to master and to use it the Jedi must be very powerful with the Force. It is considered to be a dark form of combat as it takes the enemy by surprise and can be also used outside a lightsaber duel to dispose of somebody in close quarters. It is best used in lightsaber dueling but can also be used to avoid blaster fire.

Jedi Master Yoda mastered this style to perfection and used it often when in battle with many foes.

Tràkata was also used to great effect against the Yuuzhan Vong. When a lightsaber locked against an amphistaff the Jedi would shut down the blade, shift position and reignite it, sending the deadly energy beam through a less-protected joint or seam in the Vong's vonduun crab armor, as shown by Corran Horn on Ithor.

This style is likely based on Iaijutsu.

Other

Several techniques fall outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. Characters, such as General Grievous in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, can employ more varied movements. His attacks are intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous is exceptionally capable at this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. Only the most experienced and talented of Jedi can withstand his attacks. For example, Grievous can hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands, spinning two of them very rapidly in front of him, acting as a shield. Grievous uses this against Obi-Wan on Utapau, but Obi-Wan manages to overcome this, biding his attack, and finally timing his strike through the whirling lightsaber shield.

Another unique lightsaber style is that of Adi Gallia, who holds her saber with a one-handed reverse grip (backhand style). This is a personal variation of Form V, much as Vaapad is Mace Windu's personal variation of Form VII. A variation of this form was used by the leader of the Force-users known as the Jensaarai (the Saarii-Kaar) encountered by Corran Horn. This form was developed by an Anzati Dark Jedi during the Clone Wars, eventually killed by Corran's grandfather. This form holds the weapon like an dagger, with one hand on the hilt and another on the pommel with the blade pointing toward the ground. This style favors one who is quick, combining quick strikes with sweeps at the legs. Horn was almost defeated by this style before distracting the Saarii-Kaar with a mental projection of her master, allowing his wife to stun her.

Basics of Lightsaber Combat

Unlike most martial arts involving a weapon, lightsaber combat is an art that is utilized before the weapon is ever drawn and ignited. This is due to the philosophy that a Jedi must only draw his weapon as a final recourse. A Jedi must decide on what situations require the application of deadly force, since the lightsaber is one of the deadliest weapons ever constructed.

Training

Lightsaber training begins very young, generally before a padawan has been taken by a knight or master as an apprentice. The master swordsmen at the Jedi Temple teach classes of padawans the most basics of lightsabers, such as basic moves and safety.

Training continues after a padawan becomes an apprentice. All Jedi Knights are required to be practitioners of lightsaber combat, and they pass on this knowledge and experience to their apprentices. When the master feels his apprentice is ready, he teaches his apprentice how to construct his first lightsaber as well as oversees the construction process, however, the Jedi Council does have a say in when a Padawan may build a lightsaber, this briefly mentioned in the Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson. Once the apprentice has finished constructing his lightsaber, the master teaches the padawan about velocities, a staple of Jedi lightsaber training.

Velocities

Jedi run endless drills called velocities to practice lightning reflexes and tight control. Velocities are similar in form to fencing, almost always performed with a partner, albeit much faster and trying to create an opening, rather than attack it. During velocities, Jedi learn how to give control over to the Force, as well as use it to extend their perceptions to other degrees of the encounter not allowed by their sensorium.

Advanced Lightsaber Combat

Advanced lightsaber combat revolves around the application of the Force during battle. While Jedi use the Force to extend their perceptions and give speed and purpose to their movements, this training allows them to utilize the Force in other, often unexpected, ways.

Master Yoda is a natural practitioner of advanced lightsaber combat. He uses the Force to propel him into blindingly fast jumps and spins during combat. He does this to effectively remove the disadvantage of his small stature when facing taller species in combat.

Stances

All strength and propulsion in the martial arts starts in the feet. The stance is important in fighting, as it not only provides balance but also the energy to be placed into an attack. It is the basis upon which all lightsaber combat is placed. It involves footwork, the alignment of the legs and torso, the straightening of the back, and the loosening of the arms so that they can snap into the desired position. Keys to good stances include: allowing the dominant foot to be the main source of propulsion, keeping the knees bent, keeping the back straight, and constant, calm breathing.

The Stance Grid:

	Rear	Center	Forward
Aggressive	Aggressive Back	Aggressive Neutral	Aggressive Forward
Neutral	Neutral Back	Jedi Ready	Neutral Forward
Defensive	Defensive Back	Defensive Neutral	Defensive Forward

Stances in italics are extrapolations based upon the foundations of sword stances. Only those stances seen in the movies and television series are described here.

Jedi Ready

The most basic of all Jedi stances - also called "basic neutral" - this one employs stepping back with the dominant foot and drawing the lightsaber so that it is parrying on the dominant side. Weight is distributed evenly between the feet. It is natural that the dominant shoulder be rolled slightly back. The hilt of the lightsaber is held down level with the waist with the tip of the lightsaber pointed at or slightly over the head of the target. This stance is similar to the chūdan-no-kamae in kendo, except in the kendo form you step forward with the dominant foot as you draw the blade. This is evidence of the Jedi only using lightsabers as a matter of defense of themselves and others, whereas in kendo the purpose is for attack.

In Episode I, Obi-Wan Kenobi always used this stance when drawing his lightsaber, and hastily moved into it as well. This shows how undisciplined he was as a padawan. His feet shifted oddly so that his rear foot was not in a straight line pointing forward, his back was hunched forward (this reduces both balance as well as the flow of energy to-and-from the internal organs), and he held the point of his lightsaber so high that it partially obscured his vision. It is possible he is attempting an aggressive forward stance. By Episode II, he has changed more so into his former master's style.

Neutral Forward

Very similar to Jedi ready, except that the dominant foot is forward - identical to chūdan-no-kamae - with the lightsaber hilt close to the waist, the blade pointed to the enemy. Slightly more weight is on the front foot than the rear, which means that the dominant leg is still the one that propels the attack.

Anakin uses this stance in Episode II. He centers himself by setting his stance and swinging his blade slowly from behind his back, over his head, down centerline of his body, and settling the lightsaber in place.

Defensive Neutral

A good defensive posture, defensive neutral is ready for any occurrence but is also non-threatening. The dominant foot is drawn back and pointed approximately forty-five degrees out to the side. Approximately sixty-percent of the weight is on the back foot. The dominant shoulder is rolled back as the blade is drawn. The lightsaber is held vertically next to that side of the head, in the pocket created by the shoulder. This form is almost identical to the hassō-no-kamae stance found in kendo.

In Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn uses this stance when drawing his lightsaber. His form is almost flawless, showing the years of training and discipline spent acquiring his skill. He holds his lightsaber back in such a fashion that his eyes are able to scan a wide forward arc, looking for targets and watching attacks. With his long legs, he is able to hold his feet wide, ready to spring forward at a moment's notice. In Episode II, Obi-wan has followed in his master's footsteps and picked up this stance, and in Episode III when he is fighting Anakin just before Anakin jumps on to the same platform you see Obi-Wan using the stance.

Defensive Back

The best defensive posture in sword combat, defensive back is nigh-impossible to penetrate and nigh-impossible to launch an attack from. The hilt of the blade is rasied high towards the face, the point of the blade pointed diagonally down at the ground. From this position slashing strikes aimed at the torso can be easily blocked, and stabbing strikes can be quickly parried with wide, sweeping moves from which the defender can quickly move forward into a better stance. Another advantage of this stance is that the blade can be quickly swung all the way around the torso to block attacks from all directions.

File:Revanconfronted.jpg

Darth Revan in a aggressive back stance and the Jedi in basic neutral

In Star Wars: Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker assumes a very flashy form of this stance after he and Obi-Wan Kenobi dispatch an entire squad of droids in Episode 2.

Aggressive Neutral

A very threatening stance similar to the Jedi ready stance. This involves standing with more of the weight on the front foot rather than the rear. The arms are held so that the hilt of the lightsaber is in line with the solar plexus, and the point of the lightsaber is directed at the target's head. The distance from the body to the lightsaber is greater than most stances. This form is not very useful in conventional combat, but is very deadly in lightsaber-on-lightsaber combat. Darth Sidious uses this when he is fighting Mace Windu.

Combined with the elegant, flowing, and swift motions of Form II, this stance allows Count Dooku to keep his guard up while pressing the attack. Even when facing an Anakin Skywalker armed with two lightsabers, he is able to gain an advantage by keeping his enemy at arm's length.

Aggressive Back

A more radical stance than most, aggressive back is a low posture from which a swift attack can be launched. The back foot is pointed out almost ninety-degrees from the body and is holding over eighty-percent of the weight. The front foot is extended forward, almost straight. The lightsaber is held on the dominant side, right beside the head, its blade facing directly forward. Like aggressive neutral, this stance is only useful for taking on a single enemy armed with a lightsaber, especially since it obstructs view of the right side of the body.

This is Obi-wan's stance from Episode III. He uses it mainly in facing General Greivous, alternating at times with aggressive neutral. This leaves him open to attack from surrounding droids, but he realizes that danger is minute in scope to giving Grievous one inch of advantage. Darth Sidious also uses this stance often during his fights against Masters Windu and Yoda.

Aggressive Forward

This stance is fairly simple, and involes holding the lightsaber above the user's head, with the blade facing behind them. It allows the user to easily block a high attack or start a strong downward slash.

This stance is used by Darth Sidious at the beginning of his fight with Yoda. During their duel on Geonosis, Darth Tyranus and Anakin Skywalker also use this stance.

Body Zones

The body is sectioned off into "zones", areas to describe a location of an offensive or defensive move, called an attack or a parry, respectively. For example, the move Attack 3 can only be defended against by Parry 3: as the opponent attempts to strike the left side, the defender blocks to the left, parrying his blow.

The Body Zones:

• Zone 1: Head - Strikes made to the right and left sides of the neck are said to be in zones 2 and 3, respectively.
• Zone 2: Right arm and side
• Zone 3: Left arm and side
• Zone 4: Back
• Zone 5: Right leg
• Zone 6: Left leg

Examples of Attacks and Parries:

Attack 1: A simple, over-the-head strike at an opponent's head. Though not practiced much in combat training, it is a general move performed over and over to practice form and stance.

Parry 1: A block where the defender shifts his stance back slightly, and then holds his lightsaber up horizontal above his head. Whether the hilt is to the right or the left determines how the defender wishes to press his following attack.

Attack 2/3 Combo: This is a rushing attack where the lightsaber is swung from one shoulder to the opposite hip, brought back up behind the back, and swung down from the opposite shoulder to hip. This X-shaped attack is useful for keeping an enemy busy blocking and unable to counterattack.

Parry 2/3 Combo: A natural defense to the Attack 2/3 combo. The blade is lowered to the hip and brought up diagonally to intercept the opponent's blow. As soon as the lightsabers are no longer making contact, the blade is lowered to the opposite hip and the move is repeated. Jedi can get locked in this combo during a velocity, and it is common to see the attack-parry combo continue to get faster and faster, until either attacker or defender gets the upper hand in speed and can press the attack or counterattack.

Maneuvers and marks of contact

All ten forms of lightsaber combat utilize these ancient terms used by the Jedi for describing the objectives, maneuvers to use, and the various outcomes that could arise out of a fight involving lightsabers as weapons.

Marks of contact

Cho mai

The term cho mai is used to describe the action of cutting off an opponent's weapon hand. This move shows that the Jedi using it has the honor to cause the opponent minimal physical damage; it also shows the skill and mastery of the Jedi performing the move to the opponent. This is exemplified in such cases as when Anakin Skywalker cut off both Count Dooku's hands (before decapitating him) in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith; Anakin also cut off Mace Windu's hand to prevent him from killing Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious in Revenge of the Sith; Darth Vader cut off Luke Skywalker's hand in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back; and Luke returned the favor in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

Cho mak

A cho mak is the act of cutting off an opponent's limb, such as a humanoid's leg. This can be seen when Obi-Wan slashes Anakin's remaining biological arm and both of his legs during their epic duel in Revenge of the Sith.

Cho sun

The term cho sun is used to describe the move used to cut off an opponent's weapon arm, such as when Count Dooku defeated Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Most combatants prefer the more efficient and precise cho mai, but cho sun is sometimes used when the opponent is too strong or fast to allow such a precise cut.

Sai cha

The term sai cha is used to describe the rare instance when a Jedi beheads his or her opponent. This is often reserved for the most dangerous of enemies—ones who a Jedi cannot afford to let live. This is an example of what Anakin Skywalker did to Count Dooku in Revenge of the Sith (although Dooku was sufficiently incapacitated), what Mace Windu did to Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones, and what Mace Windu again tried to do to Chancellor Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith. Darth Vader(Anakin Skywalker)also has a thing for this in the novel Dark Lord- "The Rise Of Darth Vader" in the book it describes that he did this to many of the Padawans and Jedi Masters including Cin Drallig during the siege at the Jedi Temple, he also beheads and dismembers some of the remaining exiled Jedi he was hunting and found on Kashyyyk in the novel.

Sai tok

A sai tok, frowned upon by the Jedi because of its Sith-like nature, is the act of cutting an opponent in half, usually separating his or her legs from their torso at the waist. It is performed by Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi against Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. This move is used only in the most extreme of circumstances. It is also attempted by Darth Vader during his duel against Obi-Wan Kenobi during the "A New Hope," though Kenobi's body disappears upon contact.

Shiak

The term shiak is used to describe the usually dishonorable action of stabbing an opponent. This technique is often used by Sith, such as when Darth Maul stabbed Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace, and Palpatine's stabbing of Agen Kolar in Revenge of the Sith. Yoda can also be seen using a variation of this technique in Revenge of the Sith, when he throws his lightsaber at a Clone Trooper, impaling him, then clambers up the still-standing body to retrieve his weapon. Jedi also used this when they were fighting droids.

Shiim

A shiim is a more minute, considered inferior, wound to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber's blade. It is also considered a sign of desperation or struggle against a potent enemy, such as when Luke grazed Darth Vader's shoulder during their duel at Bespin in The Empire Strikes Back. It is also seen in Attack of the Clones in the instance where Count Dooku grazes Obi-Wan's right arm and leg.

Sun djem

A sun djem is an attack used by Jedi that disarms the weapon of an opponent, the objective usually being not to physically harm the opponent, such as when Master Mace Windu kicked Darth Sidious' lightsaber away during their duel in Revenge of the Sith and when Count Dooku disarmed one of Anakin's lightsabers in Attack of the Clones (although the lightsaber was destroyed in the process).

Maneuvers

Jung

A jung in lightsaber combat is a 180-degree turn.

Jung ma

The term jung ma is used to describe a maneuver used by Jedi to perform a 360-degree spin in which power is gained for an imminent attack on the opponent.

Sai

A sai is the term used to describe the move used by Jedi to evade an attack directed at their legs. The Jedi jumps up with the Force as the main backbone of the strength, height, and speed at which the jump is executed. The Jedi can then strike downwards, using their fall as a fulcrum for more power.

Shun

The term shun is used for when a 360-degree turn is performed with just a one-handed grip, thus gaining speed for an attack.

Kai-kan

Great lightsaber duels - those of Ulic Qel-Droma, Exar Kun, etc. - have been studied throughout the ages by Jedi masters. The kai-kan is a re-enactment of a famous, usually ancient, very dangerous, lightsaber or even sword battle, which only very well trained Jedi attempt to perform.

Lightsaber Combat in the Star Wars Movies

In writing the prequel trilogy, George Lucas said that he wanted the lightsaber combat in the prequels to be a more "energized" form of that in the original trilogy. In the original movies, the only people who fought with lightsabers were an old man, a "half-droid / half-man", and a young boy who learned from them. However, this form of fighting was smooth and graceful, and that was exactly what George Lucas wanted to carry forward.

The movies' stunt coordinator, Nick Gillard, said that: "they chose a short-range weapon, and so they would have to be very good at it... They would have to study every great sword fighting style: kendo, samurai, including stuff like tennis and even some tree-chopping, everything you could swing at."

External links

• Fighting with Lightsabers, by John Clements
• The Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat – Star Wars Insider, Issues 62 and 68
• Jedi fighting styles
• Lightsaber Techniques
• Lightsaber Combat Styles
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones The Visual Dictionary, Lightsaber Combat (page 62)
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary
• Jedi Archives—Danva, Joclad (mentions that Joclad Danva uses the two lightsaber Jar'Kai technique)

This was taken almost entirely from the english Wikipedia site, I didn't write it, they did.