User:Jensaarai/Exar Kun

'''I maintain this article as my project page. Please do not delete.''' Jensaarai 05:19, April 23, 2011 (UTC)

'''Same basic rule as always: no touchy without my go ahead. I welcome suggestions on the talk page, but please leave the article itself alone. I know I have probably made a whole laundry list of typos and I will get to them.''' Jensaarai 09:36, January 25, 2011 (UTC)

Opening
Lightsaber combat refered to several schools of martial arts specialized, 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, though other organizations were known to have developed their own styles and methods, an example being the Sith-developed Dun Möch technique.

The various combat forms owed their unique focuses and methods to the eras in which they were created in, as they were oftentimes developed to answer a new generation of weapons technology. For example, the dueling-centric Makashi form was created during a time when Dark Jedi and rogue Force-wielders ran rampant through the galaxy, and Lightsaber duels became a common occurence, whereas Soresu was developed when such combat were rare, and Jedi were more likely to confront Blaster-wielding opponents and gunslingers rather than lightsaber duelists.

History


When lightsaber technology was developed to the point where they became a viable weapon, becoming the standard weapon of the Jedi Order by 7000 BBY, a combat form that accounted for the abilities and weaknesses of the weapon was required. Form I, Shii-Cho, was a highly simplistic style, based on age-old fencing principles, and defining the types of attacks, parries, body zones and practice drills could be utilized with the lightsaber. When Darksiders and fallen Jedi began to arise, lightsaber duels became an almost routine activity, and Shii-Cho was simply not up to it as didn't address lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. So Makashi was developed, a precise form geared towards lightsaber dueling. This early era produced many of the greatest dueling masters the galaxy had ever seen, a notable being Tulak Hord, a fallen Jedi and early Sith Lord.

Makashi was eventually rendered partially obsolete due to the distribution and common usage of blasters and other ranged energy weapons. Due to this, the third form, Soresu, was created. An extrapolation and development of Shii-Cho blast-deflect training, Soresu emphasized defensive coverage, characterized by tight and efficient movements. A true Form III master was considered invincible. However, the style was not without it's detractors, who critisized it's focus on defense at the expense of offense. As an answer to the weaknesses of Soresu, Ataru (form IV) and Shien (form V) were developed alongside one another. Both were highly aggressive fighting forms, the former focusing on speed and agility, the latter on strength and lightsaber attack moves. Notably, Shien exploited the lightsabers ability to deflect blaster bolts by deliberately deflecting shots towards opponents. Later, a new, more advanced Form V varient known as Djem So was developed, focusing on lightsaber dueling.

While forms IV and V proved highly effective, many more conservative Jedi were put off by their aggressive focuses, and saught to create a form that balanced all the other focuses with overall moderation. The sixth form, Niman, was born. Developed from the Jar'Kai dual-blade combat style, Niman was a gateway to fantastic lightsaber skill without a focus on power or aggression. Despite this, Niman was the favored form of the Jedi-turned-Sith Lord Exar Kun, a masterful lightsaber duelist. Due to his obvious skill, Kun came to consider himself the greatest duelist in the galaxy, though he ultimately met his match in the Djem So specialist Ulic Qel-Droma. Kun would go on to defeat Vodo-Siosk Baas, the Jedi battlemaster of the day, and wield one of the earliest Double-bladed lightsabers, creating the weapon from schematics in a Sith holocron.

By the time of the First Jedi Purge, the seventh form, Juyo had been created. An advanced and extremely aggressive form, Juyo required high-level mastery of multiple forms to be studied, as it cut perilously close to Sith intensity of focus on combat ability. Masters of the form were loath to teach it to those with proven recklessness, and the rarity of practitioners left it still under development for millenia. Three of the only known practitioners during this time period were Vrook Lamar, Zez-Kai Ell and Kavar.



With the advent of the Great Galactic War, and the re-emergence of the old Sith Empire, the Jedi were once again in widespread confrontation with their bitter enemy. During the interim, the Sith Lords had likely developed their own combat styles, and lacked familiarity with the seven Jedi forms, a point of view supported by comments from Jerbhen Hulis during his brief duel with Teneb Kel. However, this would be rectified within fifteen years, with the Odacer-Faustin Sith academy at the very least training it's students in Makashi and Ataru.

During the New Sith Wars, a Twi'lek duelist known as Kas'im rose to prominance among the Sith, becoming the lightsaber instructor at the Korriban Academy for the Brotherhood of Darkness. Many of his students would go on to be excellent duelists in their own right, a notable example being Darth Bane. In fact, when Bane and Kas'im engaged one another after Bane's rebellion against the Brotherhood, Kas'im demonstrated an aptitude for Jar'Kai dual-blade combat, providing him with an edge over Bane due to the latter's lack of training against such armament. Bane regarded Kas'im as the finest duelist of the era, possibly the greatest to ever exist thus far, and he only prevailed thanks to his superior grasp of the Force. Bane later killed Kas'im's Jedi counterpart, Raskta Lsu.

With the Final battle of Ruusan, most of the Sith and other Darksider organizations were annihilated or driven into hiding, and Jedi lightsaber combat experienced radical changes as a consequence. The dueling-centric Makashi style was rendered obsolete due to it's lack of effectiveness against blaster-wielding opponents, as well as the simple lack of lightsaber-wielding opponents. Same with the more obscure weapon varients; by 32 BBY, the use of Double-bladed lightsabers in actual combat as opposed to training was practically unheard of. Despite this, the era produced one of the greatest lightsaber duelists to ever exist: Yoda. The eventual Grandmaster of the Jedi Order mastered all seven forms over the course of his nine-hundred year lifespan, but specialized in the Ataru form, as the heavy use of acrobatics and broad swordplay of the style compensated for his lack of height or reach. His fighting form was a masterful demonstration of many of the standard components of Ataru, and was a wonder to behold.



Other great duelists to arise during this period include Dooku, who stubbornly specialized in Makashi, despite the style's apparent obsolence, considering it among the highest of fighting forms; Siolo Ur Manka, who ranked among the greatest Jedi warriors before renouncing the lightsaber and focusing on staff-fighting, which he felt was a "purer" technique; and Mace Windu. Windu was a Juyo specialist who was working towards completing the form, as the lack of duelists with the self-control necessary to practice Form VII left it still under development. The result was the Vaapad style, named for a predator native to the moons of Sarapin. A dangerous style that cut close to the Dark side, it required Jedi to allow themselves to enjoy the thrill of battle, channelling their own fury while feeding off the aggression of the enemy, creating a feedback loop of power. Windu developed the style with the aid of fellow Jedi swordmaster Sora Bulq, and only trained his own padawan, Depa Billaba, in the style. Notably, Bulq taught Quinlan Vos elements of Vaapad during the amnesiac Jedi's retraining, though he said nothing of the style, and Vos refrained from applying it after learning more of it.

Among the Sith, Darth Sidious' apprentice Darth Maul proved to be an exceptional duelist. One of the most highly trained Sith in the history of the order, Maul was instructed in several obscure combat forms, notably considering himself a master of a corrupt Sith version of Juyo. In addition to his highly developed skills as a martial combatant, Maul also wielded a double-bladed lightsaber. Creating the weapon after a failed engagement against Siolo Ur Manka drew him to the conclusion that simple one-bladed lightsabers were too limiting, Maul went on the defeat the Jedi with his more unorthodox armament. The Jedi's inexperience with the weapon and his own skill with it provided Maul with an edge over many of his opponents, and great Jedi swordmasters such as Anoon Bondara and Qui-Gon Jinn fell before his blades. Maul was only defeated by Jinn's padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, when he dropped his guard.

With Maul dead, Sidious was forced to find a replacement, recruiting Dooku after he left the Jedi Order, while Obi-Wan Kenobi would go on to train Anakin Skywalker, the rising star of the Jedi Order. Skywalker specialized in Form V, as the aggressive fighting form was a good match to his bold, confrontational personality type. However, Skywalker's rapid advancement only fed his ego, and he came to consider himself a match for Yoda himself. He was given a sobering reminder of how much he still had to learn when Dooku cut off his arm, ending their intense bout. Kenobi himself specialized in Soresu, adopting the style after coming to the conclusion that Ataru's lack of defensive capabilities resulted in Qui-Gon Jinn's death. While the defensive fighting form stood him in good stead against blaster-wielding opponents, his own confrontation with Dooku went less well, as Dooku's precision bladework simply worked around Kenobi's staunch defense.



The Clone Wars would bring about a multitude of changes in lightsaber combat, as the more moderate forms the Jedi had specialized in for the last millenia proved lacking on the battlefield, calling for specialist combat styles. Notably, all the Niman practitioners involved in the Battle of Geonosis perished in combat. In preparation for the Sith-orchestrated war, Dooku recruited several other duelists into his personal cadre of Dark Acolytes, notables being the fallen Sora Bulq and the Rattataki warlord Asajj Ventress. Ventress' skills with the lightsaber were sufficient to impress Dooku and Sidious, and she was provided with further instruction from the former, notably in Makashi lightsaber combat. Dooku also trained the Kaleesh cyborg Grievous in lightsaber combat, which Grievous was capable of learning because of the enhanced speed and reflexes of his mechanical body. Grievous would become one of the most prolific Jedi hunters of the era, collecting their lightsabers as grisly trophies, and defeating such notables as Shaak Ti, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Eeth Koth, as well as dueling Mace Windu to a stalemate. Other great duelists who became casualties of the war include Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba, leaving Mace Windu as the last master of Vaapad.

By the end of the war, Dooku and Grievous were slain by Skywalker and Kenobi, respectively. Their vastly increased skill marked them as two of the finest duelists in the Jedi Order, with Dooku crediting Skywalker as the finest Djem So stylist that he had ever seen, and Mace Windu recognizing Kenobi as "the Master of Soresu". Windu's Vaapad style also faced it's own ultimate test during his confrontation with Darth Sidious, revealed to be the Republic supreme chancellor Palpatine. Palpatine's advanced combat skills and Dark side powers allowed him to strike down Agen Kolar, Saesee Tiin and Kit Fisto, all among the finest duelists produced by the Jedi Order, within seconds. The feedback loop of power formed by Windu's Vaapad left both combatants in a contest of indefinate length, until Windu managed to seize the tactical advantage, disarming Palpatine and defeating the Dark Lord of the Sith. However, Windu's victory wouldn't last long, as Anakin Skywalker intervened, defecting to the Sith and cutting off Windu's sword arm, leaving him vulnerable to Palpatine's Sith powers. Mace Windu, one of the greatest duelists in the Jedi Order, considered second only to Yoda, was dead.



Skywalker, now Darth Vader, would spearhead the sack of the Jedi Temple, personally felling many of the Jedi within, including the children. Even the Jedi swordmaster Cin Drallig was unable to hold out long against Vader's brutal intensity. Vader would only find his match in his former master; Kenobi's mastery of defensive Soresu proved to be the perfect foil to Vader's all out offense. In one of the greatest lightsaber duels of their time, Kenobi would give ground before Darth Vader's relentless attack, guiding the battle to a location of his choice and seizing the tactical advantage. Darth Vader had both legs and his left arm amputated by Kenobi, and was left to die on the shore of a Mustafar lava river. He only survived when Palpatine, fresh from his own contest with a now defeated Yoda, rescued him. Realizing that the new Sith Order could not be brought down through martial might, Kenobi and Yoda went into hiding.

With the Jedi Order essentially destroyed, lightsaber combat development slowed to a crawl. However, the combat forms themselves would still be preserved in surviving records and holocrons, as well as among the Sith. Nonetheless, this time period saw the rise of Darth Vader. Now interred in his cumbersome life-support armor, Vader was forced to customize and adjust his lightsaber technique to compensate. His resulting combat form included elements from numerous techniques of combat, relying on brute force and precision to counter the more acrobatic fighting forms the Jedi survivors favored. With this unique, though somewhat archaic fighting method, Vader became the most prolific Jedi hunter of the era. Vader's skills as a duelist would also carry over to several of his apprentices, such as Starkiller, who himself bested such duelists as Kazdan Paratus and Shaak Ti, and Kharys, who created the Trispzest fighting style. Trispzest was created as a combination of traditional S'kytri aerial dueling and Form VII lightsaber combat. As for Starkiller, he rebelled against his master, and eventually managed to defeat Vader before perishing in a confrontation with Palpatine. Starkiller's skillset would carry over to his clone, who was trained by Vader to wield dual-blades. Vader would be defeated by this clone as well. This era also saw the emergance of the Imperial Saber Guard, a cadre of soldiers armed with lightsabers and provided with the prerequisite tutoring, as well as rudimentary Force-training. They favored Shien-style reversed grips, and were highly effective on the battle field, though considerably less so against trained Jedi duelists such as Starkiller.

Body Target Zones and Corrosponding Marks of Contact
"Every feint, every dodge, every block is a trap to the unwary."

- Lightsaber combat tenet



Many of the basics of lightsaber combat were established by the Shii-Cho lightsaber form, as it was the first form developed, and was specialized towards training individuals in the use of lightsabers. Attacks and parries in lightsaber combat are described by the body zones they target. In idealized sparring drills, most attacks are executed with horizontal swipes, while parries are carried out with vertical blocks meant to push the point of the enemy's blade away, with the exception of the "Attack 1" and "Parry 1", which are reversed. The body target zones were numbered as follows; 1 - head, 2 - right arm and side, 3 - left arm and side, 4 - back, 5 - right leg, 6 - left leg.

Corrosponding with these attacks are the various marks of contact, describing the objectives, maneuvers to use, and the various outcomes that could arise out of a fight involving lightsabers as weapons. They could help focus a Jedi’s attacks and defenses on a few clearer categories, rather than diffusing awareness across an infinite number of possibilities in a duel.

Zone 1:


 * The Head. A zone 1 attack consists of a vertical chop at the head, with the goal of vertically bisecting the opponent, and the corrosponding parry is a horizontal block. A classic zone 1 attack was typically preceded by a high guard position, though the zone 4 parry position was also used for this purpose.


 * Maneuvers and Marks of Contact corrosponding to Zone 1 would include:


 * The sai tok was the act of cutting an opponent in half, usually separating his or her legs from the torso at the waist, but vertical bisections corrosponding with Zone 1 attacks were not unheard of.
 * The Falling Avalanche was a classic Djem So maneuver, an overhand power blow that crashed down upon an opponent with incredible force.


 * As decapitation strikes were still sideswipes at the the opponents side, the Sai cha corrosponded with Zone 2 and 3 attacks rather than Zone 1.

Zone 2:


 * The Right Arm and Side. Zone 2 attacks are horizontal sideswipes, with the corrosponding counter being a vertical parry. Shii-Cho sparring drills have the handle held at waist height with the blade extended upwards, though other combat forms employ drop parries with the handle held high. Assuming that a duelist is right-handed, Zone 2 attacks corrospond with:


 * The cho mai was the amputation an opponent's weapon-hand.
 * The cho sun was the amputation an opponent's weapon-arm.
 * The sun djem was the act of disarming the opponent, the objective usually being not to physically harm him/her. The classic Shii-Cho move, the Disarming Slash, was specialized towards executing the sun djem.
 * The sai cha was the decapitation of the opponent.
 * The sai tok was the bisection of an opponent, corrosponding with a Zone 2 attack if performed horizontally.

Zone 3:


 * The Left Arm and Side. Zone 3 attacks are much the same as zone 2, albiet the directions are reversed. Assuming that the duelist's left arm is his off-hand, Zone 3 attacks corrospond with:


 * The cho mok was the amputation an opponent's limb, in this case a humanoid's arm.
 * The sai cha.
 * The sai tok.


 * The disarmament strikes associated with Zone 2 attacks would also apply to Zone 3 if the duelist wielded an off-hand weapon.

Zone 4:


 * Back. Zone 4 encompasses the entire midsection and torso, but refers specifically to the back. A successful Zone 4 attack is almost always fatal. As the classic Parry 4 position is a drop parry position with the blade angled downwards behind the duelist's back, the classic Attack 4 is likely a variation on Zone 2 and 3 attacks. An alternate Parry 4 position has the hilt held behind the back at waist height, with the blade extended upwards. As Zone 4 encompassed the entire torso and midsection, it corrosponded with the:


 * The shiak was the act of stabbing an opponent.


 * It should be noted that the classic zone 4 parry position was also used as a stance preceding a zone 1 attack.

Zone 5 / 6:


 * Zones 5 and 6 refered to the right and left leg, respectively. Both corrosponded to:


 * The cho mok was the amputation an opponent's limb, in this case a humanoid's leg.

Other Marks of Contact
There were several marks of contact that failed to corrospond with the various body zones, either because they were not specific to any of them, or because they lashed out at multiple zones simultaneously.

The shiim was a more minute wound to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber's blade. The shiim could be applied anywhere on the body, and was not specific to any zone. The mou kei was an attack that dismembered an opponent through a circular motion of the lightsaber, aimed at the major limbs. The mou kei, being aimed at all major limbs, lashed out at multiple body zones. Darth Vader's dismemberment on Mustafar could be considered a triple cho mok, as it amputated both of his legs (zone 5/ 6) and his left arm (zone 3).
 * Shiim
 * Mou kei

Moves
The Jung was a 180 degree turn. The Jung ma was a 360 degree spin, used to build momentum for an attack. The Shun was a 360 degree spin, during which the lightsaber was held one-handed. The Sai was the act of overleaping an attack at the legs. The Flowing Water cut was a technique based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew their lightsaber offensively to one's own advantage. As the opponent pulled their lightsaber back from a bind, the user would follow it with their blade, in effect causing the opponent to pull the user's blade into themselves. The Falling Leaf cut was an ancient move that involved the user spinning and making a fast slash at an opponent standing behind them and then return to face the way they were before the maneuver. It was described as spinning one's feet to "slash from the sky". The Kai-kan was not a maneuver per say, but rather a reenactment of a prior lightsaber duel.
 * Jung
 * Jung ma
 * Shun
 * Sai
 * Flowing water
 * Falling leaf
 * Kai-kan

Training Methods
The various lightsaber training methods were largely devised by the Jedi Order, with other organizations borrowing elements for their own use. Most of the Jedi training elements were established by the Shii-Cho, which would continue to find a niche as a tutorial form.

In order to teach students to draw upon the Force rather than rely on their senses, early level Shii-Cho blast-deflect training was conducted with a blindfold, forcing the initiate to rely upon his instincts. Later training was conducted through the use of sequences and velocities, the continuous repetition, making the moves instinctive reflexes. These training regimens were carried over to all following lightsaber combat forms, which used similar methods.

Form I: Shii-Cho
"Form I, also called Shii-Cho, requires little explanation, as every Jedi youngling learns the basics of attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities."

- Cin Drallig

As the most ancient style of lightsaber combat, Shii-Cho was developed during the transition period from swords to lightsabers. Lightsabers were wielded in a manner similar to swords, so many of the maneuvers, such as attacks or parries, remained unchanged, as the key principles of the old sword-fighting methods continued to be incorporated. The simplicity and persistent methods of the form led it to being dubbed the "Way of the Sarlacc" and the "Determination Form". Shii-Cho swordplay was simplistic and raw. In the hands of a master, the bladework was described as "like watching water flow over the falls." However, less adept practitioners displayed much more basic and somewhat clumsy performance. In combat, Form I encouraged deliberate tactics, calling for continuous, step-by-step advancement while cutting off the opponent's angles. Shii-Cho was specialized towards engaging multiple opponents, the wide, sweeping motions being ideally suited towards attacking numerous adversaries. However, Form I was not as useful against single opponents, as such enemies had complete mobility and could find a weakness in Shii-Cho's comparatively clumsy bladework. Shii-Cho fostered an emotionally-heated mindset, which resulted in the considerable temptation to execute combat with lethal intent, requiring great restraint to exercise the form without going too far. Despite the pull to kill, the style was designed for the purpose of disarming without seriously injuring.

As the most simplistic form, Shii-Cho was the first form taught to initiates within the Jedi Order. Form I training provided the basic knowledge of the sword-fighting principles and blast-deflection skill that was required for practice of all the other forms. In order to teach students to draw upon the Force rather than rely on their senses, early level Shii-Cho blast-deflect training was conducted with a blindfold, forcing the initiate to rely upon his instincts. Later training was conducted through the use of sequences and velocities, the continuous repetition making the moves instinctive reflexes. These training regimens were carried over to all following lightsaber combat forms, which used similar methods. As Shii-Cho philosophy emphasized victory without injury and as such, the sun djem mark of contact was traditionally employed by Form I practitioners. Keeping with the use of sun djem, one of the attacks utilized by Form I practitioners was referred to as the "Disarming Slash", consisting of a strike directed at the opponent's weapon in an attempt to rip it out of their grasp. Another of the techniques utilized by Shii-Cho was dubbed the "Sarlacc Sweep", a wide sweeping attack in which the duelist struck against multiple enemies. Other maneuvers included the basic Form I horizontal slash.

Form II: Makashi
"Form II, also called Makashi, represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat."

- Cin Drallig on Form II

Makashi was the most dueling-centric of the seven forms, developed during an era where engagements with Darksiders and rogue Jedi became an almost routine activity. Form II's primary purpose was to serve as a counter to the first form; Shii-Cho. Makashi relied on precision swordplay to counter the sweeping movements demonstrated by Shii-Cho, and a heavy focus on protecting one's weapon to avoid being disarmed, the primary goal of Form I. Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, and so required very fluid movements of both the blade and the body. Timing, accuracy, and skill, rather than strength, were relied-upon to defeat one's opponent. With a skilled practitioner, the results were deadly. Makashi users were often elegant, precise, calm, confident to the point of arrogance (as befit Dooku's personality). Form II users were supremely confident in their chances for victory, and often looked so relaxed when they were fighting they even appeared to be dancing. Makashi duelists also trained themselves to avoid enslavement to form, as such enslavement opened the practitioner to be defeated by predictability and the unforeseen.

Due to Form II's emphasis on blade manipulation, and its many fluid one-handed moves, Makashi practitioners often wielded lightsabers that were specialized for such use. The most prominent weapon for this purpose was the curved-hilted lightsaber. These weapons were used because the curved hilt fit better into the palm, granting better blade control and allowing for greater precision and strength. In addition to this, wielders often created highly decorated weapons, and occasionally included blade-guards, as shown with Dooku's lightsaber. The other, considerably rarer, weapon type was the Lightfoil, a specialized type of lightsaber used by the Mecrosa Order. Original lightfoils were built with small handles for exclusively one-handed usage, and were much better balanced than typical lightsabers, allowing for greater precision.

Form III: Soresu
"A&hellip; defensive technique. But effective. Use it if you do not wish to be hit, or if you are facing many opponents with blasters. With a lightsaber blade and enough skill in deflection, it is an excellent offense against blasters, but in other situations, it merely delays the inevitable."

- Kreia

The original purpose of the Soresu form was to counter blaster-wielding opponents, as the previous combat styles focused on lightsaber dueling. Becoming the most defensive of the seven forms, Soresu utilized tight moves, subtle dodges and short sweeps designed to provide maximum defensive coverage, leaving the duelist less exposed to ranged fire. Over time, Form III came to trancend this basic origin and become an expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. Soresu utilized motions that occurred very close to the body, in an attempt to achieve near-total protection and expend as little energy as possible while executing moves. Form III stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique minimized the body's exposure, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. Form III involved preparation for prolonged battles where the user observed and learned as much as possible about their opponent's or opponents' technique while engaged in combat. Also, by being more capable in lengthy battles, a Soresu user had the ability to gain control of a combat situation, creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form. A Form III user could choose to kill, disarm, or even reason with their opponent.

Truly focused masters of Soresu were very formidable due to their strong defense technique. However, Form III merely facilitated survival rather than victory. Form III initiates were more than capable of defending themselves from attack, but they needed a large amount of experience to learn how to effectively counter-attack and entrap opponents. Masters had to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the center of the combat circle, since the defensive tactics of the form included guards and parries engaged very close to the body. Jedi who left small lapses in their otherwise strong defense left little room to avoid injury.

Form IV: 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

Ataru was an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of power, strength, and speed. Practitioners of Ataru were always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings, constantly calling upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body, they could overcome their physical limitations (including old age, as was the case with Master Yoda) and perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the attacks and strikes of their opponents.

The standard components of Form IV focused on application of and smooth transition between the three axes of rotation in a three-dimensional space; the su ma. Specifically, the jung su ma (spinning), ton su ma (somersaults), and en su ma (cartwheels). Those who used Form IV could move at high speeds and could rain strong blows, jumping and attacking through the air. Powerful and quick spinning attacks could be utilized from all angles, either from ground or air. A master in Ataru combat could appear like a blur to their opponents, attacking from all directions&mdash;from the front, the sides, overhead, or behind. The Force not only allowed them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise, but it also helped guide their actions and movements in combat. Obi-Wan Kenobi's backflip upon being kicked in the head is a perfect example of a Form IV recovery, redirecting the kinetic energy.

Form V: Shien/ Djem So
"Peace through superior firepower"

- Jedi maxim on Form V

Form V was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III could lead to prolonged combat, sometimes dangerously so. It evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V also required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of opponents. The form was developed alongside Form IV at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace. Form V had two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So.

Classic Form V, Shien was developed first. Known as the "Perseverance Form", Shien was designed to protect against enemy blaster fire and strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks. With its focus against blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability. However, it lacked effectiveness against single opponents. Shien practitioners were known to favor, or at least regularly utilize, reversed grips.

Whereas Shien specialized in blast-deflection, the more advanced Djem So focused on lightsaber dueling. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintained a proper foundation in terms of defense against both ranged and melee attacks, but rather than counter only when necessary as per Soresu training regimens, Djem So actively pressed the offense. Djem So placed a heavy focus on brute strength, utilizing wide, powerful strikes and parries. Power attacks from a Djem So user could even knock an opponent back just through sheer kinetic force, throwing them off balance and leaving them vulnerable to further brute force strikes and power blows that sought not just to penetrate an opponent's defense, but drive them back and leave them unable to counter.

Form VI: Niman
"Is Form VI the most worthy of study? No, but in general it is the most practical."

- Cin Drallig

Niman, the dual-blade style developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer, was named for the dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities. The style was adopted by the Legions of Lettow, a group of Dark Siders responsible for the First Great Schism of the Jedi Order. After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi, Niman was adopted by the Jedi order, eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat, referred to by the same name.

Form VI attempted to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the techniques from Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. In practice, Form VI was a combination of older forms (Forms I, III, IV, and V), and all of them in moderation. In the blending, much of the individuality was lost, but the strengths were spread evenly, and there was little weakness in it. Due to its "jack-of-all-trades" nature, the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner's intuition, improvisation, and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms. This broad generalization made Form VI well suited for diplomats, as they could spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.

Form VII: Juyo
"Six there were for generations of Jedi. The seventh, is not well-known. Powerful form it is. Deadliest of all. But dangerous it is, for its master as well as its opponent. Few have studied. One student alone, to mastery has risen."

- Yoda

Juyo was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat, and was said to be filled with both fury and "malignant grace." The form was given the title of the most difficult and demanding form in all of saber combat. Skilled combatants with Juyo were said by Jedi Master Vrook Lamar to be able to "eviscerate a lone enemy." According to the Sith Lord Darth Traya, the form was both chaotic and erratic, with a heavy focus on offense.

Jedi battlemaster Cin Drallig listed bold, direct motions as characteristics of Juyo, qualifying them as more open and kinetic than Form V, but with a less elaborate appearance than Ataru. Drallig contrasted the tactics of Juyo as not nearly as graceful or linked as those of Ataru, instead referring to them as "seemingly unconnected staccato sequences." He also listed one of the strengths of the form as its unpredictability. The form was said to necessitate greater energy than Form V, due to a broader wielding of a user's focus and a deeper emotional link. Despite the challenges inherent in the use of the form, it could serve as a pathway to considerable power.

Vaapad
"This is called Vaapad, Kar. How many arms do you see?"

- Mace Windu facing Kar Vastor in unarmed combat

Vaapad was described as more than a fighting style; it was a state of mind that led through the penumbra of the dark side, requiring the user to enjoy the fight, and relish the satisfaction of winning. The practitioner of Vaapad would accept the fury of their opponent, transforming them into one half of a superconducting loop, with the other half being the power of darkness inherent in the opponent. The form was also mentioned with a cautionary warning by the Jedi that use of Vaapad led the user perilously close to the dark side due to its focus on physical combat. Vaapad required a constant and sizable stream of Force use from the user, with a barely contained explosion of Force power essential to all variations of Form VII as another prerequisite for its use. The form's attacks appeared to be unconnected, its motions seemingly unpolished to an untrained observer.

The Unorthodox and Hybrid Fighting Methods
"Stop using the standard attacks, use the unorthodox!"

- Dooku to Grievous

Several duelists have been known to take elements of other, pre-existing fighting forms and incorporate them into their own, unique combat style. Such fighting forms have taken many shapes, from simple personalized variations of other styles, to advanced hybrid fighting forms.

A fighting method that focused tactical superiority; on using the terrain to one's advantage.
 * Sokan

Little is known of this style, though it is known that Grievous and his MagnaGuards received training in it from Dooku.
 * Lus-ma

A Jedi doctrine of avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.
 * Form "Zero"

A Sith technique of psychological warfare, utilizing taunts and telekinetic assaults to distract and demoralize opponents.
 * Dun Möch

Wielding a lightsaber with the Force and attacking from a range.
 * Telekinetic lightsaber combat

A type of aerial dueling, essentially flying lightsaber combat.
 * Trispzest

Fighting from a mounted position, either on a beast of burden or a vehicle, usually of an open cockpit design.
 * Mounted lightsaber combat

A combat style that was designed to take advantage of a lightsaber's ability to be quickly activated and deactivated.
 * Tràkata

Weapon-specific Fighting Forms
Due to the incredible variations in lightsaber technology, and the various specialized weapons available, fighting and training methods for the use of these various impliments were required.

A fighting style that focused on dual-blade combat.
 * Jar'Kai

A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Double-bladed lightsabers.
 * Double-bladed lightsaber combat

A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Lightwhips.
 * Lightwhip combat

Form-specific Maneuvers
As each of the lightsaber combat forms were self-contained martial arts styles, they each possessed moves and maneuvers unique to them.

Form I: Shii-Cho


 * Disarming Slash: A strike directed at the opponent's weapon in an attempt to rip it out of their grasp.
 * Sarlacc Sweep: A wide sweeping attack in which the duelist struck against multiple enemies.

Form II: Makashi


 * Contentious Opportunity: A tactic based upon recognizing and exploiting an opening in the opponent's defense before swiftly moving to strike the exposed enemy.
 * Makashi Riposte: A defensive technique where the duelist slightly alters the angle of an opponent's attack before quickly retaliating with a counter strike.

Form III: Soresu


 * Circle of Shelter: A technique where the duelist creates a protected area around themselves and their allies, making it difficult for enemies to penetrate.
 * Deflecting Slash: A technique where the duelist redirects the momentum generated by deflecting an enemy projectile into a slashing attack at an adjacent target.

Form IV: Ataru


 * Hawk-Bat Swoop: Was intended to allow a combatant to quickly strike their opponent without giving them a chance to react.
 * Saber Swarm: Numerous short strikes were aimed at the adversary.

Form V: Shien/ Djem So


 * Barrier of Blades: Defended the user from blasterfire and redirected some of the incoming blasts.
 * Falling Avalanche: An overhand power blow that crashed down upon an opponent with incredible force.
 * Fluid Riposte: A smooth transition from parrying an attack to a counterstrike.
 * Shien Deflection: Simultaneously deflect weapons fire and leap towards an opponent.

Form VI: Niman


 * Draw Closer: It consisted of the duelist telekinetically seizing an opponent and pulling the enemy into the path of his/her blade.
 * Pushing Slash: The duelist would slash an opponent before blasting him aside with a Force push.

Form VII: Juyo/ Vaapad


 * Assured Strike: Trading sheer power for a near-certainty of landing a hit.
 * Vornskr's Ferocity: Involved "ferocious" attacking of an opponent.
 * Swift Flank: The user leaped or dashed around an opponent to make a quick strike. The speed of the maneuver was intended to catch opponents off guard.
 * Tempered Aggression: Used to describe the ferocity of the Vaapad form, but with more control against succumbing to the dark side even in the heat of battle.

Sokan


 * High Ground Defense: Usually involves environment, 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.
 * Unhindered Charge: Rapid movement towards the opponent, ignoring difficult terrain and obstacles.

Niman/ Jar'Kai


 * Twin Strike: A duel-wielding strike that the character simultaneously swings both lightsabers to act as a strong-attack. Both lightsabers meet the target or object.
 * Rising Whirlwhind: A duelist swings his lightsabers about his body, creating a brilliant whirlwind.

'''Tràkata


 * Pass The Blade: The duelist deactivated his blade as he attacks, bypassing the opponent's block before igniting it into the hapless foe.
 * Unbalancing Block: The duelist caught the opponent's blade with his own before momentarily deactivating it, causing the opponent to stumble and leave himself open.

Trispzest


 * Spinning attack: The flying duelist would hover in one spot and spin wildly, lashing out at multiple opponents.