Tràkata

Created by a Jedi Consular in the days of the Old Republic to compensate weaknesses with lightsaber, Tràkata was a form of lightsaber combat developed for taking advantage of a lightsaber blade's ability to be turned on and off, a unique quality in a melee weapon. Quickly shutting off then re-igniting the blade could cause confusion in one's opponents, allowing for diversionary feints in combat. Mixed with Jar'Kai, Tràkata was extremely effective, even against multiple opponents. Sith Lords would occasionally use this form to free their blade hand, allowing greater control of some force powers, such as Force lightning.

Description
Philosophically, Tràkata involved practical combat and deception, rather than single minded determination or endless patience. It was rarely used by the Sith, since the power of the Sith came from passion rather than practicality, and neither was it commonly used by the Jedi, because of their unwillingness to rely on deception. The latter may, however, have utilized this technique on occasion, their purpose usually being to exert greater influence over the Force.

Known moves and maneuvers
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.

Applications
At least two members of the Old Jedi Order were known to employ this or a similar technique: Obi-Wan Kenobi, during his final lightsaber duel with the infamous Sith Lord, Darth Vader; and Jedi Master Kao Cen Darach, to great effect during the lightsaber duel in which he, too, lost his life, with Sith Lord Vindican and his apprentice, Malgus.

Members of the New Jedi Order known to employ this technique include Jedi Master Mara Jade Skywalker. Jedi Master Corran Horn used a variant of this technique during the Yuuzhan Vong War, one notable occurrence being while he was battling Shedao Shai on Ithor. During the battle, Horn and Shai were locked in combat, and Horn deactivated his lightsaber, then reignited it into Shedao Shai, killing the temporary Supreme Commander. During her duel with Ben Skywalker, Sith apprentice Tahiri Veila used this technique to great effect. Skywalker forced her lightsaber aside, so Tahiri switched her lightsaber off and on so fast Skywalker barely had time to react, allowing her to extend the blade to where his throat had been just moments before.

Known practitioners

 * Chamma
 * Obi-Wan Kenobi
 * Corran Horn
 * Exar Kun
 * Galen Marek
 * Darth Sidious
 * Luke Skywalker
 * Mara Jade Skywalker
 * Darth Traya
 * Tahiri Veila
 * Kao Cen Darach (Possibly)

Behind the scenes
Tràkata was a fanon creation that was brought into continuity by the Star Wars Roleplaying Game Saga Edition Core Rulebook.

Although not an official form in Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, turning off Jaden Korr's lightsaber increased the potency of Force lightning, Force Grip, and Force Push, which can be seen as use of Tràkata.

In Star Wars: Battlefront II, Darth Sidious fights with Tràkata to free his blade hand and use Force lightning.

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: The Freedon Nadd Uprising
 * Return
 * Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game
 * Dark Empire audio drama
 * The New Jedi Order: Dark Tide II: Ruin
 * Legacy of the Force: Invincible
 * Legacy of the Force: Invincible