Form IV/Legends

Form IV: Ataru was the fourth form of the seven forms of lightsaber combat.

The master practitioners of the Way of the Hawk-Bat made extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought not physically possible. This form was created during the last centuries of the Old Republic. Yoda was a master of Form IV, as shown in his duels against Count Dooku respectively. Obi-Wan Kenobi, though already very advanced in the art, abandoned his Ataru training in favor of Form III because he felt that the death of his master demonstrated a fatal flaw in this form - that is, its lack of defense. Aayla Secura was also a master of Ataru; Quinlan Vos had taught Aayla Form IV. Palpatine used a Sith variant of this form, which included stabs and wide swings, as shown in his duels against Mace Windu and Yoda.

In dire situations, Form IV practitioners used the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very fast and very high, masters of Form IV were 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 physicality, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age. Due to its aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies; however, it is not very wise to use Ataru when outnumbered due to its extreme aggressiveness, and subsequently, lack of all around defense.

Behind the Scenes
In the novelization of the Revenge of the Sith, Ataru is misspelt as Ataro.

For more Information on lightsaber combat, and a list of Sources see lightsaber combat.