Tràkata

Tràkata was a form of lightsaber combat. It took 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. Sith Lords would occasionally use this form to free their blade hand, allowing greater control of some force powers, such as Force Lightning.

Philosophically, Tràkata involves practical combat and deception, rather than single minded determination or endless patience. It is rarely used by the Sith, since the power of the Sith comes from passion rather than practicality, and it is rarely used by the Jedi since they try not to rely on deception, unless they need to exert greater influence over the Force.

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 ignited it again into Shedao Shai killing the temporary Supreme Commander.

Jaden Korr may have used this form to amplify certain force powers.

Another possible example of a Jedi using Tràkata was during the Battle of Geonosis; after his duel with Count Dooku, Yoda switches off his lightsaber in order to have enough influence over the Force to save Anakin and Obi-Wan. Arguably, the fight was over, but the application is the same.

Known practitioners

 * Corran Horn
 * Mara Jade Skywalker
 * Yoda
 * Darth Sidious
 * Exar Kun
 * Tahiri Veila

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

Although not an official form in Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, turning off Jaden'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 Storm.

Appearances

 * ''Dark Tide II: Ruin
 * ''Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Invincible
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II