Lightsaber Forms
At each successive level (Initiate - Apprentice- Knight - Master - Council Member - Grand Master) a Jedi may learn one of the seven forms of the Old Jedi Order, or one of the three forms of the New Jedi Order if a current or former member, and a weapon-specific or other form. The same rules and concepts apply to the Sith and their equivalents. The Seven Forms of the Old Jedi Order The original lightsaber form, Shii-Cho is the basic foundation upon which all other lightsaber forms are built. Thusly, any Force organization that utilizes lightsaber weaponry teaches this form to its new members. Based largely on the principles of sword-fighting, it is a simplistic form, encouraging deliberate tactics and calling for continuous, step-by-step advancement through wide, sweeping motions. It is ideally suited for multiple adversaries. Form II Makashi"The Way of the Ysalamiri" Developed during the Second Great Schism, Makashi is an improvement of Shii-Cho, relying on precise swordplay and focusing on protecting one's weapon. Requiring fluid movements of both weapon and body, timing, accuracy, and skill are the traits necessary for development. Makashi users rely on blade manipulation, and as such, many have taken to using a curved-hilt lightsaber, but some have been known to prefer the rare Lightfoil; both of which are often ornate in nature. A Makashi practitioner is often elegant, precise, calm, and confident; often carrying an arrogant nature and seemingly dance during a duel. It is ideally suited for a single, lightsaber-wielding opponent. Form III Soresu"The Way of the Mynock" Developed to counter blaster-wielding opponents, it is a form of defense; tight moves, subtle dodges, and short sweeps define the form. Many users can fight for hours, if not more, as the form utilizes as little of energy as possible due to all of the movements of Soresu staying close to the body. Training stresses quick reflexes and faction positional transitions. It is ideally suited for a blaster-wielding opponent. Form IV Ataru"The Way of the Hawk-Bat" An aggressive form, Ataru users are always on the attack, using wide, fast, and powerful swings, constantly using the Force to aid their attacks and movements. Many are known to overcome physical limitations due to the high use of the Force, and even surpass physical performance not otherwise possible, but this comes with the drawback of not being able to utilize many Force powers during lightsaber combat. Ataru users focus on the application and smooth transition between the three axis of rotation in space. It is ideally suited for a single opponent. Form V Shien"The Way of the Krayt Dragon" The Shien form was created by Soresu masters who desired a more offensive style, combining Soresu with Makashi. It requires more physical strength than Soresu or Makashi, and is distinguished by many of its practitioners utilizing a reverse grip. It is ideally suited for multiple blaster-wielding opponents. Form V Djem So Form VI Niman"The Way of the Rancor" Actually a form seen in use by the Legions of Lettow during the First Great Schism, Niman was eventually adopted by the Jedi, and refined into the form known today. It is, in essence, a hybrid form, in that it combines Shii-Cho, Makashi, Soresu, Ataru, Shien, and Djem So into one form. The "jack-of-all-trades" form, it spreads the strengths of all the forms, while having little weakness in it. Through this it is also the least draining of the forms and requires the least amount of training, relying on intuition, improvisation, and creativity. Form VII Juyo"The Way of the Vornskr" The most vicious of lightsaber combat, it is the most difficult and demanding of all in lightsaber combat. Juyo practitioners can "eviscerate a lone enemy", in the words of Master Vrook Lamar, and utilize a chaotic and erratic style that heavily focuses on offense. Juyo utilizes bold and direct motions which are open and kinetic, but not as elaborate as those of Ataru; utilizing unconnected staccato sequences. It is strengthened by its unpredictability, and taps heavily into a users focus and emotions. It is a controversial form among the Jedi for its use of emotion in combat, and some consider its use a violation of the Jedi Code. Form VII Vaapad
The most controversial of lightsaber forms, it was developed by Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Sora Bulq, and taught only to Jedi Masters Depa Billaba and Quinlan Vos (unintentionally), in the final days of the Jedi Order, in order to complete Juyo; although is it believed that Sith Battlemaster Kas'im began the initial work on the development of the form. Vaapad is considered the most dangerous and powerful lightsaber form in a nearly universal fashion by Force users, in many different ways. Vaapad feeds on the Dark Side emotions of the user, and connects with the similar emotions of one's opponents, feeding the power of the form. Vaapad required fast and fluid movements, which interconnected with one another to form a symphony of movements that make it appear that the user is wielding multiple weapons. It is tranlateable to the various weapons-based forms, in theory, and was known to be developed for unarmed combat as well by Master Windu. It, like the rest of the Seven Forms, continue to exist thanks to information contained within Holocrons found by the New Jedi Order. The Three Forms of the New Jedi Order One of three styles developed and widely used by the New Jedi Order, the Strong Style is marked by powerful, strength-based strike meant to batter through an opponent's defense. The Strong Style is often used by offensively minded Jedi, but this is a norm not a rule. The Strong Style is noted for drawing upon the Djem So, Juyo, Shii-Cho, Makashi, and Ataru forms of the Old Jedi Order. It's slow movement is often counteracted by the use of Force Speed. Medium Style One of three styles developed and widely used by the New Jedi Order, the Medium Style is marked by its balance between the Strong and Fast Styles, using slower, stronger movements than the Fast Style while relying upon the chaining effect of the Fast Style. It is often the first form taught to Initiates and Apprentices, with their choice of either following the Medium Style or learning one or both of the other three forms up to them later in their training. The Medium Style is noted for drawing upon the Shii-Cho, Niman, and Ataru forms of the Old Jedi Order. Fast Style One of three styles developed and widely used by the New Jedi Order, the Fast Style is marked by short, quick movements that are almost always chained and combined together for a nearly indefinite period. The Fast Style is often used by defensively minded Jedi, but this is a norm not a rule. The Fast Style is noted for drawing upon the Ataru, Soresu, and Shien forms of the Old Jedi Order. Weapon-Specific Forms Jar'Kai Dual-Phase Lightsaber Combat Double-Bladed Lightsaber Combat Guard Shoto Combat Crossguard Lightsaber Combat Lightsaber Pike Combat Sabercane Combat Lightclub Combat Lightwhip Combat Other Forms TrĂ kata Sokan Mounted Lightsaber Combat Telekinetic Lightsaber Combat Hybrid Form |