DescriptionThe 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 utilizes 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 transcend this basic origin and become an expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy.
The core tenets of Soresu encourage duelists to place themselves "within the eye of the storm;" that is to maintain a calm center, undisturbed by the conflict around them. Thus, Soresu commands powerful defensive techniques that seem to adapt to almost any circumstance, at the cost of never reaching past the figurative eye of the storm. In other words, those who study this style use the primarily defensive technique to wear down aggressive opponents by defending against long onslaughts with minimal counter-attacking; enduring rather than overcoming. They wait until their adversary spends most of their energy, then employ an alternate, more aggressive attack to take advantage of inevitable lapses in the opponent's own defense.
Soresu utilizes motions that occur 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 stresses quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique minimizes the body's exposure, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible, which allows Soresu to be effective against single enemies or multiple opponents. Form III involves preparation for prolonged battles where the user observes and learns 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 has the ability to gain control of a combat situation, creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form. A Form III user can choose to kill, disarm, or even reason with their opponent.
Truly focused masters of Soresu are extremely formidable due to their strong defensive technique, as well as the well-rounded nature of the form itself, effective against both blasters and lightsabers. However, Form III merely facilitates survival rather than victory. Form III initiates are more than capable of defending themselves from attack, but they need a large amount of experience to learn how to effectively counter-attack and entrap opponents. Masters have to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the center of the combat circle, since the defensive tactics of the form include guards and parries engaged very close to the body. Jedi with small lapses in their otherwise strong defense leave little room to avoid injury.
Also, the goal of many Soresu practitioners is to prolong the fight, the idea being to cause the enemy to become fatigued or frustrated as they attempt to keep up their offense. However, this tactic can easily backfire upon the user, as he himself becomes fatigued trying to keep up a defense against an aggressive, though cautious, adversary.
Known Moves and ManeuversSoresu Opening Stance: The opening stance features the blade held back in a one-handed grip, extended forwards, while the opposing arm is held parallel to the blade in challenge. The dominant foot is held back.
Form III Brace-Ready Stance: This position has much in common with the "Ataru guard." The blade is held vertical on the dominant side in a two-handed grip for greater blade control, the dominant foot placed back while the other is extended forwards and to the side.
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.
