The Seven Forms

Description

Ataru is an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of power, strength, and speed. Practitioners of Ataru are always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings. Form IV practitioners constantly call upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body, they can overcome their physical limitations (including old age, as was the case with Master Yoda) and perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the attacks and strikes of their opponents. Jedi utilizing Ataru need to incorporate all the Force powers that involve surpassing normal physical ranges of motion, speed, and agility in order to be successful. Running, jumping, and spinning are all emphasized in learning the elaborate kinetics of the form.

Those who use Form IV could move at high speeds and can rain strong blows, jumping and attacking through the air. Powerful and quick spinning attacks can be utilized from all angles, either from ground or air. A master in Ataru combat can appear like a blur to their opponents, attacking from all directions—from the front, the sides, overhead, or behind. The Force not only allows them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise, but it also helps guide their actions and movements in combat.

Known Moves and Maneuvers

The opening stance for Ataru is a balanced two-handed guard: holding the lightsaber vertically with both palms, either on the right or left side of the body. One technique employed with greater effect by Ataru users is the Hawk-Bat Swoop. When utilized by Ataru practitioners, it is intended to allow a combatant to quickly strike their opponent without giving them a chance to react, and then escape before they have a chance to retaliate. Another move that Ataru users can use effectively is dubbed the Saber Swarm, where numerous short strikes are aimed at the adversary. Ataru wielders are able to execute this combination with particular skill. Both the Hawk-Bat Swoop and the Saber Swarm are related to the Falling Leaf technique, and they gained in popularity during the New Sith Wars.