Lightsaber Combat

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Spoiler:

"Six there were for generations of Jedi. The seventh, is not well-known."

- Yoda

Each Jedi chooses the style of lightsaber combat that best suits him or her. For example, Grand Master Yoda used the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height (though he mastered all seven classic forms); Mace Windu used Vaapad to turn his inner darkness into a weapon of the light; Count Dooku's practice of the Makashi form fit first of all his intention to frequently engage in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and second his emphasis on class and elegance as well as precision. Jedi learn elements of each form, though few ever master all of them.

Form I: Shii-Cho

"Way of the Sarlacc" or "Determination Form"

Form I is the most basic of the seven forms and is learned by every Jedi Youngling. Shii-Cho includes the fundamental elements of all the lightsaber forms, including the basic attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities.

Form II: Makashi

"Way of the Ysalamir" or "Contention Form"

Form II represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Masters of Makashi develop unique offenses and defenses and train studiously against having their sabers taken or damaged.

Form III: Soresu

"Way of the Mynock" or "Resilience Form"

Form III was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy. Soresu's emphasis on tight, efficient movements that expose very minimal target areas make it the most defensive and passive of the seven forms.

Form IV: Ataru

"Way of the Hawk-Bat" or "Aggression Form"

Form IV is the most acrobatic of all the forms and requires a Jedi to first master the Force Run, Jump, and Spin abilities. By incorporating all the Force powers that allow a Jedi to exceed standard norms of physical abilities, Jedi may resemble nothing less than a blur when using this style.

Form V: Shien/Djem So

"Way of the Krayt Dragon" or "Perseverance Form"

Form V was also created in response to the advancement and frequency of blaster use in the galaxy. Unlike the strictly defensive style Soresu, Shien exploits the ability of a lightsaber to block blaster bolts and deflect them back at an opponent in a counter-attack maneuver. In a duel, the Djem So variation of this form, which focused on strength, would be used.

Form VI: Niman

"Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form"

Form VI seeks to balance the emphasis of forms I through V. Niman allows a Jedi to fight with harmony and justice without having to resort to powerful, aggressive movements or overt emotion.

Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad

"Way of the Vornskr" or "Ferocity Form"

Juyo instead employs bold, direct movements, more open and kinetic than form V, but not so elaborate as the acrobatic form Ataru. Juyo requires greater energy and intensity out of the practitioner because his focus is wielded more broadly and draws upon from a deeper well of emotion; while the outward bearing of a Form VII practitioner is one of calm, the inner pressure verges on explosive. It was also considered to be the most dangerous in regard to falling to the Dark Side, because it required a certain amount of enjoyment in the fight from the person experiencing it.

The seven forms are not merely swordplay moves, they represent seven different kinds of philosophy. In addition, a lightsaber was not necessary to execute the seven forms: each form could be applied in unarmed combat. Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Kit Fisto had demonstrated such talent during the Battle of Haruun Kal and the Bio-Droid Threat, respectively.