Hey everybody and welcome to Leia’s Lair. Today’s episode we have combined the videos
on lightsaber combat Forms 1 through 7 in canon. Enjoy!
Form I also know as Shii-Cho The Way of the Sarlacc, or The Determination Form was developed
by the Jedi and is the oldest and most introductory form of lightsaber combat. This combat form
was taught to all Jedi of the Jedi Order.
Compared to the other forms, Form 1 was considered direct, even simplistic. However, because
of its simplicity, it remained a popular form for Padawans throughout their training and
full Jedi Knights continued to practice the form throughout the order's history. For Jedi
with full command of multiple forms, Form I often served as a last resort when others
failed, or in situations that rendered more specialized forms impractical.
The origins of Form I are unclear, likely due to the amount of time that has passed
since it was created. It was possible that Form I was originally seen as the only effective
or proper way to wield a lightsaber, it was also possible that Form I represented the
synthesis of several styles of lightsaber combat that arose at the same time.
Form I focused on direct attacks over acrobatic mobility making it appear aggressive. However
this was misleading as Form I required a calm and collected methodical approach. Users of
Form I would attack frequently in order to take advantage of any opening presented by
their foe. They usually intended to disarm an opponent, instead of hurting them.
They would always return to a defensive stance after each strike, and made extensive use
of parries. Form I was a balance of defence and offence and it advocated for the philosophy
that "the defeat of a foe without inflicting serious injury as the highest form of victory".
Notable users of Form I were Kit Fisto and the Grand Inquisitor.
Form II also known as Makashi was the second form of lightsaber combat invented by the
Jedi Order. It is considered the most graceful and elegant form of lightsaber combat. Form
II arose in direct response to the appearance of enemies who also carried lightsabers, the
Sith. Specifically, the omnidirectional “edge” of an enemies lightsaber, as well as its lack
of mass, opened up new attacks that Form I simply could not counter.
As the Sith were the first truly equal foe to the Jedi, both sides looked for ways in
which they could gain an advantage over the other. This included adding a second lightsaber,
something that the techniques of Form I were completely unsuited to. While Form II began
to develop, using two lightsabers still felt awkward, which led to the emergence of the
shoto style saber.
Form II is strongly focused on one on one combat and it’s defensive maneuvers reflected
that. If Form II users were faced against multiple foes, other lightsaber techniques
could be used. Form II required immense precision and placed a high focus on avoiding being
disarmed, while disarming one’ s opponent.
Of all the lightsaber combat forms, Form II encouraged personalization by the practitioner,
and placed a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of the duel.
The most notable user of Form II was Count Dooku. He would go onto teaching Asajj Ventress
the combat form, though hers was less elegant looking. Another notable user was Ki-Adi Mundi.
Form III, also known as Soresu, the Way of the Mynock, or the Resilience Form was the
third form of lightsaber combat created by the Jedi Order. Form III arose when there
was a widespread emergence of blasters as an offensive weapon in the galaxy.
It was created as a way to counter blaster fire, something that Form I was ineffective
at doing and something that Form II’s techniques completely lacked. What was key in the use
of Form III was a lightsabers ability to deflect blaster fire back at an opponent.
Form III was the most defensive of the seven lightsaber forms and its intent was to provide
near total protection and minimize exposure to ranged fire. Its stances presented a minimal
target to an opponent, and also limited the area the Soresu practitioner had to defend
with lightsaber parries and blocks.
Form III made use of tight moves, subtle dodges and efficient parries. It stressed quick reflexes,
and fast positional transitions, with a lightsaber that would move every second. If executed
proficiently, Form III could be used against single or multiple opponents with blasters
or lightsabers.
Users of Form III had the ability to control combat situations, allowing them to choose
whether they killed, disarmed, or reasoned with their opponent. The form was considered
to be quite well-rounded, facilitated survival compared to victory and depended on outlasting
one’s opponents.
Notable canon users of Form III were Obi-Wan Kenobi, Depa Billaba, Kanan Jarrus, Barriss
Offee, Luminara Unduli, and the Grand Inquisitor.
Form IV, also known as Ataru, or The Aggression Form was the fourth form of lightsaber combat
invented by the Jedi Order. An acrobatic combat style, Form IV could be used to defend against
incoming projectiles but was best suited for open spaces and attacking.
It was developed centuries after Form III, and in many ways is the direct opposite of
Form III. Form IV focuses almost exclusively on offense, with practitioners seeking to
end a fight as quickly as possible versus outlasting their foe. Compared to Form I,
Form IV placed greater emphasis on the use of the Force to enhance movement in all aspects
of combat.
Instead of using continuous strikes and waiting for an opening, Form IV sought to end a fight
swiftly by rapidly overpowering the foe with a flurry of blows. The form was incredibly
demanding physically, and prolonged application could exhaust any practitioner.
The practitioner would use parries, blocks and other defensive techniques to protect
themselves long enough to close in on their opponent and use a flurry of attacks. In overcoming
the offensive limitations of Soresu, Form IV admitted equally significant defensive
limitations.
Practitioners of Form IV used leaps and somersaults to attack their enemies from a variety of
angles, and as such Form IV was best executed in open areas where space was substantial.
Although all Jedi drew on the Force in their mastery of lightsaber combat, Form IV featured
many movements that were clearly impossible without using the Force, even for the most
athletically accomplished sentients.
Form IV was best used in one on one lightsaber combat. If the practitioner was faced with
multiple opponents or opponents with blasters, other lightsaber combat forms could be used.
Without doing so, even the most skilled Form IV experts could scarcely hope to defeat all
foes before a blast or blade penetrated their meager defenses
Notable practitioners of Form IV are Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Ezra Bridger, Aayla Secura,
and the Grand Inquisitor.
Form V, also known by its two main disciplines Shien and Djem So was the fifth form of lightsaber
combat used by members of the Jedi Order. The Shien discipline made use of a reverse
grip, and the Djem So variant utilized solid defending immediately followed by a strong
counter attack.
Form V as a whole was developed by Form III practitioners who felt they needed to be more
offensive. While they still valued the defensiveness of Form 3, they sought a form that could better
incorporate offensive attacks.
Shien was the first variant of Form V to appear. Similar to Soresu, Shien sought an effective
combat style to oppose the continued occurrence of blasters throughout the galaxy. Shien’s
main goal in this sense was to not only stop blaster fire, but also to reflect them back
at the enemies who were firing them. This technique would prove to be both useful and
effective, so much so that virtually all Jedi incorporated it into their combat regardless
of their form.
The Djem So variant of Form V was developed centuries later to address the form’s inadequacies
in melee combat. Djem So emphasized defense against melee attacks, particularly by foes
wielding lightsabers. The principles and approach, however, were largely the same as Shien, and
the maneuvers and techniques that did vary were not adequately different to mark Djem
So as a distinct form.
Shien and Djem So sought to control the momentum of battle, cleverly using whatever circumstances
arose to their advantage. Most practitioners of Form V practiced both Shien and Djem So
techniques to remain prepared for any type of foe, though practitioners might have favored
one over the other
Notable practitioners of Form V are Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Aayla Secura, Adi
Gallia, Khaat Qiyn, and the Grand Inquisitor.
Form 6, also known as Nimanwas the sixth form of lightsaber combat used by members of the
Jedi Order. It was the last form of lightsaber combat to gain widespread acceptance by the
Jedi Order. By the time of the Clone Wars, Form 6 was the most common form of lightsaber
combat in use.
Form 6 was a hybrid of the previous 5 forms. By taking qualities from each of the other
lightsaber combat forms, Form 6 avoided many of the weaknesses present in those forms.
However, because it took so many qualities from Forms 1-5, Form 6 never achieved the
full potential and strengths seen in the other forms. Consequently, some Jedi considered
Form 6 a diluted form of lightsaber combat.
Form 6 could be used to combine double-bladed lightsaber combat with other Force abilities,
like pushes and lifts. Specifically, it made extensive use of the Force to hinder an opponents
movements. Such techniques could bring opponents within range for a lightsaber strike or push
them away as a defensive move.
Form 6 emphasized balance and harmony, and was not as deadly as the other lightsaber
combat forms. This was done intentionally by its creators, as they sought to master
a style of lightsaber combat that could achieve victory without dominating the opponent. They
wanted to defend themselves and even deliver justice without the temptation of power
Form 6 was significantly less physically demanding than other forms, likely because of its focus
on Force Powers over bladework. Because of this, it was an attractive option for Jedi
who wished to commit their energies to studies of areas outside of the martial. In battle
with opponents who used other lightsaber forms, a user of Form 6 would have to make greater
use of Force Powers than was normally seen in lightsaber combat.
Notable canon users of Form 6 are Darth Maul and the Grand Inquisitor.
Form 7, known primarily by its two disciplines, Juyo and Vaapad, and also known as the Ferocity
Form, was the seventh form of lightsaber combat. It was known to be the most aggressive and
controversial form of lightsaber combat.
The first discipline, Juyo, began development millenia before Form 7 was formalized and
likely came from techniques that were rejected from Shii-Cho. Juyo was an intensely aggressive
form, more so than any other form of combat. However, what truly made it different was
the emotional state it elicited and required.
Juyo made use of a highly aggressive offense that required the practitioner to actively
draw on their negative emotions to fuel the assault. Eventually, the form would be forbidden
by the Jedi council. While this prohibition would relax to some extent, Form 7 would never
be widely practiced again, except for those who received special permission or defied
the council.
Juyo required the practitioner to channel the force with every movement and strike.
This in turn made Juyo incredibly dangerous to both the enemy and the practitioner. With
a strong focus on negative emotional states, it would bring the practitioner extremely
close to the dark side.
The second discipline of Form 7 was Vaapad. It was created in the final years of the Jedi
Order and was the only variant of Form 7 to be recognized by the Jedi Council. Practitioners
of Vaapad drew on their anger and passion, but never gave in to them.
Compared with the other lightsaber forms, which directed warriors to master their emotions,
Vaapad's approach was dangerous. However, it was not as reckless as Juyo's manner of
employing unchecked aggression. Vaapad was a clear example of Form 7. The practitioner
fought with controlled fury, laying about with a combination of frenzied, rapid strikes
and powerful blows.
Notable canon users of Form 7 are Mace Windu, Depa Bilaba, Darth Maul and the Grand Inquisitor.
If you are interested in knowing which combat form you would use, check out one of my many
quizzes here.
And there you have it! Thanks for watching everyone. What did you think about this video?
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