Star Wars: A Compendium of Lightsaber Combat & Forms

STAR WARS: A COMPENDIUM OF LIGHTSABER COMBAT & FORMS

This is done for those that wish to see the Lightsaber Combat/Forms in very generalized understanding as far as current cannon goes, granted there is a tad bit of Legends/EU to these assumptions as well. Just the same as the other Compendiums these are for people who do not wish to browse through Wookiepedia articles for hours trying to find exactly what they need, whether they need it for D&D/Roleplay character, Fanfics, Donut Steel Characters/Comics/Stories, or what have you.

FORM I: SHII-CHO

The oldest and most rudimentary form of Lightsaber Combat developed by the Jedi Order.  Very rarely used, unless all other Forms had failed. Typically developed with very basic motions, parries and target zones, meant to disarm rather than injure. It was not as effective with Lightsaber-to-Lightsaber combat. Due to the Forms extension of traditional fighting styles, it required great restrain in order to not be lethal, a very simplistic and raw form,  yet graceful in its practitioner by Jedi Masters. Typically also used for engaging multiple opponents, due to basic wide, sweeping motions. Target Zones included 6 areas. The Head, Right Arm and Side, Left Arm and Side, Back, Right Leg, and Left Leg.

Based Roughly on Kendo.

FORM II: MAKASHI

Used to address to the problems of Form I, Makashi was a very dueling specific style, relying on precision and efficiency more-so than Form I. A very graceful combat style, used with fluidity and precision, so much so that it allowed the user to stay focused and to typically prevent disarmament. Useful when dueling single-opponents. Serving as a counter to Form I. Curved-hilt lightsabers were typically designed with this Form in mind.

Based Roughly on Fencing.

FORM III: SORESU/WAY OF THE MYNOCK

A very defensive oriented variant of Form II. Soresu dealt in close-quarters combat, letting the opponent tire out due to fatigue before taking advantage. One of the Forms used for deflecting Blaster Fire. Highly controversial Form as it focused on survival and defense rather than victory and offense. The Form focused on very subtle movements and dodges to a pragmatic degree. It required a high degree of finesse, reflexes, and positional transitions. The opening stance of the Form was a one-handed grip angled towards the outward facing left arm held parallel, the off-hand held up in challenge. It had much in common with the Ataru guard stance.

Based Roughly on Naginatajutsu & Posta di donna la sinestra

FORM IV: ATARU

The most acrobatic of the Lightsaber Forms, used heavily in open spaces, and to deflect incoming projectiles. Highly effective against single opponents, but very weak in prolonged combat and confined spaces. Characteristics of this Form were its fast, powerful strikes from multiple directions, somersaults and leaping strikes for both attack and defense. Most users were always on the offensive, like a blur to their opponents, fluid in motion. The opening stance of Ataru was typically vertically held with two hands to either side. Less effective than Soresu when deflecting blaster bolts and the second most aggressive Form. Adjustments were made to the Form by Anakin Skywalker.

Based Roughly on Possta di dente zenchairo mazana

FORM V: SHIEN/DJEM SO

The last form taught to Padawans among the Jedi. This form utilized deflecting blaster fire back at opponents, turning defense into offense. A variant of Form III due to its prolonged time in combat, utilizing counter strikes. More adept at handling blaster fire than Lightsaber-to-Lightsaber combat. The Shien side was typically used for blaster fire, while the Djem So side was used for parries and turning the opponents attacks against them. Typically seen as a combination of Form III’s defense and Form II’s offense, developed alongside Ataru. The opening stance of Form V was a high guard position with the lightsaber above one’s head and angled backwards. Few however used a reverse grip, exposing the front, which was considered unorthodox and controversial. This did however allow them to use of wide sweeping motions.

Based Roughly on Kendo

FORM VI: NIMAN

A combination of the other Lightsaber Forms. It exercised moderation between all aspects of offense and defense. It had no particular advantage or disadvantage. Typically used for those that focused on the Force for combat rather than the skills of the blade, as the Form was easy to master. The blade was typically held out from one’s body with an open handed style, to allow for the use of Force Pushes, Force Lifts, and a variety of other Force related techniques. It however suffered from problems in open-spaces. It would later be used as an effective form for Double-Bladed Lightsabers as it covered most basic grounds of footwork and practicality on offense and defense.

Based Roughly on various things.

FORM VII: VAAPAD/JUYO

The most aggressive of the Lightsaber forms. It allowed the user to accept their opponent’s aggression and counter it two-fold. Typically banned from Jedi use, due to the Forms immense amount of fury. The Forms was highly exertive on the user, as it demanded great focus and emotion. Usually described as unpredictable and paradoxical. Juyo was the most vicious of Lightsaber forms as it demanded fury, grace, and emotion. This led to the Jedi feeling that it went against their Code, with some seeing as “The Sith Style”. Vaapad was seen as the state of mind of Form VII, letting a calm exterior around the individual to hide their intent and fury. Many see the form as having weaknesses for the Jedi as it needs the dark side’s fury to wield to its max potential.

Based Roughly on unpredictable styles, sometimes seen as Drunken Fist mixed with Fencing

FORM VIII: JAR’KAI (May or may not be considered a Form)

A method of utilizing two lightsabers in combat, whether they be single-bladed or double-bladed. Originally developed as Form VI, Niman, Jar’Kai became an off-shoot and generalized blanket term for dual-bladed combat. Typically viewed as a combination of Niman and Ataru Forms. Similar to Niman in that it uses a very moderate series of offense and defense, and just as easily adapted. In current canon, it seems to be its own thing and rarely used by those of Niman and Ataru for dual-bladed combat. Ahsoka for instance seems to utilize a combination of Form V and Form VI, while Asajj Ventress seems to utilize a combination of Form IV and Form VI. It can be assumed that Jar’Kai has a Form dedicated to each Lightsaber which is used in combination with each other.

Based Roughly on various things, Rapier/Fencing, Niten Ichi-Ryu, Double Baston, Krabi Krabong, etc.