[Information found on Wikipedia and Wookiepedia]The Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat
According to Star Wars: Attack of the Clones The Visual Dictionary, each Jedi chooses the style of lightsaber combat that best suits him or her. For example, the shorter Master Yoda uses the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height, as well as to take advantage of his nearly limitless amount of Force power; Mace Windu uses Vaapad to tap into his anger and employ it constructively (without giving himself over to the dark side); Count Dooku's practice of the Makashi form fits his intention to frequently engage in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat as well as his emphasis on class, elegance and precision. The Jedi Exile from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II was an expert in many of these forms but never relied on just one. While not always, lightsaber styles are generally taught to the students by the Jedi Battlemasters.
Form I: Shii-Cho
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
According to an article in Star Wars Insider magazine, Younglings, the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Master. Younglings are taught Shii-Cho first because of its simplicity and versatility. In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the Younglings that can be seen being taught by Yoda to deflect light blaster bolts are in the beginning stages of Form I. It is probably based on basic fighting techniques from Kendo.
Sometimes called the ideal form, Form I used horizontal side-swipes and parries made with the blade of the lightsaber held upright to push the point of an enemy's blade away during a side-to-side attack. If the attack is a downward slash aimed at the head, Form I simply reversed the motion, with a horizontally-held lightsaber being moved up and down to deflect a blow. All the basic ideals of attack, parry, target zones, and practice drills were created with the Form I style.
Form I, like the other forms of lightsaber combat, includes the following basic techniques and concepts:
* Attack: a set of strikes aimed at different body zones
* Parry: a set of blocks to thwart any attack in the specified body zones
* Body target zones (1, head; 2, left arm; 3, right arm; 4, back; 5, left leg; 6, right leg)
* Training drills called velocities
There were only a few known masters of Form I in the Star Wars universe: the best known being Kit Fisto and Cin Drallig. Obi-Wan Kenobi used elements of Shii-Cho even though he was "The Master of Soresu". Though Kit Fisto was a master of Shii-Cho, he could not defeat Palpatine with it. Based on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, the Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails. Many Jedi and Sith are known to use more than one Lightsaber form.
Known Practitioners: Kit Fisto, Cin Drallig, Stass Allie, Jedi Younglings (Very Basics)
Form II: MakashiAfter Form I's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form II came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his opponent tires himself out.
The form relies on parries, thrusts, and small, precise cuts—as opposed to the blocking and slashing of the other forms. The blade manipulation required for this form is very refined and requires much focus, but the results are extremely potent. However, as ranged weapons such as blasters come into play, the advantages of this form become less useful, but this form of lightsaber combat is still potent against multiple opponents.
Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, allowing the Jedi to attack and defend with minimal effort. Although many Jedi historians considered Form II to be the ultimate refinement in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it was dropped in favor of Form III combat when blaster weapons became prevalent in the galaxy.
In the time near the Clone Wars, the Jedi Order seldom practices this technique. There is little lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat involved in a Jedi's life, so Jedi Masters have found it impractical.
Darth Tyranus (also known as Count Dooku), from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, has mastered Form II to the highest degree, fighting with the precision built into the ancient technique. When he wields this form, it devastates the Jedi; the system of Jedi training at the time of confrontation between Darth Tyranus and other Jedi does not prepare the Jedi for the precise movements of a form bred for lightsaber dueling. Former Separatist general Sev'rance Tann was also a practitioner of Form II. It is also possible that General Grievous was also a practitioner of this form since he was trained by Count Dooku, although Mace Windu told Obi-Wan Kenobi that Grievous was a practitioner of all lightsaber combat forms in the novelization of Revenge of the Sith due to his adaptive combat capabilities.
In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Count Dooku mentioned that Master Tholme had kept up his dueling skills better than most of the Order who trained to deflect blaster bolts; thus suggests Tholme as another possible candidate of Makashi.
While it has been suggested that this style is based on the Spanish style of fencing, "La Verdadera Destreza," (which is based on classical philosophy and mathematics including the works of Aristotle, Euclid, and Pythagoras), this is highly unlikely, given that La Verdadera greatly emphasized the thrust over any sort of cutting attack. Makashi users are elegant, precise, calm, and confident to the point of arrogance. Form II users have extreme faith in their chances for victory, and often look so relaxed while fighting that it appears that they are dancing. The biggest flaw in Makashi is that it will not hold off heavy attacks, such as from Djem-So (Count Dooku got extremely tired while fighting Anakin Skywalker in the Episode III novelization) or from multiple enemies/attacks.
Form II is believed to have died out with Count Dooku's death, as there is no record of its instruction after the Clone Wars in Luke Skywalker's new Jedi order.
Known practitioners: Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus, Darth Revan, Exar Kun, Sev'Rance Tann, Asajj Ventress, Komari Vosa.
Note 1: Their preferred form is unknown, but Count Dooku's training most likely drew them towards Makashi.
Form III: Soresu
Form III, the most defensive of all of the forms, was developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Most opponents that the Jedi faced during the prequel era carried blasters. Soresu utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as little energy as possible to execute these moves. This technique exposes as few target zones on the body as possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. However, Soresu's same dedication to defense and minimal bodily exposure also decreases the lightsaber's threat range.
After Darth Maul's defeat on Naboo, Obi-Wan Kenobi decided to perfect his practice of Soresu since Qui-Gon Jinn, Kenobi's mentor and Form IV Ataru master, fell against Darth Maul. By the time of Revenge of The Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi is acknowledged as The Master of Soresu by Mace Windu in the novelization.
Unlike Form II combat, which was developed to work against another lightsaber, Form III was most effective in anticipating and deflecting blaster fire. It stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. It was essentially a defensive technique, emphasizing the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy while reducing the exposed areas of their bodies. In the wake of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn at the hands of Darth Maul, many Jedi turned away from the Form IV style of open, acrobatic fighting and took up Form III in order to minimize the risk of injury or death at the hands of an opportunistic opponent.
Though initially developed to deflect blaster fire, Soresu, if perfectly mastered, could act as a defense to any type of attack, including that of a lightsaber. Obi-Wan's performance of Soresu in Episode III is the prime example of the form.
Practitioners of Soresu comfortably remain on the defensive until their opponents make a mistake; only then do they strike offensively. It focuses heavily on counterattack and defensive strikes - there are no preemptive strikes in the form. Soresu can best be described as a passive form and one to be used by Masters who are extremely patient. Soresu users do not wish to fight, or harm. Even during a fight they prefer to remain on the defensive, and they will strike only when absolutely necessary, or if their opponent drops his guard during battle. Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee are also proficient in this form.
Known practitioners: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Barriss Offee, and Luminara Unduli.
Form IV: Ataru
The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought physically impossible without the aid of the Force. It is much like the more obscure form known as Sokan, with which Ataru has cross-fertilized. The given name is spelled "Ataru" in the Knights of the Old Republic II video game, but is spelled "Ataro" in the Revenge of the Sith novelization, Labyrinth of Evil, and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader; "ataru" is its canon spelling. The name may have been derived from the Japanese verb ataru, which means "to hit", "to strike."
This was one of the more recent lightsaber combat forms developed, developed by the Jedi Knights during the earlier centuries of the Old Republic, around the time of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. It emphasized acrobatic strength and power in wielding the blade, attributes which were frowned upon by many traditional Jedi Knights and Masters. It found a niche among the eager padawan learners of the time, who believed that the Jedi needed to become more involved in rooting out crime and evil and eradicating it. Ataru relies on wide slashes, acrobatic proficiency and an open space for the Jedi to fight. One basis for the acrobatic nature of Ataru is that lightsabers can damage with brushing, light strokes, rather than hard chopping motions. Ataru practitioners are at a great disadvantage if fighting in a small area. This weakness was demonstrated in The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon Jinn was killed by Darth Maul in a confined space. Yoda, however, practiced Form IV with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, left every point on an opponent's body open to attack while more than adequately defending himself. Agen Kolar may have also been an Ataru practitioner, because, in Episode III, Kolar goes into the same defensive position while facing Sidious that Qui-Gon and Yoda had used previously.
Yoda was acknowledged as the greatest master of Ataru. He used it in almost all of his battles, and the style made him a virtually unstoppable whirlwind of destruction despite his small size and advanced age. Qui-Gon Jinn was also a master of this form. Kenobi was also very advanced in Ataru, but abandoned it in favor of Soresu because he felt that his master's death demonstrated a fatal flaw in Ataru's defensive capabilities. Nevertheless, Obi-Wan applied Ataru acrobatics to face Count Dooku and Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith.
Aayla Secura is also a master of this form, according to Jan Duursema, who co-created the Twi'lek Jedi; Quinlan Vos had taught Aayla Form IV. Darth Sidious used a Sith variant of this form, which included stabs and wide swings. Darth Maul's fighting style was largely Form VII, but also used acrobatics associated with Ataru to make himself an even more devastating warrior.
In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very high and very fast, masters of Form IV are sometimes only seen as a blur. In order to achieve the acrobatic prowess, amazing reflexes and physical punch of this form, a Jedi Master would focus on the Force, letting it flow deeply throughout his entire physical being, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age, or poor conditioning.
Due to its aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies; however, it leaves the user open to attacks from multiple opponents; therefore, it is wise to use Ataru in a duel, but not in open warfare. Emotional control is key, as is letting one's emotions fly free. This is not a contradiction, as displayed by Yoda's firm control despite his screams and grunts.
In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Jedi Master Tsui Choi was another Jedi as small in size as Yoda, but demonstrated similar Force acrobatics in lightsaber fighting, making him a possible practitioner of Ataru. Master Choi was one of the Jedi who survived the initial stage of the Jedi Purge along with Bultar Swan.
Beings similar in height to Yoda, Yaddle and Even Piell may have been Ataru practitioners as well. The greatest flaw of Ataru is also its greatest strength. The acrobatics will make the practitioner vulnerable to having their legs being chopped off (Count Dooku attempted to do this in the Episode III novelization when he thought Anakin and Obi-Wan were Shii-Cho/Ataru practitioners).
Asajj Ventress may have been an Ataru practitioner based on her acrobatic performance in the arena on Rattatak in the first season of the Clone Wars cartoon series.
In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, the Jedi Exile can learn Ataru from Master Vrook.
Known practitioners: Yoda (Yoda mastery in all the forms), Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Sidious (Palpatine trained in all of the forms), Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Darth Revan, Quinlan Vos, Aayla Secura
The name of the Fifth Form of lightsaber combat varies in different sources. According to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Shien is the fifth form, while the Revenge of the Sith novelization stated clearly that Shien and Djem So are two different styles, and Anakin Skywalker mastered them both.
By comparison, Djem So demonstrated an even higher level of physical strength and aggressive moves. So it is believed that Shien and Djem So both fall under the category of Form V, much like Juyo and Vaapad are both Form VII, with Shien better at dealing with blaster bolts and Djem So better at blade-to-blade combat. It can be described as a mix of medieval swordmanship and kendo.
Form V was developed by a group of Jedi Masters, led by Senior Council Member Jedi Master Plo Koon, who felt that Form III was too passive, while Form IV was not powerful enough. It addressed the shortcomings of both forms, in which a Jedi Master may have proved to be undefeatable but could not overcome the enemy. Among the many unique aspects of Form V was the development of techniques in which the lightsaber was used to deliberately deflect a blaster bolt directly back at the firer.
Form V is a powerful style developed by Form III practitioners that preferred a more offensive angle. The defensive nature of Form III often leads to dangerously prolonged combat. This style came about from combining Forms II and III. Jedi Master Plo Koon, and Anakin Skywalker, both as himself and as Darth Vader, are practitioners of Form V. Luke Skywalker's use of Form V is probably as much instinctive as trained, as he was trained as a Jedi by both Obi-Wan Kenobi (Forms III and IV) and Yoda (Form IV). However, Luke's particular form of lightsaber combat may in the end be something entirely new, with traces of Forms III, IV and V mixed together with his own personal styles. It is doubtful that Masters Kenobi and Yoda had time to actually teach him the finer points of the various forms. As with many other aspects of Jedi knighthood, Luke had to improvise and create new fighting styles to replace the ones lost during the Great Purge.
Embodying the perfection of the idea of counterattack, Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. While Form III combatants effortlessly deflect laser bolts, Form V practitioners excel at redirecting the laser bolt toward the opponent. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent. Also, it utilizes Form II's parries, allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it.
Form V is also different from Form III in the fact that Form V practitioners believe that the best defense is a good offense. It has already been observed that Form III users simply deflect blaster bolts and parry lightsaber attacks until the opponent makes a fatal mistake. Form V practitioners take the near impenetrable defenses of Form III and press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength.
However, where Form II concentrated on precise and elegant parries, Form V permits the user to actually fully block and repel attacks since it calls for the use of more brute, Force-enhanced strength. This is evident in Revenge of the Sith when Dooku takes a swing at Anakin and Anakin not only blocks it, but pushes Dooku back with overwhelming strength. Also, in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, we see how Form V can be used to physically bully an opponent. In a rage, Vader continuously locked sabers with Luke only to throw him back and press his assault. The same happened in the second duel as Luke forced Vader back with his onslaught of physical strength. In addition, it is mentioned in the novel Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader that during their duel on Murkhana, Vader cut off Bol Chatak's arm and then slew her after "simply beat[ing] her into submission." This also indicates usage of Form V.
A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat an enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi describe by the maxim "peace through superior firepower." To some Jedi Knights, Form V represents a worthy discipline prepared for any threat; to others, Form V seems to foster an inappropriate focus on dominating others. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.
With the offensive but refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Form V has been proven to be a highly effective style. Both Form V and VII call for its user to use emotion to enhance their strength. Form V users can best be described as bold, powerful, fearless and confident. They are unafraid to let their emotions rule them and contribute to the fight, though they are wary of falling to the dark side. A master Form V stylist will be able to pull back from the abyss of the dark side, as Luke Skywalker did when he defeated Vader, though that does not always happen.
In the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, Jedi Master Vrook teaches the Jedi Exile Shien if the Exile is a Jedi Guardian, a Jedi Sentinel, or the advanced forms of either.
According to Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, Aayla Secura knows about Djem So as well. It is possible that Cin Drallig was also a practitioner of this form, as in the "Revenge of the Sith" video game he uses attacks and stances similar to Anakin's. This similarity in styles could be because at various points during their duel it is hinted that Drallig had a hand in Anakin's lightsaber training.
Known practitioners: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Aayla Secura, Plo Koon and Master Vrook.
Form VI: Niman
Niman was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the Great Jedi Purge. This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form." One can see this in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, when all of the Jedi using Form VI are killed in the Battle of Geonosis, including Coleman Trebor, whose technique could not defend against Jango Fett's masterfully placed blaster shots.
Form VI attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate, making Form VI well-suited for diplomats and consulars, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics, negotiation and Force mastery instead of combat training. It can be affectionately referred to and known as a sort of "Jack of All Trades" form, with mastery of no one aspect of combat, but competency in all.
Many Jedi skilled in Form VI techniques had already spent at least ten years studying the other Forms, an aspect that many Masters felt was too demanding of the Jedi's time in regards to its benefits on the battlefield. However, if properly mastered, Niman would undoubtedly be a highly effective lightsaber form, especially if the Jedi manages to find the time and dedication to study its whole curriculum, effectively covering practically all of the preceding forms.
Niman's biggest weakness is its lack of specific strengths to capitalize on and a very long and steep learning curve to mastering it to the point of great martial effectiveness, in contrast to a single-paradigm Form (like e.g. Soresu which effectivity is derived from its near impenetrable defense) with a higher mastership-to-study time efficiency relative to Niman. This was displayed when all the jedi using Niman were killed during the battle of Geonosis (including the form's greatest practitioner Trebor Coleman). However, there is one saving grace to this form not mentioned above: Niman is the stepping stone to the dual lightsaber form, known as Jar'Kai - no one who has successfully mastered Jar'Kai has done so without first mastering Niman.
In Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is depicted posed in a Niman ready stance.
Known practitioners: Cin Drallig, Coleman Trebor, numerous Jedi who perished during the Battle of Geonosis, and others — see Jar'Kai later in this article for a list of former masters.
In the Jedi world, the form known as Juyo (numbered VII) was an oddity for millennia. Considered by many masters to be an incomplete form, it was later utilised by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who used it to create his Vaapad fighting style. The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form VII requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms.
In KOTOR 2, which takes place about 4,000 years before the Clone Wars, the Jedi Exile could learn Form VII Juyo from Master Kavar if the Exile was a Guardian, Weapon Master, or Marauder. This shows that Form VII was already an effective form for millennia before Mace Windu completed it with Vaapad. In KOTOR II, Juyo is portrayed as a powerful but precarious form that sacrifices defense against both weapons and the Force in return for greater dexterity and strength of attack. Every blow from a master of Form VII Juyo threatened to be a life-ending critical strike.
Form VII Vaapad is without question the rarest form, with only two Jedi ever truly mastering Vaapad: Mace Windu and his Padawan, Depa Billaba. Sora Bulq, (who instructed Quinlan Vos in a few of the form's basics, although he never fully mastered Vaapad) was acknowledged by Mace Windu as knowing "almost as much as him". As stated in Star Wars Insider, Darth Maul was also trained in the Juyo Form.
However, Vaapad borders on the edge of using the dark side, as it channels one's anger and darkness into the attack— it may be related to Japanese shinkengata. Only Windu's mastery and concentration of the light side prevents him from succumbing, which is why Vaapad is rarely practiced and very dangerous. The only two other known practitioners of Vaapad, Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba, both fell to the dark side of the Force, unable to maintain control over their emotions.
Vaapad goes beyond being a fighting style as it becomes a state of mind and a power. The state of mind requires that a user of Vaapad be allowed to enjoy the fight and be given over to the thrill of battle and the thrill of victory.
The power of Vaapad is simple: it is a channel for one's inner darkness; and it is a reflecting device. With strict control, a person's own emotions and inner darkness can be changed into a weapon of the light. Vaapad is able to take the hatred, anger and rage of the opponent and reflect it back at him. In his fight with Palpatine, Mace Windu used Palpatine's own speed and hatred against him, reflecting it back against the Sith Lord and using it as his own power. Vaapad is at once a form of lightsaber combat, a state of mind, and an actual tangible power. To use it required great mastery, discipline and, above all else, purity of heart and spirit. Vaapad users are intense, focused, and introverted; there are even signs of pent-up hostility in them.
Intrepid, somewhat direct movements are used in combination with very advanced techniques involving Force-powered jumps and motions. Form VII does not appear as fancy as Form IV, but the technical details of it use very open movements resulting in a very unpredictable battle style. The staccato swings and flow of the form make it seem as if the attacks are not linked—but in reality, it is merely confusing the opponent. The sword techniques of this art are very practical, using "battlefield" philosophy: kill, move on.
Form VII demands the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controls it. If mastered, Form VII results in extraordinary power.
Only through the learning of several other forms could a Jedi begin to understand Form VII, being the most demanding combat style. It involved so much physical combat ability that its training brings a Jedi very close to the Dark Side of the Force. To master Form VII, a Jedi had to employ bold movements and be more kinetic than in any other form. Form VII employed the use of overwhelming power directed through unconnected, precise movements that kept an opponent continually off-guard.
In the novel Shatterpoint, Mace Windu indicated that part of Depa Billaba's Vaapad blade work has even surpassed Mace Windu himself and the Vaapad he created and used.
Vaapad is believed to have been lost with the death of Mace Windu, as no records exist of its instruction after the end of the Clone Wars and the start of Luke Skywalker. The entirety of the form itself is believed to have died with Palpatine.
Known practitioners of Form VII: Vaapad: Mace Windu, Sora Bulq, Depa Billaba, Quinlan Vos (partial); Juyo: Darth Maul, Darth Revan, Palpatine/Darth Sidious, Kavar.
Other forms of lightsaber combat
Sokan
Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Sith War with the ancient Sith Empire, the original form of Sokan consisted of tactics for extraordinary feats of evasion and mobility, intended to place the enemy in a poor location or to enhance one's own position. In later millennia, shortly before the Clone Wars, it was combined with the kinetic motions of Form IV combat. Sokan involves swift strokes of the lightsaber aimed towards the opponent's vital areas in addition to quick tumbles and movements.
Some believe that Obi-Wan Kenobi employed elements of Sokan while dueling Anakin on Mustafar in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith; their arguments largely point out how Obi-Wan sought the high ground and used his favorable positioning to defeat Skywalker. The canon Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith novelization implies that Obi-Wan's victory was in fact more due to accident - indeed, a blunder - rather than any application of Sokan, suggesting that ascribing knowledge of Sokan to Obi-Wan would be false.
Shien
This rare variation on Djem-So centers on an unusual stance in which a Jedi holds the lightsaber roughly around hip-level, and pointing the blade down or up at a 45-degree angle. The Jedi points the end of the blade at the opponent; from this stance a number of attacks are possible- it can be swung in a fast arc while the Jedi punches his saber-hand at his opposing combatant, in a stabbing motion, or can be swung at almost any strike zone to attack or parry swiftly. Luke Skywalker is shown to use this form briefly while engaging Darth Vader from underneath the stairs of the Emperor's throne room, after being taunted into attacking by Vader's comments about turning his sister to the Dark Side. The first appearance of this form was in I, Jedi, where it was used by the Dark Jedi Nikkos Tyris and Adi Gallia (the Jedi Exile may have been another practitioner, but the canonicity of that is uncertain). The Force-users were known as the Jensaarai (the Saarii-Kaar) encountered by Corran Horn. This form was developed by an Anzati Dark Jedi during the Clone Wars, eventually killed by Corran's grandfather. Horn was almost defeated by this style before distracting the Saarii-Kaar with a mental projection of her master, allowing his wife to stun her.
Adi Gallia uses a personal variation of this form, holding her saber vertically instead of horizontally, almost as if this form is aiding the combat of others.
Jar'Kai
The dual saber style of Jar'Kai permits a Jedi to fight with two lightsabers, one in each hand, as seen in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones when Anakin Skywalker dueled Makashi-user Count Dooku. One of the blades in the wielder's hands is used for attacking while the other one is used for defending, such as parrying, or for more offensive power. Often, the Jedi wields a short lightsaber (very rarely referred to as a "lightdagger") as a main-gauche instead of a normal lightsaber to gain more balance. This technique was possibly inspired by the Japanese art of Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu, famous for making dual sword techniques integral to its style. In the book Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, Master Maruk says those who practice dual sword wield have a tendency to rely too deeply on their swords.
Jar'Kai was first used by Xendor and the Legions of Lettow for the obvious reason that two blades would be more aggressive (the same rationale later adopted by Sith like Darth Maul for using Exar Kun's invention, the dual-bladed lightsaber). Its name, Niman, is even inspired by the triumvirate of Kashi gods of Xendor's old human planet Kashi [this last sentence, although referenced, does not have a connection to the above about Jar'Kai].
Many Jedi train to use the Niman style in the hopes of gaining a basic knowledge of the dual-bladed attack, but very few Jedi ever totally master Jar'Kai. Serra Keto, Sora Bulq, Asajj Ventress, Komari Vosa, Darth Revan's Force Ghost, A'Sharad Hett, and Joclad Danva (who can be seen wielding two lightsabers in the background during the Battle of Geonosis), the Dark Jedi Boc, the Dark Underlord (unusual for using obsolete alchemically enhanced Sith swords), and the Emperor's Hand Jeng Droga are all practitioners of Jar'Kai (Count Dooku, while occasionally seen in promotional material wielding two blades, states in Labyrinth of Evil that he dislikes using multiple blades). Niman is the stepping stone to dual saber mastery, and no one has ever fully learned Jar'kai without first mastering Form VI.
Apparently, Jar'Kai is not the only combat form to allow a dual-bladed attack. Mace Windu, while on the mission to extract Depa Billaba from Haruun Kal, repeatedly wielded both his and Depa's lightsabers while using his signature form Vaapad.
"Form Zero"
Form Zero is the basis for instruction of lightsaber combat originally defined by Jedi Master Yoda. The art of Form Zero lies in a lightsaber that has not been ignited. A Jedi cannot protect and serve the galaxy in the Jedi way if he/she does not know when to draw his/her sword and when to resort to different means of solving a problem. Form Zero, unlike most other forms, does not teach a Jedi how to use a lightsaber, but when to use one. The knowledge, understanding, and wisdom behind the idea of right and wrong encompasses the idea that a Jedi who feels the necessity to use Form Zero, the absence of violence, is truly gifted in the ways of the Force. It is often used when a Jedi like Kyle Katarn or Jaden Korr achieves his aims by finesse, rather than force (such instances of use of Form Zero are identified as being in Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy). Luke Skywalker himself demonstrates Form Zero when he allows himself (and his entire team) to be capture by the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi, seeing that responding in violence would bring more harm than good, and instead choosing to passively wait for the situation to play itself out, and in doing so, gaining an essential ally in achieving their victory in the Battle of Endor.
Dun möch
Dun möch is the Sith style of combat that aims to defeat an opponent by wearing down his/her spirit by whatever means possible, rather than solely relying on saber skills. Dun möch commonly involves spoken taunts, jeers, comments, and jests that expose the opponent's hidden, inner weaknesses and/or doubts. Other variations of dun möch involve usage of the Force to throw large, weighty objects at the Sith's opponent during combat, which both distracts the opponent from the battle and could potentially cause damage. The Sith Force power "Insanity" is most often used in dun möch, as it momentarily causes the target to suffer from severe doubt and fear. Darth Sion was killed through Dun möch; the Jedi Exile could not kill Sion through normal means, as Sion was so immersed in the dark side he simply healed himself, and resorted to taunts and argumentation to erode Sion's will and convince him to give up.
* Darth Vader uses this style against Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back.
* Count Dooku uses it against Jedi Master Yoda in Attack of the Clones
* Darth Maul uses this style against Darth Vader in Resurrection.
* Asajj Ventress while dueling early in the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series.
* Darth Vader uses this style against Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope
* Count Dooku against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith.
* Darth Vader uses this style against Serra Keto and Cin Drallig in Revenge of the Sith, the video game.
* Darth Sidious also uses this style against Yoda in Revenge of the Sith.
* Darth Vader uses this style against Roan Shryne in the novel Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno
Saber throw
The Jedi or Sith employ an attack in rare instances to use the cutting power of their lightsabers for an object at an unreachable location called the saber throw, or a throwing of his or her lightsaber. The lightsaber is thrown; usually the blade tip spins in a circular motion about the hilt; and the saber hits its target, usually to cut it. Skilled practitioners will use the Force to manipulate the trajectory of the lightsaber and then redirect it back to their hand.
* When Yoda fought his way into the Jedi Temple in Revenge of the Sith, he used this technique to kill an attacking clone trooper.
* When Luke Skywalker jumped atop a suspended catwalk in Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader threw his lightsaber to bring the catwalk crashing to the ground; some say that Darth Vader lacked the physique, speed, and Force power to jump atop the catwalk himself to continue the duel; indeed his age may contribute to this, while others count this as an example of his mastery of many techniques of the Force, confusing and intimidating his younger, less knowledgeable opponent; a third opinion states that Vader tried to avoid fighting an opponent on higher ground, given the outcome of his first battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
* In video and computer games featuring lightsabers such as the Jedi Knight, Star Wars Battlefront 2, Jedi Power Battles, and Knights of the Old Republic series, this is a common technique as seen mastered by Kyle Katarn, Jaden Korr, and many other Jedi.
* In the novel Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, Vader hurls his lightsaber while pursuing several Jedi and a "traitorous" senator. The blade kills Senator Fang Zar and seriously injures Roan Shryne's mother.
* In the Revenge of the Sith game, there are enemies that specialize in throwing their lightsabers long distances with the objective of impaling or severely damaging their targets; these enemies are known as Jedi Snipers.
Tràkata
This is a form of lightsaber combat unique to only one or two of the most powerful Jedi. The Jedi will keep the lightsaber in their grasp, but will keep it turned off. The Jedi will then dodge or defend any attacks using the Force. Some of the more skilled Jedi may launch attacks using the Force in-between sweeps of the opponent's lightsaber. They will then wait until the right moment and swiftly turn the lightsaber on and off, sending the blade through the enemy's body. This will instantly wound or kill the enemy. This technique is difficult to master and to use it the Jedi must be very powerful with the Force.
Some may consider it to be a dark form of combat as it takes the enemy by surprise and can be also used outside a lightsaber duel to dispose of somebody in close quarters. It is best used in lightsaber dueling but can also be used to avoid blaster fire. The style may save on the energy use of a lightsaber as energy would not be expended keeping the blade on (though the lightsaber drains so little power during regular operation, i. e. when not striking an object or deflecting blaster fire, that a Jedi would only have to worry about power loss after keeping the blade on for perhaps weeks), nor in coming into impact with an enemy's saber or by impacting surrounding objects. In this way a Jedi's force abilities would stand in for the energy capacity of his lightsaber, were it restricted.
* Jedi Master Yoda mastered this style to perfection and uses it often when in battle with many foes (such as the clone troopers on Kashyyyk, in Revenge of the Sith). [25]
* Depa Billaba had used this technique against Mace Windu on Haruun Kal, as recorded in Shatterpoint.
* Anakin Skywalker also used it to kill Gate Master Jurrok in the novelization of Episode III.
* In the deleted non-canon scenes of Revenge of the Sith, General Grievous kills Shaak Ti with a Trakata technique.
* In the game Battlefront 2, the Emperor used a variation of this style, keeping the blade switched off unless he is swiping or slashing at his foe.
* In the game "Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy," when Jaden Korr turns to the Dark Side, he uses Trakata to kill his one time friend, Rosh Penin.
* Tràkata is also used to great effect against the Yuuzhan Vong in the New Jedi Order series. When a lightsaber locked against an amphistaff the Jedi would shut down the blade, shift position and reignite it, sending the deadly energy beam through a less-protected joint or seam in the Vong's vonduun crab armor, as shown by Corran Horn on Ithor.
This style is likely based on iaido.
Other
Several techniques fall outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. Characters, such as General Grievous in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, can employ more varied movements. His attacks are intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous is exceptionally capable at this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. Only the most experienced and talented of Jedi can withstand his attacks. For example, Grievous can hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands, spinning two of them very rapidly in front of him, acting as a shield. Grievous uses this against Obi-Wan on Utapau, but Obi-Wan manages to overcome this, biding his attack, and finally timing his strike through the whirling lightsaber shield. There are more exotic forms, like telekinetic lightsaber combat or Trispzest.
New Jedi Order forms
In addition to the above-mentioned forms developed and used by the Jedi of the Old Republic, there are three pace-based styles which were developed by the "battle masters" (such as Kyle Katarn or Kam Solusar) of the New Jedi Order which sprang up under Luke Skywalker after the Great Jedi Purge.
The three styles, along with most lightsaber combat skills taught in the New Jedi Order, were based on the principle of the Three Rings of Defense which were introduced very early on in the history of the Order by one of the first students, Kam Solusar.
[More information can be found at Wookiepedia and Wikipedia.org...]
