The Philosophy Behind Lightsaber Combat

The last time I saw Star Wars, I noticed slight variations in the styles of lightsaber combat. To me, each individual seems to have a fighting style of their own. So I  did a little research on the web and to my astonishment, there were seven lightsaber combat styles that represented seven distinctively different philosophies.

Form I: Shii-Cho “Way of the Sarlacc” or “Determination Form”

Master of Shii-Cho, Kit Fisto

“It is simple, and its simplicity is strength.“

―Kreia

“Sleep, all life is a dream.“

―Kit Fisto

Form II: Makashi “Way of the Ysalamir” or “Contention Form”

Master of Makashi, Count Dooku

“He is a fencer. Leverage, position, advantage—they are as natural to him as breathing.“

―Qui-Gon Jinn’s spirit to Yoda on Count Dooku

“Form II, also called Makashi, represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat.“

―Cin Drallig on Form II

“Even with my vision clouded, I recognize the fighting style of Count Dooku.“

―Luminara Unduli analyzing Asajj Ventress’ bladework

“Finesse. Artfulness. Economy.“

―Dooku, to Grievous on the Invisible Hand

“The best of all would be the strongest student, yes? Wisest? Most learned in the ways of the Force? Best of all, Dooku would be! Our greatest student! Our greatest failure.“

―Yoda

Form III: Soresu “Way of the Mynock” or “Resilience Form”

Master of Saresu, Obi Wan Kenobi

“That is so like you, Master Kenobi. I am called a great swordsman because I invented a lethal style; but who is greater, the creator of a killing form—or the master of the classic form?“

―Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi

“Defense will not slay my enemy.
You lack the physical strength required for the powerful attacking strikes of Djem So or the other aggressive forms. You must rely on quickness, cunning and, most of all, patience to best your enemies.“

―Darth Zannah learns from Darth Bane the effectiveness of Soresu

“Form three allows you to parry incoming attacks with minimal effort. Your opponent must expend precious energy with each blow, slowly tiring while you remain fresh and strong.“

―Darth Bane to Darth Zannah

“Good. Do not block. Redirect. Wait for opponents to become weary or frustrated. Let them make a mistake, then seize the opening and make them pay.“

―Darth Bane to Darth Zannah during her lightsaber training

“The smaller blades give you greater speed and maneuverability. Grip the handle lightly in your fingers. Control the weapon with your wrist and hand rather than the muscles of your arm. You will sacrifice reach and leverage, but you will be able to create a shield of impenetrable defense.“

―Darth Bane

“A… defensive technique. But effective. Use it if you do not wish to be hit, or if you are facing many opponents with blasters. With a lightsaber blade and enough skill in deflection, it is an excellent offense against blasters, but in other situations, it merely delays the inevitable.“

―Kreia

“The road is long, but it is worth the journey, for a true master of Form Three is invincible.“

―Luminara Unduli on Form Three

Form IV: Ataru “Way of the Hawk-Bat” or “Aggression Form”

Master of Ataru, Yoda

“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.“

―Yoda, to Luke Skywalker

“Ataru is the name given to the movements of this form – though it is aggressive, it is focused, and its best use is in combat against a single opponent.“

―Zez-Kai Ell

“Form IV, also called Ataru, is the most acrobatic Form, filled with numerous elaborate moves, and relies heavily upon a Jedi’s ability to run, jump, and spin using the Force.“

―Cin Drallig

“This form is Ataru. Because it is such an aggressive fighting style, you should only use it against single opponents.“

―Vrook Lamar, on Form IV

“Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.“

―Yoda to Luke Skywalker

Form V: Shien/Djem So “Way of the Krayt Dragon” or “Perseverance Form”

Master of Djem So, Anakin Skywalker

“I prefer more straightforward tactics.“
“Master of understatement.“

―Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi

“You will find it easier to deflect blaster fire with this form—and it shall also guard you against critical strikes by your opponents.“

―Zez-Kai Ell

“Form V’s Djem So variation is devoted specifically to lightsaber dueling.“

―Cin Drallig

“You will doubtless encounter many situations with multiple assailants. To better protect yourself from blaster fire without compromising your offensive capabilities, use the Shien form.“

―Kavar

“Peace through superior firepower“

―Jedi maxim on Form V

Shien, attacking many foes at once with wide, sweeping strokes and an underhanded grip

Form VI: Niman “Way of the Rancor” or “Moderation Form”

Master of Niman, Cin Drallig

“The art of Teräs Käsi is about control and mastery of one’s self“

―Joclad Danva

“For superior balance, use the Niman form. This form has no specific strengths, but no weaknesses either.“

―Kavar

“Is Form VI the most worthy of study? No, but in general it is the most practical.“

―Cin Drallig

“The Jedi Council maintains that Form VI best suits the role of contemporary Jedi Knights. After all, a Jedi Knight who is overly trained in martial combat might be at a loss to resolve a complex political conflict or a sensitive trade disagreement.“

―Cin Drallig

“There is one lesson you’ve yet to learn. How to become one with the Force!“

―Cin Drallig to Darth Vader

Jar’Kai, two handed variation of Niman

Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad “Way of the Vornskr” or “Ferocity Form”

Master of Vaapad, Mace Windu

“I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light.“

―Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi

“Six there were for generations of Jedi. The seventh, is not well-known. Powerful form it is. Deadliest of all. But dangerous it is, for its master as well as its opponent. Few have studied. One student alone, to mastery has risen.“

―Yoda

“This is called Vaapad, Kar. How many arms do you see?“

―Mace Windu facing Kar Vastor in unarmed combat

“Form VII, also called Juyo, is the most difficult and demanding of all the forms. Only high-level masters of multiple forms can achieve and control this discipline, which can lead to fantastic power and skill.“

―Cin Drallig on Juyo

“Form seven is very aggressive, Quin. It can take the user very close to the dark side—and you, frankly, sometimes walk too close there as it is.“

―Mace Windu