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Lightsaber combat was the preferred method of fighting used by the Jedi and Sith, which was initially based on ancient sword-fighting techniques. Throughout the millennia since its creation it developed into seven "classic" forms and numerous other styles. It was difficult to master for a number of reasons, one of them being that all of the weight a lightsaber had was in its hilt. It had been said that only a Force-sensitive individual could completely master lightsaber combat. Only 2 clones were able to engage in lightsaber combat. The clones were X1 and X2. All seven traditional lightsaber forms included the same basic techniques as ancient sword-fighting styles, such as defensive postures, overhand strikes, parries, and counterstrikes.
The lightsaber was a very versatile weapon, owing to its unique lightness and omni-directional cutting ability. It could be wielded one-handed or with both hands. Early in the weapon's history, when the Sith were numerous, the art of lightsaber dueling flourished. In later periods though, only rarely would Jedi face an adversary with a weapon capable of repelling a lightsaber.
Although the blade was weightless, two-handed slashes were the most common movement. This was because inertia was still needed to cut through solid objects. Solid objects were repelled by the blade arc until they were changed to gas or plasma. Therefore, inertia was required to counteract the initial repelling force. The stronger the swing, the faster and easier the blade would cut. If little force was applied to the swing, the repelling force of the blade arc would leave shallow cuts. When two lightsaber blades came in contact with each other, the two repelling forces made the blade appear to be solid. If the lightsaber is dropped, the blade will retract automatically, so the user will not be injured.
Also, the field that caused the energy to arc back into the blade caused some gyroscopic effects. While technically weightless, the blade still had some resistance to changes in motion. The slight gyroscopic effects were easily controlled by a trained force user, but could become problematic for lay person.
The Jedi were trained to use the Force as a conduit between the wielder and the weapon. Through this bond in the Force, the blade became an extension of their being; it moved with instinct as though it were a part of the body. The Jedi's attunement to the Force accounted for the almost superhuman agility and reflex illustrated in the use of the lightsaber.
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Each Jedi chose the style of lightsaber combat that best suited him or her. For example, Grand Master Yoda used the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height; 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 learned elements of each form, though few ever mastered all of them.
The seven forms were not merely swordplay moves, they represented 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.
These forms were not considered a part of the seven main or "classic" forms. Some were systematized methods of lightsaber combat, while others were merely techniques or principles of combat applied to lightsaber combat. They were mostly based on other forms, with the exception of Form "Zero", which emphasized avoiding conflict whenever possible.
A fighting method that focused tactical superiority; on using the terrain to one's advantage.
A fighting style that focused on dual-blade combat.
Little is known of this style, though it is known that Grievous and his MagnaGuards received training in it from Dooku.
A Jedi doctrine of avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.
A Sith technique of psychological warfare, utilizing taunts and telekinetic assaults to distract and demoralize opponents.
Wielding a lightsaber with the Force and attacking from a range.
A type of aerial dueling, essentially flying lightsaber combat.
Fighting from a mounted position, either on a beast of burden or a vehicle, usually of an open cockpit design.
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Double-bladed lightsabers.
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Lightwhips.
A combat style that was designed to take advantage of a lightsaber's ability to be quickly activated and deactivated.
Several techniques fell outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. General Grievous could employ more varied movements. His attacks were intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous was exceptionally capable of this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. Only the most experienced and talented Jedi could withstand his attacks. For example, Grievous could hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands, spinning two of them very rapidly in front of him as a shield. Grievous used this against Obi-Wan Kenobi on Utapau, though his capabilities may have been inhibited after injuries sustained on Coruscant from Mace Windu.
Another unique lightsaber style was that of Adi Gallia who held her saber with a one-handed reverse grip resulting in wide, long swings. This was a personal variation of Shien, much as Vaapad was Mace Windu's personal variation of Juyo. Anakin Skywalker's first Padawan Ahsoka Tano and later his secret apprentice Galen Marek also seemed to prefer this style.
Dark Jedi Boc's combat style was an unorthodox mixture of the dual saber based Niman & Jar'Kai and highly aggressive jumping attacks directed straight at his opponent. He used this against Kyle Katarn in a duel on Ruusan, but—with some help from his friend Jan Ors and the Force—Katarn was able to defeat Boc.
In addition to the above-mentioned forms, there were three pace-based styles, probably applicable to all of the conventional and less conventional forms, though each style was more compatible with some forms than with others.
These three styles were taught to the students at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Praxeum around the time of the crises of Desann's Reborn and the Disciples of Ragnos. One member of the New Jedi Order who mastered all three styles was Kyle Katarn. Katarn lectured students Jaden Korr and Rosh Penin on them already at their first training session.
The three styles, along with most lightsaber combat skill 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.
All seven forms of lightsaber combat utilized these ancient terms used by the Jedi for describing the objectives, maneuvers to use, and the various outcomes that could arise out of a fight involving lightsabers as weapons. They could help focus a Jedi’s attacks and defenses on a few clearer categories, rather than diffusing awareness across an infinite number of possibilities in a duel.
A cho mai was the act of cutting off an opponent's weapon-using hand. This move showed that the Jedi using it had the honor to cause the opponent minimal physical damage; it also showed the skill and mastery of the Jedi performing the move to the opponent. Darth Vader demonstrated this on Luke in Cloud City.
A cho mok was the act of cutting off an opponent's limb, such as a humanoid's leg. This was demonstrated by Obi-Wan Kenobi in his Duel with Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar
A cho sun was the act of cutting off an opponent's weapon arm. This was demonstrated by Obi-Wan Kenobi cutting off the arm Ponda Baba held his blaster in during a scuffle in the Mos Eisley Cantina. It was also demonstrated by Count Dooku cutting off the lower half of Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber arm.
A sai cha was the instance when a Jedi beheaded his or her opponent. Sai Cha comes from ancient words meaning "separate" and "head" This was often reserved for the most dangerous of enemies—the ones a Jedi could not afford to keep alive. It could also be used on a being that was lethal but not sentient, such as an assassin droid. The form was used by Mace Windu to kill Jango Fett, as well by Anakin above Coruscant on Count Dooku, at the persuasion of Chancellor Palpatine.
A sai tok, frowned upon by the Jedi because of its Sith-like nature, was the act of cutting an opponent in half, usually separating his or her legs from the torso at the waist. This was demonstrated by Obi-Wan at the ending phase of his duel with Darth Maul.
A shiak was the act of stabbing an opponent. Jedi usually stabbed in the leg or arm, but a Sith variation of this is to stab through the chest, therefore assuring almost certain death to the unlucky victim. This was demonstrated by Darth Maul when he killed Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Sidious when he killed Agen Kolar.
A shiim was a more minute wound to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber's blade. Depending on circumstance, this could be seen as either a desperation attack or to immobilize an opponent through pain. Jedi used this to stop opponents whom they wanted alive. Count Dooku demonstrated this on Geonosis against Obi-Wan; Dooku made minor cuts on Kenobi's arm and leg in order to immobilize him so that Anakin would be forced to duel Dooku one-on-one.
A sun djem was an attack used by Jedi that deprived the opponent of his/her weapon, the objective usually being not to physically harm the opponent. Sun djem was a very diverse sub-form; moves ranged from spinning a lightsaber to dislodging an opponent's weapon to kicking or punching the opponent.
A mou kei was an attack used by the Sith and some Jedi that dismembered an opponent through a circular motion of the lightsaber, aimed at the major limbs. The objective was to finish a dangerous opponent. This was the attack used by Obi-Wan Kenobi to end his duel with Darth Vader on Mustafar.
A jung in lightsaber combat was a 180-degree turn.
A jung ma was a maneuver used by Jedi to perform a 360-degree spin in which power was gained for an imminent attack on the opponent. Darth Vader and Obi-Wan can be seen using jung ma during their battle on Mustafar. Obi-Wan performed the maneuver again years later moments before he disappeared and became one with the Force during a battle with Darth Vader on the Death Star.
Not a maneuver per se, the kai-kan was a re-enactment of a famous, usually ancient, very dangerous, lightsaber or even sword battle, which only very well trained Jedi attempted to perform.
A sai was a jump used by Jedi to evade an attack directed at the legs. The Force was the main backbone of the strength, height, and speed at which the jump was executed. The Jedi could then strike downwards, using the fall as a fulcrum for more power. Known uses of it include by Luke Skywalker against Darth Vader during the Battle of Endor, by Anakin Skywalker against Count Dooku at the Battle of Geonosis, Obi-Wan against Darth Vader in their lightsaber fight on Mustafar on the connecting end of the collection arm and by Mace Windu against Darth Sidious. However, this maneuver was used many times by Jedi Knights all over the galaxy.
A shun was a 360-degree turn performed with just a one-handed grip, thus gaining speed for an attack. Darth Vader uses this technique when he spins during the second part of his ill-fated fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar.
The Flowing Water cut was a lightsaber combat technique designed for going blade-to-blade with one's opponent, based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew their lightsaber offensively to one's own advantage. As the opponent pulled their lightsaber back from a bind, the user would follow it with their blade, in effect causing the opponent to pull the user's blade into themselves.
The Falling Leaf cut was an ancient lightsaber combat technique that involved spinning on one's feet to "slash from the sky". It might be related to the jung ma and shun techniques. The basic maneuver involved the user spinning and making a fast slash at an opponent standing behind them and then return to face the way they were before the maneuver.
Alter Damage was not a combat maneuver, but rather a rare Force power by which the Jedi could inflict minimal damage with an otherwise lethal cut or stab. This was used to pacify enemies without killing them or injuring them lethally.
Saber barrier was a defensive telekinetic lightsaber combat technique. Designed for dual saber combat, it created a barrier of lightsaber blades by having the lightsabers spin around the saber-wielding Jedi. Kreia used this power against the Jedi Exile in the Trayus Academy on Malachor V, and the Dark Jedi Alora may have used it years later against Jaden Korr. Mace Windu also mastered this technique.
Saber throw was an offensive usage of the lightsaber, combining Force Push and Force Pull allowing the Jedi to throw their lightsaber at targets in a boomerang-like fashion. It was a common Force power, as it was a good long range alternative to the typical short range lightsaber attacks. Darth Vader used the saber throw against Luke Skywalker in their fight on the second Death Star. Since lightsabers switch off when they leave their owner's hand, the thrown lightsaber needed to be telekinetically kept on, however, some lightsabers had a special "blade lock" feature.
The spinning attack technique was a trispzest-based technique, mastered by Maw. It consisted in the trispzest-user spinning wildly in the air while lashing out to all sides with the lightsaber, and was highly effective against multiple opponents. Jedi Grandmaster Yoda used it against Darth Tyranus during their duel on Geonosis. Yoda once again used this technique to battle Darth Sidious in the Senate chamber on Coruscant, though the skills of the Emperor as a duelist were great enough to counter this magnificent move.
For a style and method of fighting as focused on grace and precision as lightsaber combat, duelists resorted to physical contact with astonishing regularity.
Lightsaber combat was the base point for a Jedi in the traditional Trial of Skill. To pass as a Jedi Knight, a Padawan must show the following:
"Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat" - Star Wars Insider 62
Hero's Guide Web Enhancement - Lightsaber Forms and the Fallanassi on Wizards.com (article)
Lightsaber combat was the preferred style of fighting used by the Jedi and Sith, which was initially based on ancient sword-fighting technique. Long after the Yuuzhan Vong War, the Jedi Order finally achieved their respected status in the universe. As a result of their experiences both the Jedi and the Sith revamped the recognized lightsaber styles, including new styles and changing some of the existing ones.
Though there are many styles and variations on styles, these styles are the styles recognized by the High Jedi Council on Coruscant.
Some lightsaber styles are not recognized by the High Council, though they may be taught and used by many Jedi. They may also be styles that have never even been seen before or are so uncommon that they become outcast. They are used by untrained or outcast Jedi and/or Sith.
Universal techniques were widely-recognised methods of lightsaber combat that would often be employed when the conditions were favorable. However, whilst widely known, these techniques were usually quite basic or only had narrow usages, and thus were usually not applicable enough to devote an entire Form to. Rather, these techniques were geneally taught to most Jedi as a minor lesson in lightsaber combat. Sometimes these techniques can blossom into full forms given enough time and application, as both Sokan and Shien were universal techniques before being developed into full forms.
There are some lightsaber combat styles that are created or customized for the user. These are rare, and unpredictable. These are some known styles.
Unorthodox lightsaber combat is a loose term that defines lightsaber styles by a requirement for a particularly unusual style of lightsaber, such as the saberstaff or lightwhip. These styles tend to be significantly rare, and often die out over time due to a small number of followers. Form IX: Shien Dai could be considered an unorthodox style, as it requires a cortosis plate as well as a lightsaber, but due to its popularity it is considered a proper form.
This is a list of lightsaber forms that were either created by or utilized almost exclusively by particular organizations.
Though most Sith Knights study the primary twelve lightsaber styles or the unorthodox, some lightsaber styles are exclusive to the Sith. These are the styles styles know to be used only by the them.
Unarmed Lightsaber combat was the techniques used by Jedi, Sith, and other Force sensitives when they were unarmed and without a weapon. Most of the maneuvers involved the Force, but this wasn't always true.
Most Force users used the basic Teräs Käsi, the ancient but reliable form of combat. Others, however, went on to invent their own unique styles.
Inspired by these techniques, New Republic SpecForce commandos have been known to incorporate Unarmed Marksmanship into their training regimen, in the event they run out of ammunition on the field.
The True Sith had their unique unarmed combat style, called Jeet Kune Doshu, created by possibly one of the greatest unarmed fighters of all time, Bruce Lean Lee. Through his holocron, Bruce taught Kundun his style, and later Kundun passed it to his Midi-Knights. It was said to be the greatest combat style in the Galaxy and some duelists like Hulk Hogan made great use of it.
This was a basic ratio algorithm developed during the first era of lightsaber-blaster combat, in order to determine at a glance how successfully differing forms of lightsaber combat are at defending against blaster bolts, both from a single enemy and from multiple opponents.
As an example, Form VI: Niman has a BBR of 180/3, and is one of the poorer styles for defending against blaster fire. The first part (180) is how fast one blaster must fire before a master is overwhelmed, so for our example it takes a blaster firing 200 times a minute before a master at that form will be overwhelmed. The second part is how many people firing at 50 shots per minute would it take to overwhelm a master at that particular form so it would take 3 people firing 50 shots per minute to overwhelm a master.
It is worth noting that the Blaster Bolt Ratio proved to be rather imprecise guesswork at best generally, as even masters of the same form tended to do things differently, and every different situation, context and the skill of the opponents tended to throw these numbers out significantly, to the point where there was no regular, logical mathematical formula to determine such a ratio, and as such the BBR did not exist for very long before falling out of general use.
In recent times, a Jedi padawan who happened to be an avid fan of the interactive computer games of the day conceived a system for rating the strengths and weaknesses of the Lightsaber Combat Forms. While the detractors of this system state that it is overly generalized, the padawan was quick to defend it, stating that it painted an easily understood picture of how effective various forms would be in combat, providing quick statistics.
The rating system is chart based, rating all the different elements of Lightsaber Combat used with a specific style with the titles Excellent, Strong, Moderate, Low and Weak, the meanings of each title being self-explanitory. The elements are listed as follows: Standard, Speed, Precision and Power. Again, self-explanitory titles.
Example Chart
| Action | Standard | Speed | Power | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | Example | Example | Example | Example |
| Defense | Example | Example | Example | Example |
Form I: Shii-Cho (Powerstaark)
Form II: Makashi (Powerstaark)
Form III: Soresu (Powerstaark)
Form IV: Ataru (Powerstaark)
Form V: Djem So (Powerstaark)
Form VI: Shien (Powerstaark)
Form VII: Niman (Powerstaark)
Form VIII: Juyo/Vaapad (Powerstaark)
Lightsaber combat was the preferred style of fighting used by the Jedi and Sith. The lightsaber was more than just the distinctive weapon of the Jedi, it was a segment of the order's history and its ultimate symbol for millennia. There could be no Jedi without a lightsaber and no lightsaber without a Jedi in the eyes of galactic denizens. Over the years, it came to be associated with gallantry and elegance otherwise lost in an age of blasters. Jedi traditionally constructed their own lightsaber as part of their training. To carry a lightsaber was an example of incredible skill and confidence, dexterity and attuning to the Force. Since its plasma blade was essentially weightless, the weapon produced a gyroscopic effect, and so it was very difficult to handle safely. Yet this made the weapon ideal for force-sensitive users whose ability to predict the various energy pulsations through the force allowed him or her to compensate for them. They also served as a means by which a Jedi's focus was attuned to the force during combat. For the same reason, it was also a very quick weapon, and superhuman reaction times were necessary to capitalize fully on this advantage. Only a handful of non-Force Sensitives have been known to master it, and none of them has ever presented a challenge for a fully-trained Jedi, save the lethally effective General Grievous.
Each Jedi chose the style of lightsaber combat that best suited him or her. For example, Master Yoda used the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height; Mace Windu used Vaapad to tap into his anger and employ it constructively (albeit without giving himself over to the dark side); 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.
In game terms, the seven forms are represented by the following Force Sensitive powers:
It should be evident that these forms I-VII are not a linear progression; that is, while Form VII Vaapad (CL90) is deadlier than Form II Makashi (CL14) in game terms, Form III Soresu (CL70) is deadlier than Form VII Juyo (CL62). Rather, the in-game forms are supposed to reflect different ways of using the Force in combat.
Of note is Form II Makashi. In the game it is represented by both Makashi Focus, a CL14 attack focus, and Makashi Stance, a defensive stance granted at CL54 that increses one's defense by 540. It is unclear why Makashi is given two totally distinct manifestations in the game, unless it is because Makashi was always a duelist specialty and it was thought that a defensive feat should be named after it as well.
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