Post by Master Tywin Thane on Dec 25, 2013 14:55:14 GMT -6
To each, a lightsaber style becomes both a fighting style, and in some ways, an expression of the fighter's emotions and personality. Those who favor the archaic Form II typically relish close combat, those who fight with the powerful Form V dictate strength and courage, and the warriors of the defensive Form III focus upon defense, not attack. Some Jedi use these forms in combination, some practice a specific form, some modify the forms to fit their style, and a few Jedi in history have used all of the forms, mastering in none but practicing all. The Exile is an example of that. Here, we shall learn of the VII forms of Lightsaber combat, as well as the other principles of fighting.
The Seven Forms
Form I: Shii-Cho
Way of the Sarlacc
As the weapons technology of the lightsaber was developed, the need for a form of combat arose. Thus Form I was born. Ancient sword-fighting traditions held key principles of blade combat that were implemented by early Jedi Masters in the rather basic technical tactics of Form I.
Form I, like its succeeding forms, includes the following basic techniques and concepts:
* attack, a set of attacks 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
Younglings, the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Master. Form I incorporates all forms, and is the first thing that the Younglings learn before studying the other 6 primary forms.
Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry but weak versus a single lightsaber-wielding enemy and Force powers. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails.
Form II: Makashi
Way of the Ysalimari
After 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, or more than one opponent is present, the advantages of this form become obsolete.
Form III: Soresu
Way of the Mynock
Form III was originally developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Those to whom the Jedi were mainly opposed usually wielded blasters now; the Jedi needed to find a method to defend that could not be replicated or be counteracted by the Jedi's blaster-wielding enemies.
Inspired by the need to parry blaster-fire, the form utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as cilantro energy as possible to execute these moves. This technique exposes as cilantro body target zone open areas as is possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. Practitioners of Soresu comfortably remain on the defensive until their opponents tire or make a mistake, only then do they strike offensively.
Form IV: Ataru / Ataro
Way of the Hawk-Bat
The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought not physically possible.
In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very fast and very high, 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 physicality, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age. 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.
(The exact spelling of Form IV's name is uncertain...some claim that it is Ataru, and some claim that the correct spelling is Ataro. To keep uniformity, it shall be referred to as Ataru for this guide, but it should be noted that both spellings are correct. It is possible that the Ataro spelling originated years after the concept of Ataru itself arose...its name may have been changed years later)
Form V: Shien / Djem So
Way of the Krayt Dragon
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.
Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. The example is commonly used that 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. As well, it employs a basic form of Form II's parries, allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it. It is different from Form III in the fact that practictioners of Form V will press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.
With the aggressive but yet refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Shien / Djem So has been proven to be an effective style.
Form VI: Niman
Way of the Rancor
This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form." 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, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.
Form VII: Juyo
Way of the Vornskr
Form VII was an incomplete form for millennia. It was further developed by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who could complete it with 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.
Sometimes used as another name for Form VII itself, Vaapad is in fact a "sub" forms of Juyo. Standard Juyo contains sleek, fast movements with strong strikes, whereas Mace Windu's specialized Vaapad focuses the use of the Force and emotion to fuel attacks (which explains why Sora Bulq fell to the dark side in using it) normally used in Juyo. Regular Juyo can be mastered (or at least "sub-mastered") much easier than Vaapad, but Juyo can never truly be used to its full extent unless training in Vaapad is taken. Standard Juyo is not as powerful as Vaapad, but lessens the risk of falling to the dark side.
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.
Form VII demands the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controls it (if mastered). Form VII, when fully mastered, results in extraordinary power.
Vapaad gives the user a unique position for fighting Dark Side users, for when mastered, it allows the user to draw upon the darkness' strength.
At this time period, Juyo was still incomplete, however, even in it's partiality, it was still a force to be reckoned with.
Combat Situations and Lightsaber Forms (As quoted from the KotOR 2 Manual)
Shii-Cho
Single Enemy: Fair
Many Enemies: Very good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Fair
Opponent-Blaster: Good
Force: Fair
Makashi
Single Enemy: Fair
Many Enemies: Fair
Opponent-Lightsaber: Very Good
Opponent-Blaster: Poor
Force: Good
Soresu
Single Enemy: Good
Many Enemies: Poor
Opponent-Lightsaber: Poor
Opponent-Blaster: Excellent
Force: Fair
Ataru
Single Enemy: Excellent
Many Enemies: Poor
Opponent-Lightsaber: Fair
Opponent-Blaster: Poor
Force: Fair
Shien
Single Enemy: Poor
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Good
Opponent-Blaster: Excellent
Force: Fair
Niman
Single Enemy: Good
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Good
Opponent-Blaster: Good
Force: Good
Juyo
Single Enemy: Very Good
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Very Good
Opponent-Blaster: Fair
Force: Poor
From FightSaber
The Seven Forms
Form I: Shii-Cho
Way of the Sarlacc
As the weapons technology of the lightsaber was developed, the need for a form of combat arose. Thus Form I was born. Ancient sword-fighting traditions held key principles of blade combat that were implemented by early Jedi Masters in the rather basic technical tactics of Form I.
Form I, like its succeeding forms, includes the following basic techniques and concepts:
* attack, a set of attacks 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
Younglings, the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Master. Form I incorporates all forms, and is the first thing that the Younglings learn before studying the other 6 primary forms.
Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry but weak versus a single lightsaber-wielding enemy and Force powers. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails.
Form II: Makashi
Way of the Ysalimari
After 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, or more than one opponent is present, the advantages of this form become obsolete.
Form III: Soresu
Way of the Mynock
Form III was originally developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Those to whom the Jedi were mainly opposed usually wielded blasters now; the Jedi needed to find a method to defend that could not be replicated or be counteracted by the Jedi's blaster-wielding enemies.
Inspired by the need to parry blaster-fire, the form utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as cilantro energy as possible to execute these moves. This technique exposes as cilantro body target zone open areas as is possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. Practitioners of Soresu comfortably remain on the defensive until their opponents tire or make a mistake, only then do they strike offensively.
Form IV: Ataru / Ataro
Way of the Hawk-Bat
The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought not physically possible.
In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very fast and very high, 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 physicality, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age. 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.
(The exact spelling of Form IV's name is uncertain...some claim that it is Ataru, and some claim that the correct spelling is Ataro. To keep uniformity, it shall be referred to as Ataru for this guide, but it should be noted that both spellings are correct. It is possible that the Ataro spelling originated years after the concept of Ataru itself arose...its name may have been changed years later)
Form V: Shien / Djem So
Way of the Krayt Dragon
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.
Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. The example is commonly used that 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. As well, it employs a basic form of Form II's parries, allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it. It is different from Form III in the fact that practictioners of Form V will press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.
With the aggressive but yet refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Shien / Djem So has been proven to be an effective style.
Form VI: Niman
Way of the Rancor
This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form." 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, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.
Form VII: Juyo
Way of the Vornskr
Form VII was an incomplete form for millennia. It was further developed by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who could complete it with 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.
Sometimes used as another name for Form VII itself, Vaapad is in fact a "sub" forms of Juyo. Standard Juyo contains sleek, fast movements with strong strikes, whereas Mace Windu's specialized Vaapad focuses the use of the Force and emotion to fuel attacks (which explains why Sora Bulq fell to the dark side in using it) normally used in Juyo. Regular Juyo can be mastered (or at least "sub-mastered") much easier than Vaapad, but Juyo can never truly be used to its full extent unless training in Vaapad is taken. Standard Juyo is not as powerful as Vaapad, but lessens the risk of falling to the dark side.
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.
Form VII demands the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controls it (if mastered). Form VII, when fully mastered, results in extraordinary power.
Vapaad gives the user a unique position for fighting Dark Side users, for when mastered, it allows the user to draw upon the darkness' strength.
At this time period, Juyo was still incomplete, however, even in it's partiality, it was still a force to be reckoned with.
Combat Situations and Lightsaber Forms (As quoted from the KotOR 2 Manual)
Shii-Cho
Single Enemy: Fair
Many Enemies: Very good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Fair
Opponent-Blaster: Good
Force: Fair
Makashi
Single Enemy: Fair
Many Enemies: Fair
Opponent-Lightsaber: Very Good
Opponent-Blaster: Poor
Force: Good
Soresu
Single Enemy: Good
Many Enemies: Poor
Opponent-Lightsaber: Poor
Opponent-Blaster: Excellent
Force: Fair
Ataru
Single Enemy: Excellent
Many Enemies: Poor
Opponent-Lightsaber: Fair
Opponent-Blaster: Poor
Force: Fair
Shien
Single Enemy: Poor
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Good
Opponent-Blaster: Excellent
Force: Fair
Niman
Single Enemy: Good
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Good
Opponent-Blaster: Good
Force: Good
Juyo
Single Enemy: Very Good
Many Enemies: Good
Opponent-Lightsaber: Very Good
Opponent-Blaster: Fair
Force: Poor
From FightSaber