Lesson on Lightsaber Combat
Lightsaber combat is the preferred method of fighting used by the Jedi and Sith, which was initially based on ancient sword-fighting techniques. Throughout the centuries 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. All seven traditional lightsaber forms include the same basic techniques as ancient sword-fighting styles, such as defensive postures, overhand strikes, parries, and counterstrikes.*
*Lightsaber combat techniques when used in the game can be described similarly regardless of "style" but each form has it's own philosophy and special techniques that are unique to that form.
The Seven Forms
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 as each form could be applied in unarmed combat.
Form I: Shii-Cho "Way of the Sarlacc" or "Determination Form"
Shii Cho is the first Form of lightsaber combat developed, holding the key principles of combat and holding the basic technical tactics of combat.
Sun djem, one of the marks of contact, was the main aim of a Shii Cho user, aiming to disarm or destroy the opponent’s weapon so as to end the fight peacefully. However, with the rise of other Forms, such as Makashi, Sun Djem became much harder as the skill levels rose.
Form I follows basic techniques
Attacks, a set of attacks aimed at different body zones
Parry, a set of parrying techniques for each body zone
Body Target Zones
Training Drills known as velocities and dulons.
All Jedi are encouraged to learn Shii Cho first, as it teaches the basic techniques and ideas that the other Forms expand upon, and Shii Cho is a good form to revert to when other Forms fail in combat.
Philosophy of Shii Cho
Range
Range is fairly simple - you and your opponent are either in or out of range! But remember, if your opponent is in range, you are in range too! Being out of range means that by swinging your weapon with your arm stretched fully and it doesn't make contact with your opponent then you and your opponent are out of range.
When in range you can make attacks and parries fairly easy, but you have to be much more focused as you can be attacked much easier. Close range is much harder to maneuver as you are both to close to move much. Being at close range is being in arms length of each other. Close range is mainly for saber locks. Form a saber lock you can either try and push your opponent away or slide away from them.
Combos
Combos are a series of attacks that flow well. Momentum is important, as it is the momentum of the attacks that force the opponent to retreat. If you pause every time your blades make contact the duel is very slow and unrealistic - and you aren't training effectively. Each technique, whether defensive or offensive, should flow quickly and easily. This helps predicting attacks fairly easier as it is difficult to attack the same side of the body twice, you usually have to attack one side, then attack the other side before returning to the original side.
The trick with combos is to do what feels comfortable, but not falling into predictable patterns. if you feel yourself doing the same combination three times then try and do a different move. if you become easily predictable your opponent can manipulate you and you are no longer in control.
Contact
When each lightsaber makes contact there are three options.
1. They both Stop
This occurs when the momentum of each lade cancels each other out. This usually stops the fight until someone starts moving again.
2. The blades bounce off one another
This happens often, and the duelists often use the momentum of the recoil to bring the saber quickly to attack the other side.
3. The Blade skips off
The defender effectively steals momentum and uses it to get to defend the next attack.
Flourish
A Flourish is simply a technique that has little value as an attack, but generally looks fancy. However, attacks can be added to the end of a flourish.
Moving
Duels are always moving around. The attacker is always pushing the defender back. The trick is for you to focus 90% on the combat and 10% on surroundings, otherwise the opponent can lead you into traps.
Footwork
Footwork is important for making attacks successful, and also maintaining balance and conserving energy.
Shuffling
This technique of footwork is rather static and the legs should not pass across each other. This is only useful on fairly flat surfaces. Keep your feet about shoulder width apart, with your strong foot facing forward. As you press the attack you shuffle your feet forward. This is really only useful for attack and doesn't make you move very quickly.
Quick Pacing
This is a preferred version of footwork as it is useful for both defense and offence and allows for quick movement. As you advance or retreat each foot moves individually, keeping one foot firmly on the ground to push you in the desired direction. This makes a left, right, left, right, left, right... movement of the feet. In order to maintain balance keep your feet approximately 1' and a half apart, when both are firmly planted on the ground. The only time the feet should come close to each other is when one foot is moving past the other.
Form II: Makashi "Way of the Salami" or "Contention Form"
Makashi, developed after Shii Cho, was specifically designed for lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Makashi is described as being very elegant, powerful and allowing extreme precision. The user is able to attack and defend with minimal effort - often wielding the saber one handed for greater range of movement and fluidity. Makashi relies mainly on parries, thrusts and small precise cuts and requires fluid movement of the blade and body.
Makashi users would often use feints to set up their opponents for a trap. Precise footwork is needed to maintain proper distance from the opponent. To master Makashi requires intense focus. Timing, accuracy and skill are relied upon to defeat your opponent, rather than just strength.
Stances
Makashi has its own range of stances to allow maximum advantage of the Form, designed to allow maximum control, speed and accuracy.
Opening Stance
The opening stance is a single handed low guard. The saber will be held in the strong hand of the user, and held at his side, the blade pointing down. Feet should be shoulder width apart. Some face their opponent side on, so the blade is pointing in their direction.
Makashi Salute
the Makashi Salute isn't really a stance, but an opening greeting - like a bow. Holding the saber in one hand, bring it up vertical directly in front of your face, then swing it down to your side. Count Dooku is seen doing the Makashi Salute.
Makashi Attack Stance
The Makashi Attack stance involves holding the saber above your head with two hands, blade pointing upwards as if you were about to perform a vertical slash downwards to the head. The leading foot should be placed pointing towards your opponent, with the other foot about shoulder width apart behind, keeping your feet in line.
Feints
Misleading Feint
This faint involves misleading your opponent by looking at an area of their boy as if you are going to attack it, then attacking a different area while continuing to look at the area you were looking at. For this to be effective, look at where your attacks will go throughout the duel, and hit where you look. This makes your opponent think there is a pattern that you look where you attack and may even lure them into a false sense of security.
Misinterpreting Feint
This involves making your opponent misinterpret your attack. For example, you bring the saber high up behind your head as if you plan to attack his head, then swipe for his legs. This is most effective when combined with Misleading Feint as the two are very similar.
One Handed Attack 1 Feint
Using the One Hand Vertical Slash Attack 1 technique featured below, slash at your opponents head, and then swiftly follow up with a one handed slash to your opponents left leg. if you perform this fast enough your opponent won't have time to get their saber to defend their leg. If you have two hands on the slash at the leg, it slows down movement.
Philosophy of Makashi
As with the other Forms, this form contains its own tactics and philosophies.
Feints
A faint is a fake attack used to divert your opponent’s attention allowing you to exploit a gap in their defenses. Always be thinking of feint techniques and how you will exploit the position your opponent is in when you have executed the feint.
Distance
During Makashi you must always be analyzing your distance from your opponent, predicting what his next move will be and being the correct distance from him when he executes his move.
Makashi users will use thrusts and short attack spurts then retreat. When attacking be in range, then retreat backwards carefully so you are just out of range.
Conserve Energy
Your techniques should become fluid, almost like you are dancing. You must learn to apply the right amount of force behind each stroke so as not to tire yourself out. Makashi is about speed and accuracy, not about strength - so you should not be wasting energy trying to hit your opponent as hard as possible. Do not try and match your opponent’s strength. You need just enough strength to parry their blows, and you can then use this energy against them so they create an opening for you to exploit. The advantage of Makashi is precision, not strength.
Footwork
Footwork in Makashi focuses on maintaining balance and elegance. The footwork of a Makashi practioner followed a single line, front and back. The user would shift their feet to keep perfect balance during attack and retreat. Makashi is based on balance, back-and-forth charges thrusts
Form III: Soresu "Way of the Mynock" or "Resilience Form"
Soresu focuses on defense, and is the ultimate Form of Jedi philosophy, focusing on knowledge and defense. The user of Soresu focuses on their defense and aims for prolonged fights so they can learn as much about their opponents weaknesses as possible before exploiting the weaknesses. The techniques of Soresu are very close to the body, to allow minimal movement and expense of energy - as energy has to be conserved throughout the duel. A Soresu user would focus on defense until an opening was left in the opponent’s defense for the Soresu user to exploit.
A true master of Soresu left no opening for their opponent to exploit and as such could be almost invincible. Soresu was not the answer to any particular weakness, like Djem So is good for those with high emotions, and Ataru was sued to overcome short height. Soresu requires intense focus, as a lapse of focus even for a second could lead to injury. If you do not have a very focused mind I advise you to avoid this Form.
Philosophy of Soresu
Soresu has its own philosophies of how to handle long combat as this is what a Soresu user expects to endure. Soresu is a fairly simple Form, but an amazing Form when mastered.
Focus
Soresu requires intense focus of the user. When completely focused a Soresu user can even deflect attacks out of their field of view - and so Soresu is very good in multiple combat as well as one-on-one. You must be completely focused on the combat 100%. if you lapse your concentration for even 1 second you can be hit - but this is the same for all forms.
Speed of Defense
The techniques utilized in Soresu should be close to your body, and should also be fluid. This allows you to move as little as possible and conserve your energy. If you do not conserve energy then you will tire which isn't good for long combat. Though the defense is close to your body, it shouldn’t be so close that you're finding it hard to move - your arms and legs should move freely and not rigidly.
Combining with another Form
Combining Soresu with other forms, such as Form I, Form IV and Form VIII, can increase its potency. Keeping the defensive principles of Soresu, and its simplicity - but combining it with the mobility or philosophy of another Form can be extremely beneficial.
Learning about your opponent
While fighting you should be analyzing your opponents fighting style. this way you can find their weaknesses and then exploit them. For example: Is the opponent fighting aggressively or using lots of strength and energy? - let them tire themselves out then defeat them. Is your opponent moving slowly? - Speed up your techniques in order to out maneuver them. By finding your opponents weaknesses you can find ways of defeating them. Soresu user stay on the defensive until an opening appears in their opponent’s defense - which they then try to exploit.
Form IV: Ataru "Way of the Hawk-Bat" or "Aggression Form"
Ataru is an aggressive form of combat, focusing on power, speed and graceful movement. Ataru users are nearly almost on the offensive, using wide, fast and powerful swings. By calling on the Force and allowing it to flow freely through the body an Ataru user can overcome certain physical limitations.
Those who use Ataru can move at amazing speeds, and rain strong blows from all sides. They hardly stay in one place long enough for the opponent to launch a counter attack.
Ataru does have disadvantages. Fatigue is very common, and so the user is not expecting long drawn out combat. Also, for the wide powerful movements a lot of space is needed, so when in a confined space Ataru becomes useless. Ataru is also not as useful against multiple opponents, though a master of Ataru could utilize it against many opponents.
Form V is a powerful form developed for those who preferred a more offensive approach to combat. Djem So combines the defensive techniques of Soresu, with the tactics and philosophy of Makashi. Using defensive techniques from Soresu and Makashi, a Djem So user has strong defense, yet by defending an attack a Djem So user would use the energies of the opponents attack to launch an immediate counter attack.
Form V: Shien / Djem So "Way of the Krayt Dragon" or "Perseverance Form"
Makashi focuses on small precise cuts, Djem So is more focused on flourishes and attacks consisting mainly of two handed powerful swings. Unlike Soresu, the user was not only required to counter attack, but to then press the attack further. Djem So is aimed for combat which ends quickly, rather than long and drawn out like in Soresu.
Djem So duelists often move towards their opponent, striking with each forward step - thus using the momentum to press the attack and create strong attacks. The Djem So techniques are often very predictable but Djem So focuses on defeating the opponents through greater strength, rather than accuracy.
Philosophy of Djem So
Djem So is a very powerful form when mastered. However, there are several common mistakes made while using Djem So that can lead to your downfall.
Fatigue
it is easy to tire yourself out very quickly doing Djem So. The strong attacks can make you tired very quickly. Don't start off with the most powerful attacks. Starting off too strong leaves you tired if the duel lasts longer than expected. Learn to judge how much power is needed behind each attack.
Defense!
It is very easy to forget all about defense during Djem So. You can get so caught up in attack that you forget you need to defend yourself. Always focus on the combat and where your opponent’s lightsaber is going. Chances are that during your attacks your opponent will try and sneak in an attack somewhere.
Don't keep to the same zones all the time. This makes you predictable. Don't attack zone 2, 3, 2, 3 - add more variety such as 2, 3, 2, 5, 1 etc. This keeps your opponent on their toes and makes you less predictable and open to attack. If you focus on the same area for a long time you leave your opposite area open to attack - if you attack your opponent’s arms your legs are left open to attack.
Power
Getting some strength behind attacks is important. To gain more strength in your attacks, imagine that what you are trying to hit is 6 inches away from the target. You must believe this is true as well. When the weapon is nearing the target you naturally slow down slightly, so by imagining the target being slightly further on, when you make contact you haven't slowed down.
Form VI: Niman "Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form"
Niman is a simplified form, aiming to balance the ideals of Form I, Form III, and Form IV into Form V. This Form is mainly used by those who wish to focus more on the Force or diplomacy - as it is easy to learn and teaches the basics of combat without truly mastering any of the Lightsaber Forms which would be more physically demanding and time consuming.
Niman, though fairly effective in combat with untrained people, is not as useful when fighting a Makashi duelist, or another well trained fighter
Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad "Way of the Vornskr" or "Ferocity Form"
Juyo is no doubt the most challenging Form to master. Form VII requires intense focus, a high degree of skill and mastery of the other forms. Intrepid and direct movements were used with advanced techniques, yet the Form was not as elegant as Form IV. Juyo uses very free, open movements, which seem quite random to the opponent, but the user has the highest level of control. This control combined with the somewhat unconnected series of movements made this Form very unpredictable to the opponent.
Form VII requires the emotional intensity of Form V, but it is mastered to an even greater level. Though the user seems calm on the outside, he is a boiling pot of fury inside. When mastered fully, Juyo is extremely powerful.
Vaapad is a variation of Juyo, and is much harder to master. Holding all the similar aspects of Juyo, the user must also use their emotions. By channeling ones anger and darkness into the fighting, the user comes close to falling to the Dark Side, and only a master of the Light Side of the Force will be able to avoid falling to the Dark Side.
Vaapad requires great skill, and the user has the skill to channel the opponents speed, aggression, hatred etc against them - and using it for the users own power. A state of absolute control of the mind and body, this Form was deadly to a master of it, though few truly master it. To use Vaapad requires great mastery, discipline and purity of heart and spirit. Users of Vaapad were intense, focused and introvert.
Jar'kai - Unofficial Form
Jar'kai is a dual blade wielding technique. A user would wield two lightsabers, one in each hand. One of the sabers would often be used for attack, and the other for defense, however some Jedi use both blades for attack and defense. Jar'kai is often used as more of a tactic than an actual permanent fighting style, often used to help gain an advantage.
Jar'kai was usually combined with one of the official 7 forms, though it was often Form VI as this gave basic knowledge of all Forms of which Jar'kai could be based upon. Using two lightsabers can be an advantage to those well trained, but can also be a disadvantage as you do not get the strength behind attacks, so you're main advantage is simply having an extra lightsaber to hit the opponent with.
Some users would personalize this Form, by wielding one of the sabers in reverse grip, or even both in reverse grip. Jar'kai allows for very fluid and fast movement but can have disadvantages.
Philosophy of Jar'Kai
Speed and Agility
Speed and agility is generally more important than strong attacks in Jar'Kai. Because you are essentially holding each saber with one hand you don't get the strength or control you get with two hands.
Forms
Jar'kai works especially well when used offensively. This form can be combined with Makashi, Soresu and Djem So but to master this Form it is best to also master Form VI which gives basic knowledge of all forms.
Variants
There are different ways Jar'Kai can be used. The usual style is holding both sabers in normal grip. However, you can have one lightsaber in reverse grip - usually used for defense, or even both sabers in reverse grip! This offers a wide range of possibilities with techniques.
Conserving Energy
There is little point in putting lots of force behind most strikes. The momentum behind the moves should be enough, and the main aim of this Form is to out maneuver and overwhelm your opponent, not to over-power them with strength. Allow the moves to flow, this way you will get the most out of this Form.
Practicing
Jar'Kai can be difficult to grasp. Some find it difficult to control two lightsabers and to co-ordinate the two so the blades don't hit together. The trick is to start with the techniques slowly so you can register in your mind how the sabers should move together, then slowly speed up until you get the move. You will also need lots of room to practice, after all you are waving two sabers around rather than just one!
Marks of Contact
Cho Mai
Cho Mai is the act of cutting off the opponent’s weapon hand in order to disarm them. This move shows that the Jedi has the honor to causes as little physical damage as possible in order to subdue the opponent.
Cho Mok
Cho Mok is the act of cutting off the opponent’s limb.
Cho Sun
Cho Sun is the act of cutting off the opponent’s weapon arm in order to disarm them.
Sai Cha
Sai Cha is the act of beheading your opponent. This technique was reserved only for the most dangerous of enemies that the Jedi could not afford to keep alive.
Sai Tok
Sai Tok is the act of cutting an opponent in half, and is frowned upon by the Jedi.
Shiak
Shiak is the act of stabbing an opponent.
Shiim
Shiim is a minute wound caused by the edge of the lightsaber, and is meant to cut rather than to slice through the person completely. This is often a sign of struggle against a potent enemy.
Sun Djem
Sun Djem is the act of disarming the weapon of an opponent, either by destroying the weapon, taking it away from the opponent or by getting the weapon away from the opponent.
Mou Kei
Mou Kei is the act of dismembering the opponent. Mainly used by Sith, the lightsaber will be swung in a circular motion to remove the limbs.
Maneuvers
Jung
Jung is a 180 degree turn
Jung Ma
Jung Ma is a 360 degree turn where the movement builds power and speed in an imminent attack.
Sai
Sai is to jump to evade an attack to the legs. The Jedi can then use the downwards motion to have more power in a downwards strike.
Shun
Shun is a 360 degree turn when only holding the lightsaber in one hand, thus gaining speed in the attack.
Flowing Water
The Flowing Water is a technique for going blade-to-blade with your opponent, based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew to your advantage.
Falling Leaf
This technique involves spinning on your feet to "slash from the sky".
Spinning Attack
This involves spinning wildly while slashing with your blade horizontal. This is very effective against multiple opponents.
Offensive Techniques
Saber Lock
A defensive and offensive technique, a saber lock is where both sabers lock as the momentum of each saber cancels each others out.
Vertical Attack 1
Put the lightsaber above your head, the blade in line with your spine, the tip pointing downwards. Then slice the blade downwards directly in front of your body at your opponents head.
Sai Cha
Bring the saber up behind your head, so the blade is horizontal, tip pointing slightly upwards. The handle should in line with your shoulder at about the height of your ear. Then swing the saber horizontally aiming for your opponent’s neck. To increase strength you can hold the saber with two hands, or use one hand for increased speed.
Double Attack 2 and 3
Step 1
Spin round to the left, bringing the saber up low and to the left hand side. There is a possible opportunity to strike your opponents legs.
Step 2
Bring the saber up behind your head and then strike your opponents left arm.
Step 3
Bring the saber back behind your head again. As it reaches the position spin round from right to left.
Step 4
As you spin move that handle to the handle is on your left side, blade still behind your head and strike your opponent’s right arm.
Horizontal Cho Mok Attack 2
Bring the saber behind the left side of your back - blade about neck height, similar to the
Sai Ch technique, then swing the blade round horizontally to attack your opponents right arm. You can hold the saber with two hands to increase strength.
Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 2
Starting with the handle vertical wit the handle just below chin height, swing the blade downwards so the blade goes down to your left, with the handle still just below chin height. This allows you to attack your opponent’s right side. This can be combined with Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 3 to form a fast combo.
Horizontal Cho Mok Attack 3
Bring the saber behind the right side of your back - blade about neck height, similar to the Sai Ch technique, then swing the blade round horizontally to attack your opponents left arm. You can hold the saber with two hands to increase strength.
Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 3
Starting with the handle vertical with the handle just below chin height, swing the blade downwards so the blade goes down to your right, with the handle still just below chin height. This allows you to attack your opponent’s right side. This can be combined with Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 2 to form a fast combo.
Lightsaber Flourish Attack 3
Step 1
Bring the saber up over your right shoulder.
Step 2
Bring the saber vertically down, following through past the right leg. Follow through until the saber is near your right shoulder and vertical.
Step 3
Bring the saber across your body, until the blade is behind your left shoulder.
Step 4
Bring the saber back across your front. This cycle can be repeated until you feel necessary to bring the saber to attack horizontally at the arm.
Horizontal Sai Tok 4
Bring the saber behind your back at about shoulder height. Bring the saber round horizontally to slash at your opponents back. Which side you bring the saber behind depends on which side the back is open to.
Basic Cho Mok Attack 5
Bring the saber behind the left side of your back and swing the blade downwards to attack your opponent’s right leg.
Basic Cho Mok Attack 6
Bring the saber behind the right side of your back and swing the blade downwards to attack your opponents left leg.
Defensive Techniques
High Parry Stance
This parry is used to block a vertical attack to your head. Hold the handle in line with your shoulders just above your head, but in front of your head. The blade should be horizontal.
Diagonal Parry 1
This technique is used to block an attack to your head that isn't vertical. Hold the handle directly above your head, so the blade is diagonal and pointing down. If the attack is coming towards the left side of your head the blade should be on the left side, if the attack is coming to the right then the blade should be on the right side.
Jung Ma Defense 1
Starting off in the high parry stance, rotate round 360 degrees, rotating in the direction the handle is facing. The foot on the opposite side of the handle should cross over the other leg in order to help the rotation. This technique can get you into a better position for another defensive technique and also moves you away from your opponent.
Kai-Kan Drop Stance
Hold the blade horizontal with the blade running just below your chin.
Vertical Parry 2 and 3
Simply, keep the blade at waist height and keep the blade vertical with the tip pointing up with the blade pointing up. You can move the blade to the left or the right to defend each side respectively.
Basic Parry 2
With the blade vertical and the handle just below chin height, swing the blade round so it blocks your right side, the blade vertical and pointing down. The blade should arc left in front of you before ending in the parry position. This can be combined with Basic Parry 3 to form a fast combo.
Diagonal Parry 2
Starting with the handle vertical wit the handle just below chin height, swing the blade
downwards so the blade goes down to your right, with the handle still just below chin
height. This allows you to block an attack to your right side. This can be combined with
Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 3 to form a fast combo.
Basic Parry 3
With the blade vertical and the handle just below chin height, swing the blade round so it
blocks your left side, the blade vertical and pointing down. The blade should arc right in
front of you before ending in the parry position. This can be combined with Basic Parry 2
to form a fast combo.
Diagonal Parry 3
Starting with the handle vertical wit the handle just below chin height, swing the blade
downwards so the blade goes down to your left, with the handle still just below chin
height. This allows you to block an attack to your right side. This can be combined with
Diagonal Cho Mak Attack 3 to form a fast combo.
Basic Parry 4
This parry involved putting your arms over your head so the blade is in line with your
spine. The handle should be directly behind your head. This will block a direct attack to
your back.
Shoulder Parry 4
This parry can be used to defend either the right or left shoulder. Bring the saber up so
the blade is vertical by the shoulder you are defending, with the handle in line with your
face. One arm should stretch over your head, the other stretching in front of it.
Basic Parry 5
Starting with the handle at chest height and the blade vertical, tip pointing upwards,
swing the blade down so the tip swings down to the left, then finally ending in the result
position - with the blade vertical, tip pointing downwards to defend your right leg.
Diagonal Parry 5
Bring the saber behind the left side of your back and swing the blade downwards to defend your right leg.
Basic Parry 6
Starting with the handle at chest height and the blade vertical, tip pointing upwards,
swing the blade down so the tip swings down to the right, then finally ending in the result
position - with the blade vertical, tip pointing downwards to defend your left leg.
Diagonal Parry 5
Bring the saber behind the right side of your back and swing the blade downwards to defend your left leg
Take what you have learned from this and use it wisely…
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