Form VII Juyo/Vaapad

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

―Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi^[src]

Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad was the seventh form of the seven forms of lightsaber combat.

Description

"How many arms do you see?"

―Mace Windu^[src]

Jedi Master Depa Billaba, one of only two Jedi to ever fully master Vaapad.

Dubbed the Way of the Vornskr or The Ferocity Form, Juyo, a term from High Galactic, was originally considered an incomplete form for millennia^[1]. Generally viewed as undeveloped and rarely used by the Jedi and the Sith, Juyo was not seen as one of the main forms for generations of Jedi. Jedi Master Mace Windu developed his own Form VII, which was nicknamed Vaapad after a creature from Sarapin which moved with speed similar to Windu^[1]. In 22 BBY, Palpatine stated that he had only ever heard of six forms; Yoda said there were only 6 forms for generations of Jedi, and Mace indicated that he invented Vaapad^[1] (It should be noted that Darth Maul, Palpatine's apprentice, was a Juyo practitioner^[2]. ) The nickname, Vaapad, came from students likening it to a predator, the vaapad, which used its tentacles in lightning-fast whipping attacks. It was said to be impossible to tell how many tentacles a vaapad had until it was dead.

The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form VII required intense focus, a high degree of skill, and mastery of other forms. Only two Jedi ever mastered Vaapad fully: Mace Windu and Depa Billaba^[1]. Sora Bulq helped Windu develop Vaapad, but Bulq proved unable to master the flow of the light and dark sides of the Force generated by the use of the technique, and fell to the dark side. Sora instructed Quinlan Vos in a few of its basics. Mace Windu noted that Vaapad mastered Bulq, not the other way around. Depa Billaba, Windu's Padawan, similarly fell to the dark side when the Vaapad mindset, combined with the horrors of the war, drove her insane. Before her fate was sealed, Mace noted that Depa's bladework had already surpassed his Vaapad. General Grievous used his technical prowess to copy Vaapad to a degree when he fought Mace Windu on Coruscant, though due to his lack of Force sensitivity, he could not truly master it^[3]. But it was possible that Grievous had already learned the moves of Juyo, as Dooku noted that Grievous and his guards mastered all the seven classic combat forms^[3]

[edit] Application

Intrepid, somewhat direct movements were used in combination with advanced techniques involving Force-powered jumps and very fast motions. Form VII did not appear quite as fancy as Form IV, as there were not as many moves like twirling and flipping, but the technical requirements were much higher. Vaapad used seemingly free-wheeling and open movements, but with utter control on the part of the wielder. The end result, if practiced correctly, was a very unpredictable lightsaber style. The staccato swings and flow of the form made it seem as if the attacks were not linked—but in reality, it was merely confusing the opponent.

Form VII demanded the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controlled it—if mastered. Form VII, when fully mastered, resulted in extraordinary power.

[edit] Mental Requirements

Darth Maul utilizing Juyo against Qui-Gon Jinn's Ataru.

Vaapad bordered on the edge of falling to the dark side, as it channeled one's enjoyment of fighting into the attack. Only Windu's mastery and concentration on the light side prevented him from succumbing to his own anger, which is why Vaapad was rarely practiced and very dangerous. As noted above, the only other known practitioners of Vaapad, Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba both fell to the dark side of the Force. Darth Maul, a Sith Lord who appeared to have mastered Juyo, was so immersed in the dark side, yet so much in control of his anger that he could employ his own deadly variant of Juyo without fear. Coupled with his martial prowess, Darth Maul used this variant to defeat several skilled Jedi, including Master Qui-Gon Jinn. However, Darth Maul only devoted to the Form's physical focus, thus he remained silent during the duels on Tatooine and Naboo. Maul desired pure physical victory, rather than the "higher" Sith tradition of Dun Möch, which could dominate the opponent's spirit through taunts that expose inner doubts and weaknesses.

With that said, Vaapad was not just a fighting style. It was a state of mind and a power.

"Vaapad is as aggressive and powerful as its namesake, but its power comes at great risk: immersion in Vaapad opens the gates that restrain one's inner darkness. To use Vaapad, a Jedi must allow himself to enjoy the fight; he must give himself over to the thrill of battle. The rush of winning. Vaapad is a path that leads through the penumbra of the dark side… This was Vaapad's ultimate test."

―Mace Windu on Vaapad^[src]

Mace Windu's Vaapad in action.

The state of mind required that a user of Vaapad allow themselves to gather thrill from a battle. The power of Vaapad was simple: it was a channel for one's inner darkness; and it was a reflecting device. With strict control, a Jedi's own emotions and inner darkness could be changed into a weapon of the light^[4].

Vaapad was also described as "a superconducting loop," with the user on one end and the opponent on the other. It was able to take the powers of the opponent and reflect it back at them. In his fight with Palpatine, Mace Windu used the Chancellor's own speed and hatred against him, reflecting it back against the Sith Lord and using it as his own power. Also, when Palpatine unleashed his Force lightning on Mace, the Jedi was able to use his lightsaber, with the power of Vaapad, to reflect the lightning back at him. However, because Palpatine was possibly a master of the Sith variant of Juyo as well, he fed the power of Force lightning with his own pain, thus intensifying the energetic attack with his suffering^[4]

The power of Vaapad was quite incredible: it was 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 were intense, focused and introverted. There were even signs of pent-up hostility in them.

[edit] History

For thousands of years before Mace Windu developed Vaapad, around the time of the Jedi Civil War, Form VII was utilized by such notable figures as Zez-Kai Ell, Vrook Lamar and Kavar, who possibly trained the Jedi Exile in Juyo^[5]. During the New Sith Wars, the Sith Blademaster Kas'im also mastered the style, training it to Sith apprentices such as Sirak, and possibly Sirak's friends, Llokay and Yevra^[6]. However, over the next thousand years, Juyo deteriorated into an incomplete form, possibly because many of its masters and practitioners died, as its practice was already rare.

However, Juyo did not appear completely lost to the Sith, as Darth Sidious trained his apprentice Darth Maul in the style^[7]. Dooku also seemed to know enough of the style to train General Grievous and his IG-100 MagnaGuards in the form^[3]

Eventually, Mace Windu developed Vaapad from Juyo^[1]. He was aided in the form's development by Sora Bulq and taught the style to his apprentice, Depa Billaba. Bulq later taught elements of Vaapad to Quinlan Vos during his retraining. Unfortunately, neither Bulq^[8] nor Billaba^[1] were able to withstand the mental demands of Form VII and went insane, turning to the dark side.

Form VI: Niman

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

―Kavar^[src]

Form VI: Niman was the sixth form of the seven forms of lightsaber combat

[edit] Description

The Way of the Rancor or The Moderation Form, Form VI was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the Great Jedi Purge. This combat discipline was often called the "Diplomat's Form." Unfortunately, all of the Form VI practitioners at the Battle of Geonosis were killed. As a result, full masters of other lightsaber forms sometimes considered Form VI to be insufficiently demanding.

Form VI attempted to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the techniques from Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. In practice, Form VI was a combination of younger forms (Forms I, III, IV, and V), and all of them in moderation. In the blending, much of the individuality was lost, but the strengths were spread evenly, and there was little weakness in it. Due to its "jack-of-all-trades" nature, the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner's intuition, improvisation, and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms. This broad generalization made Form VI well suited for diplomats, as they could spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.

Niman was, however, not a weak form. While many other lightsaber forms bolstered its wielder's abilities in one area, while leaving him vulnerable in others, Niman was strong in all situations but had no dramatic strengths. It provided no edge in battle, but achieved its worth in not leaving its wielder as exposed as some of the more aggressive forms. Its strength was its balance. It also provided a decent defense versus enemy Force powers and blaster fire.

Sometimes, sparring with another could achieve a state of meditation, and the Niman form was one of the best such techniques. Its great strength was the way it allowed the Force to flow through its practitioner, revitalizing him even in the middle of combat. The philosophy of Form VI was "the leaf swept in the winds of the Force." Users of this lightsaber form achieved a mindset of one who was not troubled by their surroundings, but simply rode the current of the surrounding turmoil, being well-balanced within.

[edit] History

The form was named after Niman, the twin trinities of Kashi gods. Its forerunners were both two bladed styles, one developed by the Royale Machetero of Kashi Mer, and the other the original Jar'Kai, develped by the Yovshin Swordsmen. It was adapted by the Legions of Lettow after the Great Schism into current Jar'Kai form of combat. Form VI was adapted from Jar'Kai.

Aspects of Form VI may have been adapted for the Medium style of the New Jedi Order.

[edit] Practitioners

Since the style was adapted from Niman/Jar'Kai, some of the most prolific masters of the style in ancient times were Zez-Kai Ell, Vrook Lamar, and the Jedi Battlemaster of the day, Kavar^[1]. Another practitioner was the Sith Blademaster Kas'im, who mastered it along with the other six forms^[2]

Count Dooku appeared to have enough knowledge in the style to train the Kalee cyborg Grievous in it, as well as Grievous' IG-100 MagnaGuard bodyguards^[3].

Jedi Master Cin Drallig was considered the most prolific instructor of Form VI, as he was of the five forms below it, teaching Niman to thousands of students during his Jedi career^[4]. However, despite his mastery of the style, he was easily slaughtered by Darth Vader's use of Form V during the Great Jedi Purge.

Form V: Shien/Djem So

Form V: Shien / Djem So, The Way of the Krayt Dragon, or The Perseverance Form was the fifth of seven forms recognized as canon by the last Jedi Council for lightsaber combat. It was developed by practitioners of Form III: Soresu, who felt that the defensively-minded form would unnecessarily extend time spent in combat by forcing its users to wait for an opportunity to strike, rather than creating their own openings.

Shien, considered the classical Form V, was more adept at blocking blaster bolts, whereas Djem So, developed later, was designed for lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So were designed to use the opponent's attack against them, as evidenced by Shien's focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin.

Description

"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^[src]

Form V was created by Form III masters who preferred a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III could lead to prolonged combat. It evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V also required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of opponents.^[1] The form was developed alongside Form IV at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace.^[2]

Some Jedi, noting its dedication to domination and strength, felt that Form V encouraged an inappropriate focus on controlling others. Others, including noted lightsaber combat instructor Cin Drallig were cautiously neutral about the form. However, its proponents maintained that Form V was an effective and powerful tool for the Jedi Order.^[2]

Form V had two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So.

Shien

The Shien opening stance.

To the Jedi of the ancient Republic who developed and employed the classical Form V, Shien, the form was known as the Perseverance Form. Shien was described as being well adapted to guarding against blaster fire and enemy strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks, though was less effective against a single opponent. Shien was known to have existed at least as early as the Jedi Civil War. With its focus against blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability.^[3] The opening stance for Shien was a high guard position, with the hilt held in a two-handed grip above the user's head, and the blade angled upwards and behind the user. The dominant leg would be back, enabling powerful step-through strikes to be utilized.^[4]

Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader using Form V against one another in the carbon freezing chamber in Cloud City over Bespin.

Djem So

"Form V's Djem So variation is devoted specifically to lightsaber dueling."

―Cin Drallig^[src]

Djem So was the creation of a group of Form III masters who felt that Soresu was too passive. It addressed the shortcomings of Form III, in which a Jedi Master may have proved to be unbeatable but was likewise unable to overcome a skilled opponent. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user had a proper foundation in terms of defense against both ranged and melee attacks. While a Soresu user stayed on the defensive, however, and only counterattacked when necessary or when an opening appeared in his opponent's defense, a Djem So practitioner was not nearly so measured. Immediately after defending against an opponent's strike, a Djem So stylist would follow with an attack of their own, bringing the force of the opponent's blow against them and seeking to dominate the duel. Djem So placed a heavy focus on pure strength and power, with wide, powerful strikes and parries followed by a counterattack.^[1]

Applications

"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^[src]

Despite its metaphorical and literal strength, Form V was not without its weaknesses. Shien was particularly weak against a single opponent^[3] and Djem So was known for having a lack of mobility^[4]. However, a skilled duelist in Form V was capable of compensating for these weaknesses and employing the form effectively in combat.^[4]

By the time of the Ruusan campaign, the Djem So variant of Form V had been developed. Djem So had an emphasis on strength and power, allowing a user to make good use of his or her own physical size and strength. Power attacks from a Djem So user could even knock an opponent back just through sheer kinetic force, throwing them off balance and leaving them vulnerable to further brute force strikes and power blows that sought not just to penetrate an opponent's defense, but push them back and leave them unable to counter-blow.^[5]

Darth Vader using Djem So to drive Obi-Wan Kenobi back.

Unlike Soresu or Ataru, Djem So required the user to not only counterattack, but press the assault, combining Force-enhanced strength with powerful blade combinations to overpower and overwhelm an opponent's defenses. Djem So's sheer power, when combined with physical and Force-imbued strength, was more than a match for Makashi's finesse and elegance when employed by a skilled practitioner.^[4] Anakin Skywalker initially employed Shien in his defeat against Dooku on Geonosis, but throughout the Clone Wars, he developed his practice of both Shien and Djem So.^[1] The many engagements of the Clone Wars, against both mechanical opponents and against lightsaber wielding Dark Jedi honed his skills. On the Invisible Hand, he deceived Dooku with a Shien opening stance and Ataru acrobatics, but partially through the duel, he returned to his powerful Djem So strokes. The Sith was barely able to deflect his blows and eventually was scorched by his own blade being forced back onto his own shoulder. Using Form V, Anakin pushed Dooku back with power blows, bolstered by use of rage in the fight, until he eventually disarmed and killed the Sith Lord.^[4]

After losing to Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, Darth Vader continued to employ a new variant of Form V, even more focused on sheer power, in his service to the dark side and quest to destroy the Jedi.^[6] Vader's again employed Form V on the Death Star versus his former master, and Kenobi sacrificed himself. Ironically, the same techniques used by him against his former master would be mirrored and used against him by his son.^[1]

Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader utilizing Form V against one another.

On Bespin, Luke revealed that he was a gifted duelist; after only one brief session with Obi-Wan Kenobi three years previously and a short period of study with Yoda, the inexperienced youth was able to hold his own against Darth Vader for a time. Ultimately, he was unable to stand against Vader's aggressive barrage, being driven back and disarmed, losing his hand. After that fateful duel, Luke further studied lightsaber skills he'd found in a journal left to him by Obi-Wan Kenobi, and greatly advanced in his abilities.^[1]

Onboard the second Death Star, Luke was finally able to duel Vader on an even footing, mirroring Vader's Form V technique. When Vader attempted Dun Möch to weaken Luke, it backfired and provoked Luke into a fury and he was even able to defeat the experienced Sith Lord.^[1]

Djem So lightsaber design

A typical design for a Form V practitioner.

Lightsabers belonging to Djem So practitioners sometimes had a solid casing (either as a whole or in multiple sections for maximum protection against power surge deterioration) and a heavily shrouded or beveled blade emitter. The beveled emitter was designed to designate separate facets of the blade for either offensive or defensive purposes. Their hilts also commonly included ridged, occasionally thick, hand grips, as Djem So required its users to maintain a solid grip on the lightsaber hilt.^[6]

Users

"Peace through superior firepower"

―Jedi maxim on Form V^[src]

To the Jedi of the Clone Wars era, the most prominent practitioner of Form V was Anakin Skywalker, who mastered both Shien and Djem So.^[4] However, the form had been in existence for several millennia, with Shien users including Kavar, Zez-Kai Ell, Vrook Lamar,^[3]. Some time before the New Sith Wars, Djem So was developed. Darth Bane was trained in its use by the Sith Blademaster Kas'im.^[5] During the Clone Wars, Khaat Qiyn employed Form V,^[7] as did Aayla Secura^[8], Luminara Unduli^[9], and Cin Drallig.^[10]

In general, in the waning years of the Old Republic, Padawans would spend a year or two studying each Form from II to V, including Form V. ^[2]

Additionally, despite their lack of Force sensitivity, General Grievous and his IG-100 MagnaGuards learned Form V from Count Dooku during the Clone Wars.^[11]

Anakin Skywalker utilizing Shien against Count Dooku's Makashi.

Anakin Skywalker studied Shien and Djem So even as a Padawan. However, in his duel with Dooku on Geonosis, he employed Form IV when wielding two blades. Once Dooku had destroyed one of them, Anakin reverted to Form V practices.^[1] After joining the Sith, Anakin Skywalker continued to employ Form V, interlacing it with Dun Möch.^[1] However, his defeat at Mustafar forced him to alter his style into a new conglomeration. Vader incorporated elements of Soresu and Ataru into his own personalized Form V.^[6]

His son, Luke Skywalker, would also instinctively mirror Vader's swordplay in their duels on Bespin and the second Death Star, and eventually defeat the Dark Lord before refusing to continue the fight.^[1]

The New Jedi Order would learn of this form, along with the others, from knowledge gleaned from holocrons and recordings, particularly the Great Holocron which included a recording by Cin Drallig explaining lightsaber forms.^[2]

Form IV Ataru

"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: Ataru, the Way of the Hawk-Bat, or the Aggression form was the fourth of the seven forms of lightsaber combat. The history of Ataru stretched back through the Old Republic, to at least as early as the Mandalorian Wars, where it was commonly employed by Jedi of that day. Ataru continued to be a common form among the Jedi in the latter stages of the Republic.

An aggressive style, Form IV was fast-paced and effective against single opponents, though weaker in prolonged combat and confined spaces. Ataru was characterized by Force-assisted acrobatics, both for attack and defense, and fast, powerful strikes. Notable users of this combat form included Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn.

"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^[src]

The opening stance of Ataru.

Ataru was an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of power, speed, and grace. Practitioners of Ataru were always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings. Form IV practitioners constantly called upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body, they could overcome their physical limitations (including old age, as was the case with Master Yoda), and allowed them to perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the attacks and strikes of their opponents.^[1] Jedi utilizing Ataru needed to incorporate all the Force powers that involved surpassing normal physical ranges of motion, speed, and agility in order to be successful. Running, jumping, and spinning were all emphasized in learning the elaborate kinetic motions of the form.^[2]

Those who used Form IV could move at high speeds and could rain strong blows, jumping and attacking through the air. Powerful and quick spinning attacks could be utilized from all angles, either from ground or air. A master in Ataru combat could appear like a blur to their opponents, attacking from all directions—from the front, the sides, overhead, or behind. The Force not only allowed them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise, but it also helped guide their actions and movements in combat.^[1]

The opening stance for Ataru was a balanced two-handed guard: holding the lightsaber vertically with both palms, either on the right or left side of the body.^[3]

[edit] Applications of Ataru

"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.^[src]

Ataru proved to be an effective combat form when used properly, and was common among Jedi in the Mandalorian Wars. It was highly effective in close combat, particularly against single opponents.^[4]

Yoda using Ataru against Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious.

Because it was such an aggressive style, Ataru did not work well against multiple opponents, and it was somewhat ineffective against blaster fire, particularly from multiple opponents.^[4] Despite these weaknesses, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn were able to employ this form with great success during the Battle of Naboo against numerous B-1 battle droids. This form was also probably not as effective for prolonged combat, as the nature of Ataru could greatly tax the body. Fatigue may have been a contributing factor in Qui-Gon Jinn's defeat at the hands of Darth Maul.^[5] Another contributing factor in Qui-Gon's death was the requirement of open space for the kinetic acrobatics of Ataru. Without ample space in the Theed Palace reactor core to move, Qui-Gon was deprived of the key element in his defense, and thus could only attempt to block Maul's incessant barrage of Juyo strikes. This event influenced Kenobi—after his master's death, he changed his preferred form to Soresu, the most defensive of all forms.^[1]

Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi battle Darth Maul's Juyo with Ataru.

Through the Force, Yoda mastered Form IV to its highest level. He used it in almost all of his battles, and his mastery of the style made him virtually unstoppable against most opponents, including Separatist battle droids, despite his small size and advanced age. His astonishing moves in his duel against Count Dooku on Geonosis may be revealed on close examination to be a fast-paced demonstration of the standard components of Form IV. His moves flowed from one to another in the smooth transitions characteristic of Form IV. In addition, three kinds of rotation, called su ma, figured prominently in his style: jung su ma (spinning), ton su ma (somersaults), and en su ma (cartwheels). These three moves represented the three possible axes of rotation in three-dimensional space. Together with Force-enhanced jumps, the rotational su ma moves composed most of his style, making the Grand Master exemplary of Form IV mastery.^[1] At one point prior to the Clone Wars, Yoda was known to give demonstrations of the form in use, some of which were recorded on databooks in the Jedi Temple.^[2]Yoda also employed Ataru against the clone troopers on Kashyyyk and Coruscant. Despite its weaknesses to blaster fire and multiple opponents, Yoda's mastery of the form was such that he was able to defeat the clones.^[6]

Dooku stated that he understood "every weakness of the Ataru form, with its ridiculous acrobatics." Dooku's Makashi would counter Ataru by launching a series of thrusts toward the enemy's legs to draw the opponent into a flipping overhead leap, so that Dooku could burn through the enemy's spine from kidneys to shoulder blades with his Makashi attack. The Count applied this tactic against Obi-Wan Kenobi onboard the Invisible Hand, who blocked Dooku's blows with Soresu.^[3]

[edit] Practitioners

Besides Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn, other notable practitioners of Ataru were Zez-Kai Ell, Vrook Lamar, Kavar^[4], Cin Drallig^[7], Quinlan Vos, his former Padawan, Aayla Secura^[8], and Dark Jedi Alema Rar^[9]. Obi-Wan Kenobi was also a practitioner of Ataru, but proceeded to study Soresu following the death of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, at Naboo.^[1] General Grievous and his IG-100 MagnaGuards also learned Ataru from Count Dooku.^[10]

Yoda using Ataru against Count Dooku's Makashi.

As a Padawan, Anakin Skywalker studied Ataru briefly, as it fit his flashy, bold, and aggressive personality—he would later use those same traits to become a skilled Form V practitioner. When Anakin applied Jar'Kai tactics against Count Dooku on Geonosis, his swordplay was actually based on Ataru moves. Because neither Jar'Kai nor Ataru were Skywalker's most effective styles, Dooku broke through it easily with sun djem, forcing the young Padawan to switch back to his standard Form V.^[1]

In general, in the waning years of the Old Republic, Padawans would spend a year or two studying each Form from II to V, including Ataru. ^[2]

During the Clone Wars, both Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had mastered Ataru in addition to his expertise in Soresu, and Anakin Skywalker often applied some of the Ataru acrobatic moves, despite their mastery of Soresu and Djem So, respectively.^[11] When dueling Dooku on the Invisible Hand, Obi-Wan Kenobi started the duel using Ataru stances and techniques to mislead the Sith.^[3] After his transformation and defeat on Mustafar, Darth Vader included elements of Form IV in his personalized variation of Form V.^[12]

The New Jedi Order would learn of this form, along with the others, from knowledge gleaned from holocrons and recordings, particularly the Great Holocron which included a recording by Cin Drallig explaining lightsaber forms.^[2] Alema Rar, among others, was trained in the use of the fourth form of lightsaber combat.^[9]

[edit] Behind the scenes

In the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, Labyrinth of Evil, and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, Ataru is misspelled as Ataro. In Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary, it is mistakenly stated that Obi-wan is "a master of the Jedi lightsaber style known as Ataru, in which deflection is prized above aggression". Though Obi-wan did know Ataru, this statement totally contradicts Ataru's true form, as it is not very good for deflecting blaster bolts and is one of the most aggressive of the seven forms.

The name Ataru may derive from the Japanese infinitive verb "Ataru," which has several meanings, including but not limited to "to be successful; to face (confront); to undertake; to treat; to be hit (passive voice)." The second definition, of "to face/confront" would be particularly in keeping with the form's characteristics.^[13]

Ataru, along with the other six classical forms, was created by David West Reynolds in Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat after the release of Episode II. Reynolds was aided in this work by fencer Jack "Stelen" Bobo.

While Darth Sidious is believed to be a Form IV user, no source has confirmed his lightsaber form. Due to comments from Nick Gillard that Sidious has been shown to use several different forms proficiently, it is possible that he has mastered most of them.^[14] Ataru, along with the other lightsaber forms, appears in Star Wars: Galaxies as part of moves and techniques employable by Jedi characters. This has not definitively been clarified to be canonical.^[15] It is possible that the Jedi Exile was trained in the use of Form IV after her return from exile. However, it is also possible that she was a Jedi Consular and learned the Force forms instead.^[4] Another likely practitioner of Ataru is Sora Bulq, based on statements in the official Databank.^[16] The fast style practiced by New Jedi Order Jedi is believed to have connections with Form IV.

Form III: Soresu

"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?"

Form III: Soresu, also known as the Way of the Mynock, or The Resilience Form was the third of the seven forms of lightsaber combat that was recognized by the Jedi Council prior to and during the Clone Wars.

Description

Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee utilizing Form III.

Originally, Form III was developed as a counter to blaster weapons used by multiple opponents. Due to the rise in distribution of blaster weapons, more and more Jedi were forced to adapt a fighting style which allowed them to combat enemies firing from several directions, mostly basing their "attack" on redirected blaster fire. Previous styles had allowed wide, sweeping strokes which left the Jedi open to blaster fire. Form III, however, required maintaining a constant shield of deflectionary strokes by making short, quick sweeps, close to the body, leaving the Jedi less exposed to ranged fire. Form III was the most defensive of the seven forms.

[edit] Philosophy

Obi-Wan Kenobi utilizing Soresu against Darth Vader.

The philosophy of Soresu is described as "being within the eye of the storm." The practitioner maintained a centered frame of concentration, undisrupted by the conflict around them. They did this to maintain the calm center where the outer storm of combat could not harm them. Thus, Soresu commanded powerful defensive techniques that seemed to adapt to almost any circumstance, at the cost of never reaching past the figurative eye of the storm. The Soresu technique used little to none of the attack power needed by those who concentrate on the storm itself. Those who studied this style used the primarily defensive technique to wear down aggressive opponents by defending long onslaughts with minimal counter-attacking. They waited until their adversary spent most of their energy, then employed an alternate, more aggressive attack. They waited for eventual lapses in their opponent's own defense.

The key to truly mastering Soresu may have come from a mastery of the concept and philosophy of Soresu. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, despite his preference for Soresu, applied Shii-Cho elements and Ataru acrobatics into his swordplay, as evidenced by his recollection of his intense duel with the Sith Lord Count Dooku onboard the Invisible Hand. This, however, he did to confuse Dooku, as he later switched back to his true form, Soresu. In his duel against General Grievous, Kenobi used pure Form III swordplay.

[edit] Application

The third form of lightsaber combat utilized motions that occurred very close to the body, in an attempt to achieve near-total protection and expend as little energy as possible while executing moves. Form III stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique minimized the body's exposure, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. Followers of Soresu preferred to remain on the defensive until their opponent left an opening that a Soresu practitioner could exploit. Observers generally described Soresu as a passive form of combat. Jedi with extreme patience and reserved personality often employed the form - in fact, during the Clone Wars, Soresu was the most commonly used lightsaber form in the Jedi Order.

[edit] Combat

Obi-Wan using Soresu.

Form III involved preparation for prolonged battles where the user observed and learned as much as possible about their opponent's or opponents' technique while engaged in combat. Also, by being more capable in lengthy battles, a Soresu user had the ability to gain control of a combat situation, creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form. A Form III user could choose to kill, disarm, or even reason with their opponent.

Many Soresu practitioners survived the lengthy Battle of Geonosis, owing to the endurance gained from the form and its specialization in fending off and deflecting blaster fire. Soresu's greatest power lay in the endurance and control a practitioner eventually developed.

Jedi Master Mace Windu noted that, unlike any of the other combat styles, Soresu was not an answer to a particular type of weakness. Vaapad was an answer to Windu's inner darkness; Ataru was Yoda's answer to his limited reach and advanced age; and Djem So helped Anakin release his own powerful emotions. Toward the end of the Clone Wars, Master Windu acknowledged Obi-Wan Kenobi as "The master of Soresu." It was because of this fact that Kenobi was chosen by the Jedi High Council as the Jedi best suited to defeat General Grievous. During their duel, the Jedi Master was capable of parrying all four of Grievous's lightsabers, gradually disarming the droid general. Earlier, during his duel with Count Dooku aboard the Invisible Hand, Kenobi's expertise in Soresu allowed him to parry the Count's elegant Makashi strikes.

Soresu was considered the consummate Jedi combat form in that it embraced a passive way of life and a literal expression of the Jedi tenet to defend rather than attack. Obi-Wan himself considered Soresu very simple, so restrained and defense-oriented that Form III was nearly passive. As a master, Obi-Wan could defend himself against any attack less than twenty strikes per second^[1]. Darth Vader used elements of Form III in his variant of Form V^[2].

[edit] Advantages

Obi-Wan Kenobi uses Soresu against renowned bounty hunter Jango Fett, a masterful wielder of twin blasters.

Soresu was a very favorable form of combat for Jedi up until the Great Jedi Purge. The defense and control it allowed a practitioner made for suitable outcomes in favor of the user when faced with hurried opponents who left themselves vulnerable to counterattack. However, its defense required a very large amount of focus from the wielder and even a momentary fault in concentration could spell defeat. Jedi with less focused minds would usually abandon this style of combat to capitalize on the benefits of other styles that required less dedication to prolonged fighting. Form III utilized strikes and blocks with the lightsaber at very fast speeds with the blade extremely close to the wielders body. This form also utilized some acrobatics such as those seen in Form IV to make the wielder even harder to catch.

Form lll was effective against single powerful enemies, as well as large battles with multiple enemies. Form lll was also the most effective form for deflecting Blaster bolts, since it was partially designed specifically to combat Blaster-wielding opponents, and since the movements are very swift and close to the body, there would basically be no open space between attacks that could leave the wielder open to Blaster fire. Jedi who mastered Soresu were known to have an unbreakable defense, and the most successful when dealing in situations when a quick victory was not as favorable as total understanding and calculated action. Soresu users will only attack the enemy to deliver the disarming strike (unless fighting against Battle Droids), and will keep defending untill they see an opening in the enemy. Soresu Masters had a unbreakable defense, as mentioned above, and could trap opponents in their own attacks, as demonstrated by Obi-wan Kenobi during his duel with General Grievous on Utapau, as well against Darth Vader on Mustafar.

[edit] Weaknesses

Truly focused masters of Soresu were very formidable due to their strong defense technique. Soresu, however, facilitated survival more than victory. Form III initiates were more than capable of defending themselves from attack, but they needed a large amount of experience to learn how to trap an opponent in their own offense. Masters had to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the center of the combat circle, since the defensive tactics of the form included guards and parries engaged very close to the body. Jedi who left small lapses in their otherwise strong defense left little room to avoid injury.

Form III did not favor Jedi Generals in a lengthy fight with troops left alone on the battlefield. Jedi found this situation usually inevitable during the Clone Wars. General Obi-Wan Kenobi provided a good example of this situation when he needed to leave his regiment of troops to conduct his reconnaissance search for General Grievous.

[edit] Practitioners

Obi-Wan Kenobi utilizes Soresu in his battle against Grievous.

Developed to combat blasters, Form III was in existence for thousands of years. The Jedi Exile was able to use this style. During the New Sith Wars, the Sith Blademaster Kas'im had mastered Form III as well as the six other forms. Kas'im trained several apprentices in the style, including Fohargh, who used it against Bane's Form V^[3].

In the Clone Wars, the Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig mastered it, and like Kas'im, trained many in its use. Luminara Unduli and her apprentice Barriss Offee studied the style. Count Dooku also had enough knowledge in the style that he was able to train Grievous and his IG-100 MagnaGuards in the form^[4].

Obi-Wan Kenobi originally practiced Ataru^[5], but when the style's lack of defensive capability cost the life of his Master, he abandoned the style and began practising Soresu. Eventually, his mastery grew to the point where he was able to stand against such seasoned swordsmen as Dooku and Grievous, and could not be overcome by Darth Vader during the duel on Mustafar^[6].

After his defeat and mutilation in that duel, Darth Vader included Form III elements in his personal variant of Form V^[7].