The Lightsabre

If you were to battle an old Sith Lord in a lightsabre duel, you would find that we're only children playing with toys. -- Darth Traya

The lightsabre is the ultimate melee weapon. It is extremely lightweight and responsive since only the hilt has a discernable mass, allowing rapid moves. The energy beam it produces can cut through any known material, and only the most dense materials offer more than a token resistance to its power.

The day when a Dark Jedi constructs their first own lightsabre is one of the most memorable moments in their whole career. It is the signature weapon of an experienced Force User everywhere in the galaxy, and its history spans over many milennia. To carry one is an example of incredible skill and confidence, dexterity and attunement to the Force. Only a trained Force User can build and use a lightsabre as a weapon, anyone else is at risk of dismembering themselves the first time they try to wield one in combat.

Lightsabre Nature

Lightsabres are not hot, they radiate no heat when activated. When the energy beam strikes matter it excites its molecules, which creates heat in the 100 MW range. Even when activated, a lightsabre is a closed system which uses almost no energy unless it strikes matter. Lightsabres are not affected by being underwater unless the casing is not watertight. The weapon will short out if used underwater, but will quickly recharge once cleaned. The actual beam of a lightsabre is extremely thin, most of the glowing beam comes from decaying particles.

Lightsabre Components

The basic lightsabre consists of an energy cell, a power crystal, a focusing crystal, a casing, and several components for directing and controlling the energy, including the flux aperture and superconductor.

Lightsabre Types

The sword hilted, single bladed, fixed beam lenght lightsabre is the most common type. With each added focusing crystal, the beam can be given one more lenght setting.

Wielding two lightsabres is a rare and advanced form of lightsabre combat. Some dual sabre designs can connect to form a lightstaff.

The lightstaff, or double-bladed sabre, is used in a demanding form of combat with a lot of offensive power.

The pistolgrip of a duelling lightsabre is used exclusively in Form VI, an ancient combat art with excellent defensive power. Even rarer are pistolgripped lightstaffs or twin sabres, or even the exotic baton-grip sabre.

Lightsabre Construction

The most critical parts of a lightsabre is the power crystal and the focusing crystals. Dark Jedi and Sith typically uses synthetic crystals which colour the beam red, or Bloodshine as the Sith Lords tended to call it, and on very rare occasions, could completely overcome the blades of lightsabres made with certain varieties natural crystals. Natural crystals may give the sabre any colour except black. Attuning the crystal to focus the beam and harmonize it with the Force is the critical process only a Force user can perform. It can take a month for an apprentice to finish it, while a master can finish a simple sabre in hours. A properly constructed lightsabre is more than a weapon, it is a tool which helps the user attune to, and grow in the Force. Some rare crystals can give the lightsbre new abilities and affect the beam.

Lightsabre Combat

Lightsabre Combat is a very old, and steeped with a multitude of time honed traditions and method. To reflect this, all of the names of the primary lightsabre forms come from High Galactic. (a language perhaps comparable to latin , ancient greek in real life.) The more recent techniques have names coming from more conventional sources. Most importantly, the Forms represent a unique method of combat, though the distinction between some of the forms is sometimes gray, there is a distinction to be had. For example, Ataru (Form IV) is very similar to both Ataro and Sokan, but the difference lies in purpose. Whereas Ataru emphasized acrobatic movement for general combat use, Ataro emphasizes the same general type of movement specifically to gain better tactical advantages and to try to outwit and confuse one's opponent, and Sokan emphasized movements for strictly tactical advantages. As such, while similar techniques would be employed, the purpose behind them is for different reasons, and battles would be played out differently.

Primary Forms

Form Zero

Originally defined by Jedi Master Yoda to describe the lightsaber technique of Felanil Baaks, Form Zero became the basis for the instruction of lightsaber combat. In its simplest form, Form Zero is the art of wielding a lightsaber which had not been ignited. While it seemed silly to many Padawan learners, the underlying message could not be ignored. In order for a Jedi to protect and serve the galaxy, they must know when to ignite their lightsaber for combat, and when to leave the weapon at his side. The understanding of another being's situation was key to the knowledge of right and wrong, and any student who could understand the necessity of Form Zero and use it to mediate a solution - without resorting to violence - was truly gifted with the Force.

Form I - Shii-Cho

Known as Shii-Cho, this was the simplest form of lightsaber combat techniques studied by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic, and was generally considered the first form used by the original creators of lightsabers. Sometimes called the ideal form, Form I used horizontal side-swipes and parries made with the blade of the lightsaber held upright to push the point of an enemy's blade away during a side-to-side attack. If the attack was a downward slash aimed at the head, Form I simply reversed the motion, with a horizontally-held lightsaber being moved up and down to deflect a blow. All the basic ideals of attack, parry, target zones, and practice drills were created with the Form I style.

Form II - Makashi

Known as Makashi, this ancient Jedi Knight lightsaber combat technique was developed when pikes and staves were more common in the galaxy. Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, allowing the Jedi to attack and defend with minimal effort. Although many Jedi historians considered Form II to be the ultimate refinement in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it was dropped in favor of Form III combat when blaster weapons became prevalent in the galaxy. Practiced by: Count Dooku

Form III - Soresu

Known as Soresu, this was a lightsaber dueling technique developed by the Jedi Knights, after blaster weapons became the normal weapon of choice among criminals and underworld beings. Unlike Form II combat, which was developed to work against another lightsaber, Form III was most effective in anticipating and deflecting blaster fire. It stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. It was essentially a defensive technique, emphasizing the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy while reducing the exposed areas of their bodies. Because of these attributes, many Jedi - especially those who practiced Form III - felt that it was the one form that required the deepest connection to the Force. In the wake of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn at the hands of Darth Maul, many Jedi turned away from the Form IV style of open, acrobatic fighting and took up Form III in order to minimize the risk of injury or death at the hands of an opportunistic opponent. Practiced by: Obi-wan Kenobi

Form IV - Ataru

Known as Ataru, this was one of the more recent lightsaber combat techniques, developed by the Jedi Knights during the last decades of the Old Republic. It emphasized acrobatic strength and power in wielding the blade, attributes which were frowned upon by many traditional Jedi Knights and Masters. It found a niche among the eager Padawan learners of the time, who believed that the Jedi needed to become more involved in rooting out crime and evil and eradicating it. This Form was practiced by Qui-Gon Jinn, although his death at the hands of Darth Maul exposed the weakness of Form IV in defending a Jedi's body. Yoda, however, practiced Form IV with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, left an enemy with no undefended parts of his body. Practiced by: Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Form V - Shien

Known as Shien, this was one of the seven primary forms of lightsaber combat developed by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. Form V was developed by a group of Jedi Masters who felt that Form III was too passive, while Form IV was not powerful enough. It addressed the shortcomings of both forms, in which a Jedi Master may have proved to be undefeatable but could not overcome the enemy. However, many Jedi felt that Form V lacked any sort of mobility, and forced a Jedi to defend themselves without being able to shift positions. Among the many unique aspects of Form V was the development of techniques in which the lightsaber was used to deflect a blaster bolt directly back at the firer, deliberately to cause harm to the opponent. Many Jedi Masters debated the philosophy of Form V, claiming that it directed inappropriate focus on hurting another being. Others claimed that Form V was simply a way to "achieve peace through superior firepower." Practiced by: Anakin Skywalker

Form VI - Niman

Known as Niman, this was one of the most advanced of the seven primary forms of lightsaber combat developed by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. At the time of the Battle of Geonosis, Form VI was the standard in Jedi fighting techniques, emphasizing the use of techniques from Forms I, III, IV, and V in overall moderation. Many Jedi Masters considered it the "diplomat's form", since the user used their knowledge of political strategy and negotiation - along with their own perceptions - to reach a peaceful decision with minimal bloodshed. Many Jedi skilled in Form VI techniques had already spent at least ten years studying the other four Forms, an aspect that meny Masters felt was too demanding of the Jedi's time in regards to its benefits on the battlefield. Practiced by: Geonosis Jedi.

Form VII - Juyo

Known as Juyo, this lightsaber combat technique was one of the most demanding of all the forms developed by the Jedi Knights. Only through the learning of several other forms can a Jedi begin to understand Form VII, which involved so much physical combat ability that its training brought a Jedi very close to the Dark Side of the Force. Jedi Master Mace Windu studied the Form VII technique. To master Form Vaapad, a Jedi had to employ bold movements and be more kinetic than in any other form. Form VII employed the use of overwhelming power directed through unconnected, staccato movements that kept an opponent continually off-guard. Practiced by: Mace Windu, Sora Bulq, Depa Billaba.

Minor Forms

Ataro

This was one of the older forms of lightsaber combat practiced by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. Practitioners used a two-handed defensive stance when facing an opponent, providing the Jedi with a balanced position from which to defend themselves. Once engaged, a Jedi using the Ataro form moved about with great athleticism, leaping into acrobatic movements to confuse and out-position their opponent.

Jar'Kai

This ancient form of combat uses speciallized dueling swords, and involves the use of two swords, one in each hand. The form was originally created by the Yovshin Swordsmen of the Atrisian Empire, who named it after the city on Kitel Phard where they developed it. A similar form of two-handed swordplay was later developed by the Royal Macheteros, who called it Niman. It was this later term that was used to describe a form of two-handed lightsaber combat by the Jedi Order, a technique the Jedi learned from the Legions of Lettow.

Niman (two blades)

This style of fighting was originally developed by the Royal Macheteros of the Kashi Mer, although it was later claimed by the Legions of Lettow. Named for two groups of three Kashi gods, Niman was a two-handed fighting style that used one blade for offense, while the other could be used for parrying or for additional attacks. After the Legions of Lettow were defeated by the ancient Jedi Knights, the Jedi adopted both the two-handed fighting technique and its name. Although many Jedi trained in the Niman style to gain basic knowledge of a two-bladed attack, very few ever mastered it completely.

Shien

Not to be confused with the old Form V, the Shien style of fighting is unique, with a Jedi holding their lightsabre horizontally. The tip of the blade was pointed at the opponent, and was swung in a quick arc as the Jedi punched their sword-hand at their opponent.

Sokan

this form of lightsaber combat was developed by the ancient Jedi Knights. It combined the kinetic motions of Form IV combat with tactics that allowed for mobility and evasion. Originally created during the Great Sith War, Sokan involved quick movements and tumbles, as well as swift strokes of the lightsaber aimed at an opponent's vital areas. Battles which involved Sokan techniques could range across large amounts of terrain as combatants worked to maneruver their opponent into a vulnerable position.

Trispzest

this was a form of lightsaber combat developed by Kharys, the Majestrix of the planet Skye. It was based on the Form VII style of lightsaber combat, but unlike the Vaapad style of Mace Windu, Trispzest melded S'kyri martial arts with Jedi techniques to create Trispzest. Much of this form's techniques took advantage of the S'kytri ability to fly, and emphasized the sai cha technique with an airborne variation. Kharys used the technique to devastating effect when a group of Corellian smugglers landed on Skye without prior consent.

Vaapad

this lightsaber combat was developed by Mace Windu, with the assistance of Sora Bulq, during the years leading up to the Clone Wars. It was an aggressive collection of maneuvers, and was considered to be part of the Form VII category. As such, the Vaapad training was considered extremely close to the Dark Side of the Force, and was forbidden to all but the most skilled of Jedi Masters. To Master Windu and his apprentice, Depa Billaba, Vaapad was more than a combat style; it was a state of mind in which the fighter opened themselves so fully to the Force to fight their opponent that they drew power from both the light and dark sides of the Force. The style was named for vaapad creature found on Sarapin. It was all but abandoned after Sora Bulq was consumed by the art in what became known as the blood fever, and himself abandoned the Jedi Order. Master Windu later explained to Obi-Wan Kenobi that Vaapad had originally been created as a way for him to channel his own darkness into a weapon of the light. While this was an adaptation to weakness within Master Windu, it was a potential danger for those Jedi who were unable to control the Dark Side of the Force.

Marks of Contact

All the Forms involve the same "marks of contact," target objectives organized as categories of damage lightsaber-wielders can inflict upon their opponents. In the names of the marks, the language of the earliest Jedi sages has come down unaltered to us today. The ancient traditional marks of contact help focus a Jedi's attacks and defences on a few clearer categories rather than diffusing awareness across an infinite number of possibilities.

Sun Djem

Sun Djem means disarming. It was a goal of early Form I masters, since destroying an opponents lightsaber could win victory without causing injury - always a Jedi's aspiration. However the advances of Form II soon made sun djem nearly impossible since combatants trained studiously against having their weapons taken or damaged.

Shiim

Any kind of wound with the edge of a lightsaber blade is shiim. An inconclusive mark of contact, shiim is considered inferior to other marks of contact that decisively end a battle. Its appearance thus expresses struggle with a powerful opponent.

Shiak

Jedi tradition considers shiak (stabbing) an honourable method of inflicting serious injury since it causes the least amount of visible injury on an opponents body. Shiak can thus express Jedi respect for an opponent and the Living Force even as it delivers a fatal blow.

Cho Mai

"Cut hand". Cho mai instantly ends an opponents ability to use a weapon but does not kill, making cho mai a preferred Jedi move. The precision of cutting off only a hand is considered the mark of a superior lightsaber master.

Cho Sun

"Cut arm". Cho sun (dismembering), cutting off an opponents entire weapon arm is a move lacking in the precision and elegance of cho mai, but cho sun is the move most often necessary under surprise combat conditions when no chances can be taken.

Cho Mok

Cho mok (maim) describes the cutting off of an opponents leg or, in the case of non-humans, other limbs or appendage such as lekku (head tails).

Sai Cha

Sai cha, from the ancient words for "separate" and "head" describes the chilling Jedi ability to behead an opponent in a flash of the lightsaber. Jedi commit sai cha only when battle is at its most deadly serious and threatening, or when an opponent is considered extremely dangerous even to a fully trained Jedi.

Sai tok

Jedi consider the bisection of a living opponent's body a form of butchery, a desecration to be avoided if possible. The savage extreme of sai tok is thus normally used only against battle droids. Sai tok represents a potentially Sith-like desire to destroy one's enemy, whereas the Jedi goal even in combat is an inner focus of defeating the danger of the opponent rather than hating them and wishing utter destruction upon them. Obi-wan Kenobi resorted to sai tok to kill Darth Maul, the brutal move resulted from Obi-Wan's rage at Maul's murder of Qui-gon Jinn.

Related Disciplines, Techniques, snd Such

Dun Moch

this was the Sith lightsaber combat doctrine of totally dominating an opponent's spirit by whatever means possible. Dun moch (with an oomlaut over the 'o') usually involved verbal taunts and jests that exposed an opponent's inner doubts and weaknesses. Other forms of dun moch involved the use of the Force to hurl heavy objects at an opponent during combat, distracting the opponent from the true battle.

Rule by Fear

the doctrine of imposing rule on a population, not with direct force, but with the threat of direct force. This doctrine was proposed by Moff Willhuf Tarkin, and also bears the title The Tarkin Doctrine. Emperor Palpatine embraced the theory behind the doctrine, and built his forces accordingly. Huge Star Destroyers, lumbering AT-AT walkers, and even the full body armor of Darth Vader were all parts of the Emperor's implementation.

Su Ma

Su ma or "rotation" is a move in several forms, but none so much as in Form IV. There are jung su ma (spinning 360 degrees), ton su ma (somersaults) and en su ma (cartwheels). These are also called for short jung ma, ton ma, en ma.

Shun

This was the term used by the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic to describe a one-handed grip on a lightsaber, which is then spun through a 360-degree arc (jung su ma) to gain speed for an attack during lightsaber combat.

Sai

Term used by the old Jedi Knights for a Force-assisted jump, employed to evade an attack on the legs during lightsaber combat.

Force Powers List The Lightsabre The Sith The Omega Order Imperial Sentinels