Discussions Lightsaber forms- which is your favorite?

So I've recently done some research about the seven forms of lightsaber combat, and have found it very interesting. How many of you know much about the lightsaber forms? If you were a Jedi or Sith, which form(s) would you want to use based on your strengths and weaknesses? Also, which form do you feel is overall the most effective?

 

I would have chosen Form VII: Vaapad/Juyo. I've mentioned this before, but I would be a very ferocious fighter, making sure the enemy doesn't have time to think.

 

To observe I'd probably choose Makashi. I wouldn't have a 'saber as a physical warrior I am not but my traits are most suited to Soresu.

 

This seems slightly more like an EU Community topic, I think. Yes, I realize there is a similar lightsaber form thread here, but even that doesn't quite belong. Just trying to keep things moderately filmic. (Moving to EUC.)

 

Djem So. Anakin Skywalker is noted for practicing this form, and I feel it allows for the flash of Ataru without the defensive issues.

 

Soresu. If it's good enough for Kenobi it's good enough for me. It always served him well.

 

Oh well. XD I just thought it seemed like a reasonably in-depth thing to talk about, and it does relate to the saga because some of these forms have been around since the OT. Some of them were developed by professional sword masters who trained some of the actors and stunt doubles.

Yeah, that is pretty cool. I wouldn't do that one because I have a very petite build and wouldn't have the physical strength for Djem So or Ataru.

I'd probably go with Soresu since it helps you save your energy and outlast your opponent. I love the idea of all of these forms though!

Is anyone else kind of surprised that Kit Fisto used Shii-Cho against Sidious?

 

Why? Sometimes there is wisdom in using simplicity against cunning. I think many forget this.

 

I'd go for Makashi. Elegant, classical, and the only form that actually makes sense, given that if you had a weightless blade (with intense gyroscopic effects that resist motion and exponentially build momentum) where every single point on it was the cutting edge, you'd be resorting mostly to thrusts and stabs. Modern sabre fencing (or perhaps épée) would probably be the closest analogue; there would be absolutely no waving it around like the shinai of Japanese kendo. From an OOU perspective, it's obviously the most effective, such that you would never realistically expect any form that involves the kind of slashing and/or acrobatics seen in the other forms, although from an IU standpoint, Juyo/Vaapad would probably be equally or more efficient at dispatching fellow lightsaber wielders.

 

I'd choose Niman. But I'd back it up with Makashi and a little Soresu.

 

The one where they swing their swords in front of themselves, occasionally hitting the enemy's sword. It all comes down to that in the end.

 

It would need to be backed up with a Blaster-defensive form, but I choose Makashi (Form II).

Unlike pure Soresu it is easy to counter-attack with, while being economical in terms of expended energy. Dooku chose it for a reason!

 

Ataru but I wouldn't fully rely on it.

 

Well - whilst my choice was Form III Soresu as it is practically on defense and whilst it 'delays the inevitable' ask yourself is it better to at least try to delay the inevitable long enough for your friends and comrades to get away ... or rather go forth impulsively and aggressively with Power BUT your defense is as good as glass canon ... I mean putting P.I.S. and plot aside why else was it Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of the few to fend off against Anakin - and particularly at the height of Protocol/Order 66 where Anakin in a worked up rage had taken out a number at the Jedi Temple and including Cin Drallig - being the Jedi Temple's Swordsmaster ...

But perhaps also ... why not Form 0? The concept emphasis being '"Remember, your lightsaber is an invaluable tool. Even when inactive, it can defuse a potentially volatile situation. Trust me on that." as Kyle Katarn explained ... and Master Yoda would have approved of this ...

And besides - don't Forms III and 0 emphasis the need for blood-less combat and to resolve violence with perhaps simply words and the sight of a Lightsaber being enough to defuse the situation already? I mean the fact in Form III - notice with Obi-Wan Kenobi at times when he dueled he did try to reason with opponents - least of which Anakin where he tried to plead with Anakin to 'COME TO YOUR SENSES ANAKIN! CHANCELLOR PALPATINE IS EVIL!' although to no avail but surely then Form III atleast gives you the advantage to also not just defend BUT to also try to reason with your opponent?

 

^ Right there, you have covered pretty much everything I wanted to say regarding Soresu. Thank you.

I would add that personally I never feel comfortable with attacking someone in a fight, so a defensive form fits me very well

 

I prefer swinging, turning, and jumping wildly like someone who's drunk. Or more seriously, Djem So, since I'm always more offense than defense.

 

Well since there don't seem to be to many advocates for Niman I shall step up for such a thing. *Clears throat* So most people will obviously point to the battle of Geonosis whenever someone brings up Niman. Their main argument is usually something along the lines of "Didn't almost all the practitioners die in that battle" Yes the practitioners did, and even then a good portion were during the retreat if I remember correctly. But enough on that subject let's get to the nitty gritty of Niman. The diplomats form as some call it, and for the most part the people who did use this form were not the best duelists. Niman was stated to be a form meant for one to practice little to be competent enough should the needs of combat arise. However when taken to the furthest degree Niman became a form of immense power and something that not many could contend with. Perfect examples of such a thing are Exar Kun, Darth Caedus, Darth Plagueis, and Kao Cen Darach.

What these four brought to the table was what could be possible if one was strict and stuck to their training of Niman. Exar Kun thought to be the greatest Niman user in the galaxy only had one true opponent that could hold out against him. With his lightsaber Exar Kun wasn't prepared for just some simple battle but for almost anything that could come at him. Mixing in Trakata tricks and quick bladework Exar Kun cut down jedi in short order with extreme ease mind you. In my opinion had Exar Kun and say anyone besides a select few jedi or Sith met on the battlefield he'd be the victor. This is not taking his Force powers into account.

Darth Caedus... Many people hate him, say he's inconsistent, and a horrible character. I personally love him and his combat style. After his fall most of his fights were with jedi of the upper tier such as Katarn, Mara Jade, Jaina Solo and even Luke himself which two of these opponents he bested, nearly beating Luke. In almost every encounter he was caught off guard and unawares by the attack still able to put up a fight. Even against Mara Jade who had the significant drop on him. Katarn and two other jedi attacked Caedus by surprise and not only did he defeat them, but he was injured. Not something to take lightly considering Katarn was one of the best duelists of the order. Even Luke himself struggled against Caedus stating him to at least be as fast as Palpatine. Remember Luke and Palpatine moved near light speed in the Dark Empire comics. Caedus used any and everything at his disposal to win. He studied his environment and used what he could to overcome these encounters including dirty fighting.

Not much to say for Plagueis as we haven't seen to much of him, but from what we can conclude from what we have seen. He has moved fast enough that even a droid made to track blaster bolts couldn't track him, moved fast enough his lightsaber seemed to be lightning, and that even Palpatine was scared to face him.

Kao Cen Darach, this zabrak surprised me in the SWTOR trailer as not only did he manage to fight off Malgus, and Vidican he did it wielding a double bladed lightsaber and his own at the same time. Easily using his speed and adapting to the situation at hand Darach took on the Sith meeting them head to head with intricate bladework and movements to dodge their attacks while lashing out with his own. While using the force to grant himself space. Of course he fell to Malgus in the end, but what you must remember is that he had just went through a long winded fight between two Sith that were coming at him with lethal intent, anyone would be tired and ready to give out.

In short what I'm saying is that if one follows sticks to just the basic diplomat's style they will not amount to much. However if willing to focus and train that ability till they can no further the limits are only their own imagination. You are prepared for not just certain situations but almost any. Your bladework unparalleled, shock and awe are your allies, and you have the ability to use styles from every form blending them together to create a devastating style.

 

Vaapad (so powerful) and Makashi (so elegant)

 

Djem So. It's just so powerful!

 

I'm always torn between Vaapad/Juyo and Djem So/Shien. Both are very appealing in their styles.

 

My Jedi Exile loves Niman.

 

I love the elegance of Makashi. It's almost like a dance. Dooku was one of the most powerful Jedi to ever live, and in his wisdom he chose that form and it served him very well. He absolutely DESTROYED Obi-Wan. The only reason he lost to Anakin is that Anakin was quite simply more powerful than Dooku and used his anger. Honestly, I think age played a factor in that as well. Had Dooku been even 60, I don't think he would have lost to Anakin.

 

Soresu, it really is a superb defense form.

 

Wasn't Kenobi described as THE master of Soresu in the ROTS novel? It's been a while since I've read it.

 

Yes Obi-Wan was THE master of Soresu and was even known to be so by Mace and WIndu. He had compensated for its weaknesses unlike Zannah, and could deal with General Grievous where other jedi had trouble/ Even Mace acknowledged he would have trouble with Grievous.

As for Dooku, I see him loosing the fight as him being tired. As you said he was a man getting way up there in age and the Force can only do so much. Considering he was facing THE premiere masters of Djem So, and Soresu of course he'd be exhausted going against them. He has to deal with an overwhelming offense as well as a defense that is nearly impenetrable. Without things like force choke and push he would have been defeated. Dooku is not one for games. Though if it had just been him against Anakin from the beginning Anakin would've been the one loosing his head.

I still stick to Niman being the best form overall.