Lightsaber combat (Powerstaark)

Lightsaber combat was the method of fighting used by the Jedi and Sith, which was initially based on ancient sword-fighting techniques. Throughout the millennia since its creation it developed into eight classic forms. 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.

The lightsaber was a very versatile weapon, owing to its unique lightness and omni-directional cutting ability. It could be wielded one-handed or with both hands. Early in the weapon's history, when the Sith were numerous, the art of lightsaber dueling flourished. In later periods though, only rarely would Jedi face an adversary with a weapon capable of repelling a lightsaber.

Although the blade was weightless, two-handed slashes were the most common movement. This was because inertia was still needed to cut through solid objects. Solid objects were repelled by the blade arc until they were changed to gas or plasma. Therefore, inertia was required to counteract the initial repelling force. The stronger the swing, the faster and easier the blade would cut. If little force was applied to the swing, the repelling force of the blade arc would leave shallow cuts. When two lightsaber blades came in contact with each other, the two repelling forces made the blade appear to be solid.

Also, the field that caused the energy to arc back into the blade caused some gyroscopic effects. While technically weightless, the blade still had some resistance to changes in motion. The slight gyroscopic effects were easily controlled by a trained force user, but could become problematic for an untrained person.

The Jedi were trained to use the Force as a conduit between the wielder and the weapon. Through this bond in the Force, the blade became an extension of their being; it moved with instinct as though it were a part of the body. The Jedi's attunement to the Force accounted for the almost superhuman agility and reflex illustrated in the use of the lightsaber.

Each Jedi, Sith or Dark 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.


 * Form I: Shii-Cho
 * Form I: Shii-Cho was the most simple form of lightsaber combat. It was also known as "The way of the Sarlacc" or "The Determination Form".


 * Form II: Makashi
 * Form II: Makashi was the most elegance and precise form of lightsaber combat. It was also known as "The way of the Ysalamir" of "The Contention Form".


 * Form III: Soresu
 * Form III: Soresu was the most defensive form of lightsaber combat. It was also known as "The way of the Mynock" or "The Resiliance Form".


 * Form IV: Ataru
 * Form IV: Ataru was the most acrobatic form of lightsaber combat. It was also known as "The way of the Hawk-Bat" or "The Aggression Form".


 * Form V: Djem So
 * Form V: Djem So was a form of lightsaber combat that relied on brute strength. It was also known as "The way of the Krayt Dragon" or "The Perseverance Form".


 * Form VI: Shien
 * Form VI: Shien was a unique form of lightsaber combat where the user would hold their lightsaber in reverse grip. It was also known as "The way of the Ackley" or "The Reverse Form".


 * Form VII: Niman
 * Form VII: Niman was the most balanced style of lightsaber combat. It was also known as "The way of the Talz" or "The Diplomats Form".


 * Form VIII: Juyo/Vaapad
 * Form VIII was the only lightsaber form that had two variations; Juyo and Vaapad. It was a ferocious form where the user would use their emotions to fuel their power. It was considered the most dangerous form because there was a risk of the practitioner falling to the dark side. It was also known as "The way of the Vornskre" or "The Ferocity Form".