Form I: Shii-Cho (dstouffer)

"It has no other advantages or disadvantages, and is an effective form to fall back on when no other will do."

- Kreia to the Jedi Exile

Shii-Cho was the very first form of lightsaber combat to be created and also the simplest style. It requires great mental drive but also control over the users emotions. In ancient times it was used as an unarmed style.

Description
Jedi younglings are taught this form, introducing them to the basics of Lightsaber combat. They start out by using to train for Blaster deflect and then begin to use it in sparring. It combines many general techniques that are used in the other forms. These include deflecting blaster bolts and lightsaber dueling. This way, if a Jedi decides not to study Shii-Cho, then they already have knowledge of a few of the fighting styles they can choose from. Thus, all Jedi have knowledge of it, some more than others. Those that studied Shii-Cho as their primary form had to be in a heated mindset to finish their opponents quickly. This mindset also required restraint to avoid giving in to dark thoughts.

The basic idea behind using Shii-Cho was to disarm or incapacitate their opponets by attacking them at all angles of the body. A less experienced practitioner would have a more clumsy bladework that could easily be exploited by a single opponent. Because of this, many skilled swordsman shifted toward a different form to study. Only renowned swordsman could master this form and use it in any situation. Shii-Cho practitioners were also weak against the swift attacks of powerful Force-sensitive adversaries, perticularly Makashi users. They would easily be able to break through the Form I technique, being sloppy in comparison

Offensive Capabilities - Shii-Cho had a intense offensive ability. The practitioner would begin slicing at his or her opponents starting at a normal speed. They would gradual speed up the attacks in quick aggressive strokes. This could overwhelm a group of opponents quickly.

Defensive Capabilities - Shii-Cho had a great balance in fighting because the defense would be just as strong as the offense. When facing aggressive opponents, the combatant would alternate between slashing at the opponent and blocking their opponent's strike whether it be a Lightsaber or a blaster bolt.

Stances and Maneuvers
"Form I, also called Shii-Cho, requires little explanation, as every Jedi youngling learns the basics of attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities"

- Cin Drallig

The opening stance of Shii-Cho begins with the blade being held upward angled position with the hilt at the stomach. The combatant will then begin a series of slashes and swings.

In using Shii-Cho, there are two different types of combat. One is used in lightsaber to lightsaber combat. It consists of simple attacks and diagonal swings. The other is a more energetic and lively form. It has a combination of quick swings and horizontal slashes that can overwhelm opponents to the point where they cannot predict their next move.

Applications
Lucien Draay became a very skilled duelist using Form I in many situations. He even managed to defeat Zayne Carrick using these skills.

The Jedi Exile was known as one of the most gifted swordsman during the Mandalorian Wars. She had originally mastered Form I and Form II: Makashi under her Jedi Masters. After her exile, she lost her connection to the Force and the skill that she once had. After she regained her connection to the Force with the help of Kreia, the Exile's ability with Shii Cho finally came back to her. She used Shii Cho for almost every battle she was in and could even defeat Sith Lords using it. She was also proficient in applying the form using any melee weapon. Kreia had concerns that she may have been using it too often. The Exile told her that the form came flowing through her naturally, just like how she became reconnected with the Force.

In the Jedi Exile's journey to find the lost Jedi, she trained many of her followers in the ways of the Force including Atton Rand, the Bounty Hunter Mira, Mical, and Bao-Dur. All these people learned the basics of Form I.

Kit Fisto was known as the best Form I swordsman during the Clone Wars. He faced many powerful adversaries using this form. On Vassek, Fisto was forced into a duel with General Grievous, who had been trained in Form I himself by Dooku. Fisto's mastery of Shii Cho surpassed Grievous' however and proved able to defeat him. This Form worked well against the onslaught of Grievous' four lightsabers. Fisto's attacks consisted of quick slashing and lightwhips after stealing one of Grievous' lightsabers. Fisto was able to exploit the weak points on the mechanical body, managing to slice off one of his droid hands.

Kit Fisto may have been able to defeat Grievous but could after a tough duel he could not defeat Asajj Ventress who used Form II, his natural weakness. She was much to swift with the twin blades for his maneuvers. Despite this, Fisto was able to survive their encounter on Ord Cestus. His ultimate downfall was in his fight against Palpatine, one of the most powerful Sith ever. Palpatine's vicious strikes did not allow Fisto to directly attack him. Palpatine then broke through his defenses and cut him down. Fisto was able to last longer in the fight then masters Agen Kolar and Saesee Tiin, blocking Palpatine for a short time.

Notable Practitioners

 * Jedi Exile
 * Yoda
 * Kreia
 * Koran Hulq
 * Darth Vatrir
 * Kit Fisto
 * Cin Drallig
 * Obi-Wan Kenobi
 * Darth Vader
 * Saesee Tiin
 * Luke Skywalker
 * Even Piell
 * Yaddle
 * Nahdar Vebb
 * IG-100 MagnaGuard