Form III: Soresu (Powerstaark)

Soresu, also known as 'the way of the Mynock' or 'the resilience form' was the most defensive style of ligtsaber combat.

Practitioners of Soresu were sometimes described as being 'in the eye of the storm' because the practitioner had to stay focused on defending themselves and not focus on the conflict around them. Soresu was a good style against any opponent, lightsaber and blaster wielding alike and a master of the style had a near unbreakable defence. However Soresu required a great deal of focus to trap their opponents on their own offense. Soresu users would remain almost purely on the defensive and only strike back when the opponent grew frustrated or tired. Likewise though, the Soresu user could get tired too and it could backfire against a patient and cautious opponent.

Stance and maneuvers
The opening stance of Soresu was to hold the lightsaber above your head with both hands. One leg would be forwards and the other would be back. This stance was effective for blocking powerful overhand strikes. A master of Soresu would move their lightsabers precisely never a centimetre more than necessary, minimizing openings.

One of the techniques for Soresu was known as the 'Deflecting Slash' where the duellist would redirect the momentum generated by deflecting projectiles into a slashing attack at an adjacen target. Another technique, which was probably the best one for defending more than one person at a time, was called the 'Circle of Shelter'. The duellist would whirl their lightsaber quickly creating a barrier around themselves and nearby allies making it difficult for the enemy to penetrate.

Practitioners
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the most well known master of Soresu and Mace Windu considered him to be the master of Soresu not just a master of Soresu. Obi-Wan's expertise with the style allowed him to defeat deadly opponents such as Asajj Ventress, General Grievous and (most famously) Darth Vader. Obi-Wan originally practiced Ataru but after the death of his master Qui-Gon Jinn he switched to Soresu though he still had a high degree of skill in Ataru. Strangely Obi-Wan rarely, if ever, used the Soresu opening stance instead preferring to use the Niman stance.

Kenobi's second Padawan, Tom Norton had enough skill in Soresu to survive the vicious Battle of Geonosis which was impressive for his age. In addition, Tom's first master, Carmen Conrose was proficient at Soresu but her skill with the style was unable to stand up to Sora Bulq's vicious Vaapad technique.

Other notable practitioners were Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee and their skill with the style made them formidable opponents especially when they worked together. In addition Cin Drallig and Sora Bulq had also mastered Soresu and Even Piell had skill with it too. Yoda was also a master of Soresu using it in a combination with his signature Ataru style.

Count Dooku used Soresu against Anakin Skywalker on the Invisible Hand but unfortunately for him his skill in Soresu had become rusty because he focused so much on Makashi. Darth Vader put elements of Soresu into his swordplay, notably using a technique where his arms were pressed to his sides and her parried blows by moving his wrists only. While this technique was useful for protecting his torso it also left his limbs open.