Lightsaber combat / Legends Lightsaber combat referred to several schools of martial arts specialized in , though not limited to , fighting with a lightsaber . Such fighting forms were required to compensate for or take advantage of the unique attributes of lightsabers , notably the odd balance of the weapon , all of the weight being in the hilt , and the omni - directional cutting edge . The most prominent lightsaber - oriented combat styles were the seven forms of the Jedi Order , though other organizations were known to have developed their own styles and methods , an example being the Sith - developed Dun Möch technique . The various combat forms owed their unique focuses and methods to the eras in which they were created , as they were oftentimes developed to answer a new generation of weapons technology . For example , the dueling - centric Makashi form was created during a time when Dark Jedi and rogue Force - wielders ran rampant through the galaxy , and Lightsaber duels became a common occurrence , whereas Soresu was developed when such confrontations were rare , and Jedi were more likely to confront Blaster - wielding opponents and gunslingers rather than lightsaber duelists . Overview . Throughout the millennia since the lightsaber ' s creation , the art of dueling with them developed into seven " classic " forms and numerous other styles . 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 , though there have been some great non - force sensitive duelists , such as Pre Vizsla , or General Grievous . All seven traditional lightsaber forms included the same basic techniques as ancient sword - fighting styles , such as defensive postures , overhand strikes , parries , and counters . A riposte was a technique where the user struck an opponent after deflecting or blocking an attack . 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 . 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 . 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 momentum was still needed to cut through solid objects , as solid objects were repelled by the blade arc until they were changed to gas or plasma . Therefore , momentum 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 hilt 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 the untrained . History . Early developments . When lightsaber technology was developed to the point where they became a viable weapon , becoming the standard weapon of the Jedi Order by 7000 BBY , a combat form that accounted for the abilities and weaknesses of the weapon was required . Form I , Shii - Cho , was a highly simplistic style , based on age - old fencing principles , and defining the types of attacks , parries , body zones and practice drills that could be utilized with the lightsaber . When Darksiders and fallen Jedi began to arise , lightsaber duels became an almost routine activity , and Shii - Cho was simply not up for the task , as it didn ' t address lightsaber - to - lightsaber combat . This necessitated the development of Form II , Makashi , a precise and efficient fighting form geared towards lightsaber dueling . This style ' s prevalence during this era produced many of the greatest dueling masters the galaxy had ever seen , a notable example being Tulak Hord , one of the early Sith Lords . Makashi was eventually rendered partially obsolete due to the increased distribution and common usage of blasters and other ranged energy weapons . Due to this , the third form , Soresu , was created . An extrapolation and development of Shii - Cho blast - deflect training , Soresu emphasized defensive coverage , characterized by tight and efficient movements . A true Form III master was considered invincible by many . However , the style was not without its detractors , who criticized its focus on defense at the expense of offense . As an answer to the weaknesses of Soresu , Ataru ( form IV ) and Shien ( form V ) were developed side by side . Both were highly aggressive combat forms , the former focusing on speed and agility , the latter on strength and attack moves . Notably , Shien exploited the lightsaber ' s ability to deflect blaster bolts by deliberately deflecting shots towards opponents . Later , a new , more advanced Form V variant known as Djem So was developed , focused on aggressive lightsaber dueling . While forms IV and V proved highly effective , many more conservative Jedi were put off by their aggressive focuses , and set to work creating a form that balanced all the other focuses with overall moderation , in better keeping with Jedi philosophy . The result was the sixth form , Niman . Developed from the Jar ' Kai dual - blade combat style , Niman was a gateway to fantastic lightsaber skill without a focus on power or aggression and became known as the " diplomat ' s form " , though it would ironically become the favored style of the fallen Jedi - turned - Sith Lord Exar Kun , a masterful lightsaber duelist . Due to his obvious skill , Kun came to consider himself the greatest duelist in the galaxy , though he ultimately met his match in the Djem So specialist Ulic Qel - Droma . Kun would go on to defeat Vodo - Siosk Baas , the Jedi Battlemaster of the day , and wield one of the earliest saberstaffs , creating the weapon from schematics provided by a Sith holocron . By the time of the First Jedi Purge , Juyo ( form VII ) had been created . An advanced and extremely aggressive form , Juyo required high - level mastery of multiple forms to be studied , as it cut perilously close to Sith intensity of focus on combat ability . Specifically , Juyo drew on the agile footwork of Makashi , the tight , aggressive motions of Shien , and the fluid style of Niman . Masters of the form were loath to teach it to those with proven recklessness , and the rarity of practitioners left it in a state of only partial development for almost a thousand years after the Army of Light disbanded with the Ruusan Reforms . Four of the only known practitioners alive following the First Jedi Purge were Jedi Council Masters Vrook Lamar , Zez - Kai Ell , Kavar , and Atris . Practice and Training during the Sith Resurgence . With the advent of the Great Galactic War , and the re - emergence of the old Sith Empire , the Jedi were once again in widespread confrontation with their bitter enemy . During the interim , the Sith Lords retained full access to the traditional forms , and they were in use within the Empire as early as the Jedi Civil War , with such notables as the Emperor ' s Wrath Scourge studying Forms VII , IV , and III . There is little doubt the Sith also used the time to develop their own combat styles , although there are few records indicating clearly what they were . This was matched by the Jedi with their development of Juyo - Kos , a refinement of the already lethal Juyo to meet the demands of these dangerous times , which saw frequent and brutal engagements between Jedi and Sith . This point of view is supported by comments from Jerbhen Hulis during his brief duel with Teneb Kel . Notable duelists during this period include Jaric Kaedan , a master of the aforementioned Form VII variant , and Orgus Din , who attained his advanced skill - level through endless practice in an attempt to compensate for his weak aptitude with the Force . On the Sith side were Vindican and Malgus , who were notably the first Sith Lords to cross blades with Jedi in over three hundred years , their opponents being Kao Cen Darach and future Jedi Grand Master , Satele Shan . During the New Sith Wars , a Twi ' lek duelist known as Kas ' im rose to prominence among the Sith , becoming the lightsaber instructor at the Korriban Academy for the Brotherhood of Darkness . Many of his students would go on to be excellent duelists in their own right , a notable example being Darth Bane . In fact , when Bane and Kas ' im engaged one another after Bane ' s rebellion against the Brotherhood , Kas ' im demonstrated an aptitude for Jar ' Kai dual - blade combat , providing him with an edge over Bane due to the latter ' s lack of training against such armament . Bane regarded Kas ' im as the finest duelist of the era , possibly the greatest to ever exist thus far , and he only prevailed thanks to his superior grasp of the Force . Bane later killed Kas ' im ' s Jedi counterpart , Raskta Lsu . Post - Ruusan developments . With the Final battle of Ruusan , most of the Sith and other Darksider organizations were annihilated or driven into hiding , and Jedi lightsaber combat experienced radical changes as a consequence . The dueling - centric Makashi style was rendered obsolete due to its lack of effectiveness against blaster - wielding opponents , as well as the simple lack of lightsaber - wielding opponents . Thus was the same with the more obscure weapon variants ; by 32 BBY , the use of double - bladed lightsabers in actual combat as opposed to training was practically unheard of . Despite this , the era produced one of the greatest lightsaber duelists to ever exist : Yoda . The eventual Grand Master of the Jedi Order mastered all seven forms over the course of his nine - hundred year lifespan , but specialized in Ataru , as the style ' s broad swordplay and heavy use of acrobatics compensated for his lack of height and reach . His fighting form was a masterful demonstration of many of the standard components of Ataru , and was a wonder to behold . Other great duelists to arise during this period include Dooku , who stubbornly specialized in Makashi , despite the style ' s apparent obsolescence , considering it among the highest of fighting forms ; Siolo ' urmanka , who ranked among the greatest Jedi warriors before renouncing the lightsaber and focusing on staff - fighting , which he felt was a " purer " technique ; and Mace Windu . Windu was a Juyo specialist who was working towards completing the form , as the lack of duelists with the self - control necessary to practice Form VII left it still under development . The result was the Vaapad style , named for a predator native to the moons of Sarapin . A dangerous style that cut close to the dark side , it required Jedi to allow themselves to enjoy the thrill of battle , channeling their own fury while feeding off the aggression of the enemy , creating a feedback loop of power . Windu developed the style with the aid of fellow Jedi swordmaster Sora Bulq , and only trained his own Padawan , Depa Billaba , in the style . Notably , Bulq taught Quinlan Vos elements of Vaapad during the amnesiac Jedi ' s retraining , though he said nothing of the style , and Vos refrained from applying it after learning more of it . Among the Sith , Darth Sidious ' apprentice Darth Maul proved to be an exceptional duelist . One of the most highly trained Sith in the history of the order , Maul was instructed in several obscure combat forms , notably considering himself a master of a corrupt Sith version of Juyo . In addition to his highly developed skills as a martial combatant , Maul also wielded a double - bladed lightsaber . Creating the weapon after a failed engagement against Siolo ' urmanka drew him to the conclusion that simple one - bladed lightsabers were too limiting , Maul went on the defeat the Jedi with his more unorthodox armament . The Jedi ' s inexperience with the weapon and his own skill with it provided Maul with an edge over many of his opponents , and great Jedi swordmasters such as Anoon Bondara and Qui - Gon Jinn fell before his blades . Maul was only defeated by Jinn ' s Padawan , Obi - Wan Kenobi , when he dropped his guard . With Maul thought dead , Sidious was forced to find a replacement , recruiting Dooku after he left the Jedi Order , dubbing him Darth Tyranus , while Obi - Wan Kenobi would go on to train Anakin Skywalker , the rising star of the Jedi Order . Skywalker specialized in Form V , as the aggressive fighting form was a good match to his bold , confrontational personality type . However , Skywalker ' s rapid advancement only fed his ego , and he came to consider himself a match for Yoda himself . He was given a sobering reminder of how much he still had to learn when Tyranus cut off his arm , ending their intense bout . Kenobi himself specialized in Soresu , adopting the style after coming to the conclusion that Ataru ' s lack of defensive capabilities resulted in Qui - Gon Jinn ' s death . While the defensive fighting form stood him in good stead against blaster - wielding opponents , his own confrontation with Tyranus went less well , as Dooku ' s precision bladework simply worked around Kenobi ' s staunch defense . Developments during the Clone Wars . The Clone Wars would bring about a multitude of changes in lightsaber combat , as the more moderate forms the Jedi had specialized in for the last millennia proved lacking on the battlefield , calling for specialist combat styles . Notably , all the Niman practitioners involved in the Battle of Geonosis perished in combat . In preparation for the Sith - orchestrated war , Dooku recruited several other duelists into his personal cadre of Dark Acolyte s , notables being the fallen Sora Bulq and the Rattataki warlord Asajj Ventress . Ventress ' skills with the lightsaber were sufficient to impress Dooku and Sidious , and she was provided with further instruction from the former , notably in Makashi lightsaber combat . Dooku also trained the Kaleesh cyborg Grievous in lightsaber combat , which Grievous was capable of learning because of the enhanced speed and reflexes of his mechanical body . Grievous would become one of the most prolific Jedi hunters of the era , collecting their lightsabers as grisly trophies , and defeating such notables as , Shaak Ti , and Eeth Koth , as well as dueling Mace Windu to a stalemate . Other great duelists who became casualties of the war included Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba , leaving Mace Windu as the last master of Vaapad . By the end of the war , Dooku and Grievous were slain by Skywalker and Kenobi , respectively . Their vastly increased skill marked them as two of the finest duelists in the Jedi Order , with Dooku crediting Skywalker as the finest Djem So stylist that he had ever seen , and Mace Windu recognizing Kenobi as " the Master of Soresu " . Windu ' s Vaapad style also faced its own ultimate test during his confrontation with Darth Sidious , revealed to be the Republic Supreme Chancellor Palpatine . Palpatine ' s advanced combat skills and Dark side powers allowed him to strike down Agen Kolar and Saesee Tiin instantly . Kit Fisto and Windu were left alone to battle the vicious Sith Lord . Fisto ' s swordsmanship barely enabled him to hold Sidious off before he , too , fell . Three of the best swordsmen on the Jedi Council were now dead , forcing Windu to fully channel his Vaapad . The feedback loop of power formed by Windu ' s Vaapad left both combatants in a contest of indefinite length , until Windu managed to seize the tactical advantage , disarming Palpatine and seemingly defeating the Dark Lord of the Sith . However , Windu ' s apparent victory wouldn ' t last long , as Anakin Skywalker intervened , defecting to the Sith and cutting off Windu ' s sword hand , leaving him vulnerable to Palpatine ' s Sith powers . Mace Windu , one of the greatest duelists in the Jedi Order , considered second only to Yoda , was dead . Skywalker , now Darth Vader , would spearhead the , personally felling many of the Jedi within , including the children . Even the Jedi swordmaster and Council member Cin Drallig was unable to hold out long against Vader ' s brutal intensity . Vader would only find his match in his former master ; Kenobi ' s mastery of defensive Soresu proved to be the perfect foil to Vader ' s all out offense . In one of the greatest lightsaber duels of all time , Kenobi would give ground before Darth Vader ' s relentless attack , guiding the battle to a location of his choice and seizing the tactical advantage . Overestimating his abilities , Vader attempted to vault over Kenobi but was dismembered by his former master and left to die on the shore of a Mustafar lava river . He only survived when Palpatine , fresh from his own contest with Yoda , rescued him . Realizing that the new Sith Order could not be brought down through martial might , Kenobi and Yoda went into hiding traveling to Tatooine and Dagobah respectively . Developments during the Great Jedi Purge . With the Jedi Order essentially destroyed , lightsaber combat development slowed to a crawl , and most efforts were spearheaded by the Sith . However , the combat forms themselves would still be preserved in surviving records and holocrons , as well as among the Sith . Nonetheless , this time period saw the rise of Darth Vader . Now encumbered by his heavy life - support armor , Vader was forced to customize and adjust his lightsaber technique to compensate . His resulting combat form included elements from numerous techniques of combat , relying on brute force and precision to counter the more acrobatic fighting forms the Jedi survivors favored . With this unique , though somewhat archaic fighting method , Vader became the most prolific Jedi hunter ever . Vader ' s skills as a duelist would also carry over to several of his apprentices , such as Starkiller and Kharys . Starkiller practiced Juyo and Soresu , while favoring a Shien - style reversed - grip , and bested such duelists as Kazdan Paratus and Shaak Ti . Kharys created the Trispzest fighting style , a combination of traditional S ' kytri aerial dueling and Form VII lightsaber combat . Starkiller ultimately rebelled against his master , and eventually managed to defeat Vader before perishing in a confrontation with Palpatine . This era also saw the emergence of the Emperor ' s Shadow Guard and the Imperial Saber Guard . The Shadow Guardsman favored Lightsaber pikes , and typically operated as Palpatine ' s enforcers , while the Saber Guardsman were provided with standard lightsabers and were provided with the prerequisite tutoring , and strongly favored Shien - style reversed grips . Both groups were highly effective on the battle field , though considerably less so against trained Jedi duelists , such as Starkiller or his clone . Arguably the greatest lightsaber duelist of his age , Luke Skywalker was an absolute natural with the weapon . After only a single training session with Obi - Wan Kenobi , Skywalker was already highly competent at blast - deflection , and he improved his technique over the next three years through pure improvisation . Within months , he was skilled enough to overcome Vader ' s former student Kharys , a practitioner of Form VII lightsaber combat and creator of the Trispzest style . His capabilities were further developed during his training under Yoda , and Skywalker ' s resulting combat style was an instinctual mimicry of Vader ' s personalized variation on Form V , with elements of Ataru and Soresu included . By 3 ABY , he was capable enough to hold his own against Darth Vader , outperforming many of the fully trained Jedi knights the Dark Lord had engaged in the past . Merely a year after this encounter , Skywalker bested Vader with a furious demonstration of his own technique . Redevelopment . Skywalker would eventually meet his match in Lumiya , a Vader - trained Dark Jedi turned Sith Acolyte . Lumiya wielded a unique lightwhip against Luke , with lashes of both energy and metals . As Lumiya noted , Luke ' s Jedi training only prepared him for a weapon that was either energy or solid , not one that was both . Luke would quickly adapt , constructing a shoto lightsaber and wielding it as a secondary weapon , allowing him to engage the whip ' s energy tendrils with one blade while shredding the solid ones with the other . Skywalker would eventually develop to the point where he could compete with the resurrected Palpatine himself in duels , slicing off the Sith Lord ' s hand . When Luke set about reestablishing the Jedi Order , he was aided in combat techniques by Kam Solusar , who was trained in lightsaber combat by Palpatine ' s Dark Side Elite , and Corran Horn , a former member of Corellian Security Force who had training in various unarmed combat techniques . It should be noted that many of Skywalker ' s students were capable of standing toe - to - toe with him , no doubt due to their familiarity with his fighting methods . While Luke had been provided with formal training in Ataru by Master Yoda , passing this on to his own students , the loss of so much knowledge from the old Jedi Order , including many lightsaber combat techniques , forced Luke ' s new order to essentially start from scratch . Kam Solusar trained the students in the three rings of defense , while Corran Horn trained them in many of CorSec ' s combat techniques . The three forms of the Jedi Order were eventually created , each specializing in a different aspect of combat . The Strong style focused on brute strength and offense , often at the expense of defense . The Fast style focused on speed and precision , and was especially good for blast - deflection . The Medium style balanced out between the previous two , and oftentimes acted as a tutorial form , much like Shii - Cho for the old Jedi Order . One of the finest students of the academy , Kyle Katarn , practiced all three and eventually attained the rank of Jedi Battlemaster . When the seven forms of the original order were rediscovered , Katarn went on to master Djem So as well . Over the next century and a half , the various lightsaber fighting forms would experience few major changes , though many masterful duelists would rise to prominence over the years . The Imperial Knight would develop combat styles unique to their organization , the aggressive Praetoria Vonil and defensive Praetoria Ishu . However , these two forms were practiced in addition to classical lightsaber forms , and were designed to encourage and focus on teamwork rather than individual prowess . Basic Moves and Maneuvers . Body Target Zones . Many of the basics of lightsaber combat were established by the Shii - Cho lightsaber form , as it was the first form developed , and was specialized towards training individuals in the use of lightsabers . Attacks and parries in lightsaber combat are described by the body zones they target . In idealized sparring drills , most attacks are executed with horizontal swipes , while parries are carried out with vertical blocks meant to push the point of the enemy ' s blade away , with the exception of the " Attack 1 " and " Parry 1 " , which are reversed . Zone 1 : Zone 2 : Zone 3 : Zone 4 : Zone 5 / 6 : The Outer ring of defense relied on grand sweeping blows to attack at range . The wide attacks took longer to deliver , but were very powerful . The Outer ring consisted of four guard positions , all with the blade held diagonally : the upper right , upper left , lower right and lower left . The Middle ring of defense was designed to pick up quicker blows and block them , though it was also effective for blast - deflection . The guard positions all featured the blade being held at right angles , with the upper and lower guards being horizontal , while the left and right positions being vertical . The Inner ring was the last line of defense , dangerous to be attacking or defending from . It was proof against lunging attacks , and relied on parries instead of blocks . It had only a single guard position , with the hilt covering the navel . Attacks would be deflected by angling the blades tip and shunting them aside with the lower third of the blade , facilitating a swift counter towards the opponents chest or abdomen . Marks of Contact . All Jedi forms involve the same marks of contact , describing the objectives , maneuvers to use , and the various outcomes that could arise out of a fight involving lightsabers as weapons . They helped focus a Jedi ’ s attacks and defenses on a few clearer categories , rather than diffusing awareness across an infinite number of possibilities in a duel . The " sun djem " was the act of disarming the opponent , the objective usually being not to physically harm him / her . The classic Shii - Cho move , the " Disarming Slash " , was specialized towards executing the " sun djem " . The " shiim " was a more minute to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber ' s blade . The " shiim " could be applied anywhere on the body , and was not specific to any zone . The " cho mai " was the amputation an opponent ' s weapon - . The " cho sun " was the amputation an opponent ' s weapon - . The " cho mok " was the amputation an opponent ' s , such as a humanoid ' s or . The " shiak " was the act of stabbing an opponent . The " sai cha " was the decapitation of the opponent . Being a sideswipe at an opponents side and neck , the " sai cha " corresponded with Zone 2 and 3 attacks . The " sai tok " was the act of cutting an opponent in half , usually separating his or her legs from the at the , but vertical bisections corresponding with Zone 1 attacks were not unheard of . The " mou kei " was an attack that dismembered an opponent through a circular motion of the lightsaber , aimed at the major limbs . The " mou kei " , being aimed at all major limbs , lashed out at multiple body zones . Darth Vader ' s dismemberment on Mustafar could be considered a triple " cho mok " , as it amputated both of his legs ( zone 5 / 6 ) and his left arm ( zone 3 ) . Ready Stances . While all the lightsaber forms had their own unique opening and ready stances , a number of positions were standard to lightsaber combat in general . Having much in common with the Ataru guard , the Jedi ready was the most common stance among Jedi . The dominant foot was held back , with the blade in a vertical parry position on the dominant side . The differences between the Defensive Neutral and the Jedi Ready were negligible . The blade was still held in a parry position on the dominant side , though the feet were evenly spaced rather than one held back . This position was intended to provide the maximum amount of blade surface area for blast - deflection , and also to maximize its visual impact as a warning . The feet were evenly spaced , with the blade pointed towards the enemy . The stance was intended to provide the minimum visual blade area for target and tracking . The Center of Being was a stance used in lightsaber combat . It could also be used for meditation . The stance was used by members of the old Jedi Order . Users of this stance would hold the lightsaber horizontally , with the lightsaber hilt just below the chin . The " Jung " was a 180 degree turn . The " Jung ma " was a 360 degree spin , used to build momentum for an attack . The " Shun " was a 360 degree spin , during which the lightsaber was held one - handed . The " Sai " was the act of overleaping an attack at the legs . The " Flowing Water " cut was a technique based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew their lightsaber offensively to one ' s own advantage . As the opponent pulled their lightsaber back from a bind , the user would follow it with their blade , in effect causing the opponent to pull the user ' s blade into themselves . The " Falling Leaf " cut was an ancient move that involved the user spinning and making a fast slash at an opponent standing behind them and then return to face the way they were before the maneuver . It was described as spinning one ' s feet to " slash from the sky " . The " Dulon " was a lightsaber move where the hilt ' s pommel would be held at one ' s midsection with the blade thirty degrees up , and would be slashed at high velocity . The name " dulon " also referred to a solo lightsaber training . The " Kai - kan " was not a maneuver per se , but rather a reenactment of a prior lightsaber duel . Form - specific Maneuvers . As each of the lightsaber combat forms were self - contained martial arts styles , they each possessed moves and maneuvers unique to them . Form I : Shii - Cho Form II : Makashi Form III : Soresu Form IV : Ataru Form V : Shien / Djem So Form VI : Niman Form VII : Juyo / Vaapad Sokan Jar ' Kai Tràkata Trispzest Training Methods . The various lightsaber training methods were largely devised by the Jedi Order , with other organizations borrowing elements for their own use . Most of the Jedi training elements were established by the Shii - Cho , which would continue to find a niche as a tutorial form . In order to teach students to draw upon the Force rather than rely on their senses , early level Shii - Cho blast - deflect training was conducted with a blindfold , forcing the initiate to rely upon his instincts . Later training was conducted through the use of sequences and velocities , the continuous repetition , making the moves instinctive reflexes . These training regimens were carried over to all following lightsaber combat forms , which used similar methods . Sequences . Sequences were precisely choreographed series of attacks and parries that flowed together smoothly and were used during combat . Each form of lightsaber combat had its own sequences , and there were hundreds of different sequences which could be applied to various combat situations . Some believed that using sequences in combat was superior to using individual moves , because taking time to consider and use moves individually in combat was slow and inefficient , and using sequences instead of individualized moves was faster and more fluid , providing significant advantages . Sparring . Sparring was mock combat between two duelists . Sparring sessions provided novices with the opportunity to test their skills against an equal or greater opponent , and learn from their mistakes . Many fully trained duelists would take to frequent sparring sessions with contemporaries to ensure that their skills didn ' t atrophy , sometimes opting for training droids in the absence of live sparring partners . While most sparring matches were relatively free - form , there were certain styles of matches governed by a strict set of rules . These more specialized matches were intended to develop skills in specific ways , such as developing timing or consistency . Dulon . The term " dulon " typically referred to a lightsaber move where the duelist would hold his hilt ' s pommel at one ' s midsection with the blade thirty degrees up , and would be slashed at high velocity . However , the term also referred to a solo lightsaber training exercise in which a Padawan practiced sequences of moves against imaginary opponents . Velocities . Velocities involved two students practicing sequences of attacks and parries against each other , repeating the same patterns over and over , while constantly increasing the speed of the movements until one opponent got hit , or decided to yield by saying " " Solah " . " Twin Suns . In this form of practice , two Jedi would use the Force to rise and land like two suns crossing the sky . It required a great mastery in lightsaber combat , high attunement with the Force and precise timing . This technique required two Jedi to stand at the opposite ends of an open area . Then the combatants would start running at each other and make a Force Jump toward the opponent . While in the air the Jedi would activate their lightsabers and when crossed beside in mid - air , they would strike at one another , trying to harmlessly cut a piece of opponent ' s clothing and then deactivate the lightsaber before landing on the ground . Faalo ' s cadences . " Faalo ' s cadences " were a series of lightsaber training techniques developed by the famed Jedi Master , Vo ' ren Faalo . In each of Vo ' ren Faalo ' s cadences , the primary practice is to stand in a circle of candles with ball bearings atop them , and attempt to strike the ball bearings without hitting the candles . As the duelist proceeds through each of the cadences , the number of candles would be incrementally increased until the fifth , where the duelist will have achieved such a state of mastery that the candles are unnecessary , as the duelist will simply know when he has performed the sequence correctly . Trial of Skill . The Trial of Skill was one of the oldest trials in the battery of tests preferred by the Order . While the test did consist of numerous displays of lightsaber technique , the main thing that the battlemaster looked for when judging a potential Knight was their ability to avoid distraction through self - discipline . Before its formalization , the trial was made up of acrobatic feats , while using the Force to levitate objects in the midst of storms . As the test was incorporated into the more standard academy testing , the High Council required that each participant face off against some form of adversary , though the individual or individuals they faced varied in species or allegiance , and could be made of flesh and blood or a clever simulacrum created from archived data . In some cases , Padawans were forced to compete with the battlemaster in a duel , or even the Grand Master , and outlast their attacks . Other students might face many opponents , some of them attacking with a lightsaber , others manipulating perception or altering the environment in the chamber . Additionally , the Council could opt to use the simulacrum program and send any number of Sith Lords to test the stamina of a young Padawan . Individual Fighting Forms . Seven Forms of the Jedi Order . Form I : Shii - Cho . As the most ancient style of lightsaber combat , Shii - Cho was developed during the transition period from swords to lightsabers . Lightsabers were wielded in a manner similar to swords , so many of the maneuvers , such as attacks or parries , remained unchanged , as the key principles of the old sword - fighting methods continued to be incorporated . The simplicity and persistent methods of the form led it to being dubbed the " Way of the Sarlacc " and the " Determination Form " . Shii - Cho swordplay was simplistic and raw . In the hands of a master , the bladework was described as " like watching water flow over the falls . " However , less adept practitioners displayed much more basic and somewhat clumsy performance . In combat , Form I encouraged deliberate tactics , calling for continuous , step - by - step advancement while cutting off the opponent ' s angles . Shii - Cho was specialized towards engaging multiple opponents , the wide , sweeping motions being ideally suited towards attacking numerous adversaries . However , Form I was not as useful against single opponents , as such enemies had complete mobility and could find a weakness in Shii - Cho ' s comparatively clumsy bladework . Shii - Cho fostered an emotionally - heated mindset , which resulted in the considerable temptation to execute combat with lethal intent , requiring great restraint to exercise the form without going too far . Despite the pull to kill , the style was designed for the purpose of disarming without seriously injuring . As the most simplistic form , Shii - Cho was the first form taught to initiates within the Jedi Order . Form I training provided the basic knowledge of the sword - fighting principles and blast - deflection skill that was required for practice of all the other forms . In order to teach students to draw upon the Force rather than rely on their senses , early level Shii - Cho blast - deflect training was conducted with a blindfold , forcing the initiate to rely upon his instincts . Later training was conducted through the use of sequences and velocities , the continuous repetition making the moves instinctive reflexes . These training regimens were carried over to all following lightsaber combat forms , which used similar methods . Shii - Cho philosophy emphasized victory without injury , and as such , the " sun djem " mark of contact was traditionally employed by Form I practitioners . Keeping with the use of " sun djem " , one of the attacks utilized by Form I practitioners was referred to as the " Disarming Slash " , consisting of a strike directed at the opponent ' s weapon in an attempt to rip it out of their grasp . Form II : Makashi . Makashi was the most dueling - centric of the seven forms , developed during an era where engagements with Darksiders and rogue Jedi became an almost routine activity . Form II ' s primary purpose was to serve as a counter to the first form ; Shii - Cho . Makashi relied on precision swordplay to counter the sweeping movements demonstrated by Shii - Cho , and a heavy focus on protecting one ' s weapon to avoid being disarmed , the primary goal of Form I . Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target , and so required very fluid movements of both the blade and the body . Timing , accuracy , and skill , rather than strength , were relied - upon to defeat one ' s opponent . With a skilled practitioner , the results were deadly . Makashi users were often elegant , precise , calm , confident to the point of arrogance ( as befit Dooku ' s personality ) . Form II users were supremely confident in their chances for victory , and often looked so relaxed when they were fighting they even appeared to be dancing . Makashi duelists also trained themselves to avoid enslavement to form , as such enslavement opened the practitioner to be defeated by predictability and the unforeseen . Due to Form II ' s emphasis on blade manipulation , and its many fluid one - handed moves , Makashi practitioners often wielded lightsabers that were specialized for such use . The most prominent weapon for this purpose was the curved - hilted lightsaber . These weapons were used because the curved hilt fit better into the palm , granting better blade control and allowing for greater precision and strength . In addition to this , wielders often created highly decorated weapons , and occasionally included blade - guards , as shown with Dooku ' s lightsaber . The other , considerably rarer , weapon type was the Lightfoil , a specialized type of lightsaber used by the Mecrosa Order . Original lightfoils were built with small handles for exclusively one - handed usage , and were much better balanced than typical lightsabers , allowing for greater precision . Form III : Soresu . The original purpose of the Soresu form was to counter blaster - wielding opponents , as the previous combat styles focused on lightsaber dueling . Becoming the most defensive of the seven forms , Soresu utilized tight moves , subtle dodges and short sweeps designed to provide maximum defensive coverage , leaving the duelist less exposed to ranged fire . Over time , Form III came to transcend this basic origin and become an expression of non - aggressive Jedi philosophy . Soresu utilized motions that occurred very close to the body , in an attempt to achieve near - total protection and expend as little energy as possible while executing moves . Form III stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition , in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired . This technique minimized the body ' s exposure , making a well - trained practitioner nearly invincible . Form III involved preparation for prolonged battles where the user observed and learned as much as possible about their opponent ' s or opponents ' technique while engaged in combat . Also , by being more capable in lengthy battles , a Soresu user had the ability to gain control of a combat situation , creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form . A Form III user could choose to kill , disarm , or even reason with their opponent . Truly focused masters of Soresu were very formidable due to their strong defense technique . However , Form III merely facilitated survival rather than victory . Form III initiates were more than capable of defending themselves from attack , but they needed a large amount of experience to learn how to effectively counter - attack and entrap opponents . Masters had to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the center of the combat circle , since the defensive tactics of the form included guards and parries engaged very close to the body . Jedi who left small lapses in their otherwise strong defense left little room to avoid injury . Form IV : Ataru . Ataru was an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of power , strength , and speed . Practitioners of Ataru were always on the offensive , attacking with wide , fast , and powerful swings , constantly calling upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks . By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body , they could overcome their physical limitations ( including old age , as was the case with Master Yoda ) and perform amazing feats of acrobatics , such as somersaults and backflips , not only for attack , but also to evade the attacks and strikes of their opponents . The standard components of Form IV focused on application of and smooth transition between the three axes of rotation in a three - dimensional space ; the " su ma " . Specifically , the " jung su ma " ( spinning ) , " ton su ma " ( somersaults ) , and " en su ma " ( cartwheels ) . Those who used Form IV could move at high speeds and could rain strong blows , jumping and attacking through the air . Powerful and quick spinning attacks could be utilized from all angles , either from ground or air . A master in Ataru combat could appear like a blur to their opponents , attacking from all directions — from the front , the sides , overhead , or behind . The Force not only allowed them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise , but it also helped guide their actions and movements in combat . Obi - Wan Kenobi ' s backflip upon being kicked in the head is a perfect example of a Form IV recovery , redirecting the kinetic energy . Form V : Shien / Djem So . Form V was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style , since the defensive nature of Form III could lead to prolonged combat , sometimes dangerously so . It evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II . Form V also required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms , due to its focus on complete domination of opponents . The form was developed alongside Form IV at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace . Form V had two distinct variations : Shien and Djem So . Classic Form V , Shien was developed first . Known as the " Perseverance Form " , Shien was designed to protect against enemy blaster fire and strikes without compromising one ' s ability to launch powerful counterattacks . With its focus against blaster fire , Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability . However , it lacked effectiveness against single opponents . Shien practitioners were known to favor , or at least regularly utilize , reversed grips . Whereas Shien specialized in blast - deflection , the more advanced Djem So focused on lightsaber dueling . Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries , a Djem So user maintained a proper foundation in terms of defense against both ranged and melee attacks , but rather than counter only when necessary as per Soresu training regimens , Djem So actively pressed the offense . Djem So placed a heavy focus on brute strength , utilizing wide , powerful strikes and parries . Power attacks from a Djem So user could even knock an opponent back just through sheer kinetic force , throwing them off balance and leaving them vulnerable to further brute force strikes and power blows that sought not just to penetrate an opponent ' s defense , but drive them back and leave them unable to counter . Form VI : Niman . Niman , the dual - blade style developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer , was named for the dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities . The style was adopted by the Legions of Lettow , a group of Dark Siders responsible for the First Great Schism of the Jedi Order . After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi , Niman was adopted by the Jedi order , eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat , referred to by the same name . Form VI attempted to balance all elements of lightsaber combat , combining the techniques from Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style . In practice , Form VI was a combination of older forms ( Forms I , III , IV , and V ) , and all of them in moderation . In the blending , much of the individuality was lost , but the strengths were spread evenly , and there was little weakness in it . Due to its " jack - of - all - trades " nature , the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner ' s intuition , improvisation , and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms . This broad generalization made Form VI well suited for diplomats , as they could spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training . Form VII : Juyo / Vaapad . Juyo was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat , and was said to be filled with both fury and " malignant grace . " The form came to be known as the most difficult and demanding in all of saber combat . Skilled combatants with Juyo were said by Jedi Master Vrook Lamar to be able to " eviscerate a lone enemy . " According to the Sith Lord Darth Traya , the form was both chaotic and erratic , with a heavy focus on offense . Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig listed bold , direct motions as characteristics of Juyo , qualifying them as more open and kinetic than Form V , but with a less elaborate appearance than Ataru . Drallig contrasted the tactics of Juyo as not nearly as graceful or linked as those of Ataru , instead referring to them as " seemingly unconnected staccato sequences . " He also listed one of the strengths of the form as its unpredictability . The form was said to necessitate greater energy than Form V , due to a broader wielding of a user ' s focus and a deeper emotional link . Despite the challenges inherent in the use of the form , it could serve as a pathway to considerable power . Vaapad . Vaapad was described as more than a fighting style ; it was a state of mind that led through the penumbra of the dark side , requiring the user to enjoy the fight , and relish the satisfaction of winning . The practitioner of Vaapad would accept the fury of their opponent , transforming them into one half of a superconducting loop , with the other half being the power of darkness inherent in the opponent . The form was also mentioned with a cautionary warning by the Jedi that use of Vaapad led the user perilously close to the dark side due to its focus on physical combat . Vaapad required a constant and sizable stream of Force use from the user , with a barely contained explosion of Force power essential to all variations of Form VII as another prerequisite for its use . The form ' s attacks appeared to be unconnected , its motions seemingly unpolished to an untrained observer . Three Forms of the New Jedi Order . Strong Style . The strong style was based primarily on powerful strikes to batter through an opponent ' s defense , sacrificing speed for unrivaled power . The strong style covered great distance , and was virtually unstoppable unless the opponent responded in kind . Due to its utilization of strength and power , the strong style would cause more damage than many other forms of lightsaber combat , while its range and power made it especially efficient against single opponents who were armed with melee weapons . In lightsaber duels , the powerful strikes of this style could break through lightsaber blocks with relative ease . On rare occasions when a lightsaber lock occurred , a user could usually win the lock by ripping the opponent ' s blade away , leaving him defenseless . This style was quite destructive , and if the practitioner were presented with an opening , it would almost always cause a devastating blow . Being based on slow , powerful swinging attacks , users of the strong style would often leave themselves open to counterattacks and open to blaster fire . The style could thus be disadvantageous in one - on - one melee combat in terms of speed comparisons against faster opponents , although its range and penetration power could just as easily negate these disadvantages . It was weak against blaster shots , as the stance required that the user shift the blade quite a bit to cover the body . Thus , it was almost solely utilized in lightsaber combat . Medium Style . An intermediate style between the fast and the strong style s , the medium style was based on a perfect equilibrium between speed and power . More often than not , the medium style was the first taught to a lightsaber duelist . It was simple in technique , yet more technical and powerful forms could be built from its foundation . This simplicity was both a strength and weakness . It was an excellent style to fall back onto when nothing else worked , and could provide a respectable offense and defense . It could effectively combat blasters and hold less skilled lightsaber duelist at bay . However , more skilled gunslingers ( such as Boba Fett ) or more talented lightsaber duelists ( such as Luke Skywalker ) would very rapidly break a medium style defense . The same holds true in offense , as a skilled duelist would rapidly destroy the user ' s momentum and counterattack . Fast Style . Consisting of short and quick motions with the blade that could be chained and combined almost indefinitely , this style allowed for multiple attacks at an extremely fast pace . Its obvious advantage was that it was efficient in one - on - one combat against slower opponents with lax defenses or many opponents who were not wielding melee weapons , particularly when combined with Force speed . Among all the styles , this style provided the best defense against blaster fire . In lightsaber combat , it was a powerful defensive technique , as the user could create a very strong defense against multiple opponents or a single , stronger opponent . Relying primarily on speed and multiple attacks , the disadvantages of the fast style were equally obvious . Firstly , its use of fast strikes limited the amount of power that was put into a blow , making it easy for a strike to be parried or overpowered . Secondly , its range was considerably short , making it a less effective offense against a wide - spread of multiple opponents . Third , the fast style ' s defenses could quickly be broken through if an opponent was much more physically powerful than the user . Since the blade was kept so close to the body , a strong , cunning opponent will simply hammer the user ' s blade in the hopes that the practitioner would tire and leave themselves open . Other Fighting Forms and Styles . The Unorthodox and Hybrid Fighting Methods . There were many fighting styles that predated or coexisted with the classic Jedi forms that were adopted by individual Jedi duelists . In fact , study into some of these more esoteric fighting forms , such as Sokan or mounted lightsaber combat , were made available within the Temple walls . Also , Jedi were encouraged to develop hybrid fighting forms , or to study alternate fighting styles to back up their primary . Such fighting forms have taken many shapes , from simple personalized variations of other styles , to advanced hybrid fighting forms . For example , Niman practitioners were encouraged to study Soresu , the pure root of Form VI . Obi - Wan Kenobi began studying Soresu to compensate for the defensive weaknesses of Ataru , though he eventually switched entirely to the former . However , other duelists discouraged such hybrid methods , a notable being Dooku . While Dooku advocated the application of unorthodox maneuvers , he focused exclusively on Makashi , and referred to hybrid duelists as mere " dabblers " lacking mastery . He even went so far as to smear Jedi Battlemaster s for this , maintaining that their attempts to master multiple combat forms was taking on too much , and they could still be beaten by a specialist in a single form . One of the facts supporting this viewpoint was the death of Battlemaster Cin Drallig at the hands of Darth Vader , a Form V specialist . Vader himself would later become a hybrid duelist some time after being placed in his life supporting armor , integrated techniques from all seven lightsaber styles into his personalized Form V variant , and switching back and forth between styles to suit the situation . Trispzest . A combination of elements of Form VII and traditional S ' kytri aerial dueling , Trispzest was a type of aerial lightsaber combat originally developed by the airborne Force - sensitive Majestrix of Skye , Kharys . Trispzest , which meant " heart palpitation " in the S ' kytric language , would allow the combatant to utilize the advantages of flying in battle against grounded units — whom the S ' kytri would derogatively refer to as " walkers " . In Trispzest emphasis was placed on the use of the " sai cha " technique to decapitate " walkers . " Trispzest had many advantages , but one fatal weakness , as the combatant was open to attacks from directly below him or her by grounded units . Kyle Katarn took advantage of this weakness when , dropping to the ground and lunging his lightsaber upwards as Maw passed over him , he injured Maw during a duel on Ruusan . Tràkata . The Tràkata style was based around the unique ability of lightsabers to turn on and off , activating and deactivating the blade in the heat of combat to slip past enemy defenses , or trick them into over - extending themselves . Philosophically , Tràkata involved practical combat and deception , rather than the more traditional single - minded and determined tactics that were the hallmarks of the Jedi and Sith . Sith had difficulty applying this style , as their power came from passion and rage rather than level - headed tactical ingenuity , and the Jedi refrained from this style due to their unwillingness to rely on deception . Also , deactivating one ' s lightsaber during combat offered greater control over the Force due to the removed distraction . Sokan . For the most part , Sokan was a principle of lightsaber combat , rather than a true form . Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Hyperspace War , Sokan teaching revolved around using the environment itself to gain a tactical advantage in combat . Sokan was based on out - maneuvering opponents , using quick tumbling and jumping movements to close the distance and facilitate swift strokes towards the opponent ' s vital areas . Terrain was heavily relied on for this purpose , and allowed for great speed and mobility , and also facilitated self - defense . Prior to the Clone Wars , Sokan practitioners integrated highly kinetic elements of Ataru with their ancient Sokan techniques to create a blend of styles that relied upon agility . Mounted Lightsaber Combat . In this type of combat , the duelist was limited to fighting one - handed , as the other hand was needed for steering the mount . As the duelist would have a height advantage over the opponent , attacks while mounted typically consisted of low lunges and diagonal slashes and arcs . The prime advantage of this type of fighting is the high vantage - point and the speed offered by the mount , though conversely the duelist had to devote effort towards protecting and controlling the mount . Telekinetic Lightsaber Combat . Telekinetic lightsaber combat was the art and practice of wielding one ' s lightsaber with Force - based telekinesis . It was extremely difficult , and required great aptitude in such applications of the Force . The primary advantages of such a fighting form were obvious ; range ceased to be an issue , and the option of wielding numerous lightsabers simultaneously became viable . The most basic application of telekinesis in lightsaber combat was the saber throw . Using the Force to guide the lightsabers arc through the air , users could throw their lightsabers in a boomerang fashion , cutting apart obstacles and surprising foes . More adept users of such a technique could hurl their lightsabers across great distances , make mid - air course - corrections , or simply allow their lightsaber to hover in place . Dun Möch . Dun Möch was a traditional Sith tactic based around psychological warfare . Primarily , the practitioner relied on taunts that exposed an opponents inner doubts and weaknesses , disrupting their concentration . Proper execution of Dun Möch called for great patience and control , a rare trait among the Sith , especially those of the earlier eras . One of the finest demonstrations of this technique was in Darth Bane ' s defeat of Sirak during their time at the Sith academy on Korriban . He demonstrated the need for patience by drawing out the battle to take advantage of Sirak ' s lack of endurance , and exhibited fine control by withholding from striking an early killing blow as Sirak ' s form began to slip . Rather than settle for a quick victory , Bane sought to completely destroy Sirak , allowing the tantalizing closeness of victory to fuel his rage , unleashing it in a powerful blow that disarmed Sirak , ending the duel . " Form Zero " . Form " Zero " was not an actual form of lightsaber combat , but rather an ethical principle . It was an expression of the idea that a Jedi should know when to use their lightsabers , and when to withhold from resorting to force and instead find an alternative means of solving a problem . This idea was defined by Jedi Master Yoda to address the need of the Jedi to restrain themselves when tempted to use " aggressive negotiations , " and instead use another well - developed Jedi skill , such as the Jedi mind trick . This was a method used to arrive at a solution without resorting to violence . Lus - ma . An obscure lightsaber technique , Lus - ma was one of the fighting forms that Count Dooku trained Grievous and his IG - 100 MagnaGuards in . Beyond the fact that one of these initiates used Lus - ma to counter a Soresu move , next to nothing is known of the style . Su ma . Su ma was the use of rotation in the Jedi Knight ' s form of lightsaber combat , it was composed by three forms . One , the " ton su ma " , was the use of somersaults in combat . Another , the " en su ma " , was the use of cartwheels in combat . Weapon - specific Fighting Forms . Due to the incredible variations in lightsaber technology , and the various specialized weapons available , fighting and training methods for the use of these various implements were required . Most weapon variations were fairly minute changes in the size and shape of the lightsaber hilt , with the affects on combat being negligible . Curved - hilt lightsabers and Lightfoil s allowed for greater precision and easier one - handed wielding , while Long - handle lightsaber s allowed for improved leverage and power . Dual - phase lightsaber s allowed for rapid changes in blade - length , and could be used to surprise enemies , but required no dedicated methods of specialized training beyond personal familiarity . However , other variations on armament , such as double - bladed lightsabers or the wielding of dual - blades , required intense specialized training due to the difficulty in using such weapons . Jar ' Kai ( dual - blade ) combat . The Jar ' Kai style developed by the Yovshin Swordsmen was named for a city on Atrisia . The city of Jar ' Kai was also the site where the original Jar ' Kai dueling saber s were crafted . These weapons were utilized by the Yovshin and were designed for the express purpose of being dual - wielded . Niman , the dual - blade style developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer , was named for the dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities . The style was adopted by the Legions of Lettow , a group of Dark Siders responsible for the First Great Schism of the Jedi Order . After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi , Niman was adopted by the Jedi order , eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat , referred to by the same name . Both styles predated the invention and usage of lightsabers , but being designed to be practiced with swords , they were easily adapted . In addition , the word " Jar ' Kai " became a blanket term for dual - blade combat in general , leading to the birth of the term " Jar ' Kai tactic " , which was to simply employ two blades in combat , regardless of whether one had received training in any dual - blade fighting style . Dual - blade fighters , whether classical Niman duelists or individuals applying the Jar ' Kai tactic , were able to maintain a strong offense , as the speed of attack that two blades allowed would overwhelm most opponents . A typical maneuver was to continually attack with one blade while relying on the other for defensive coverage , ensuring that the duelist could keep up his guard even as he attacked . However , it was common that both blades be used for offensive purposes , keeping up a continuous wave - front assault . Though a complete fighting system in and of itself , Jar ' Kai was easily adapted to other styles . After beginning her tutelage under Darth Tyranus , Asajj Ventress quickly applied Makashi techniques to her practice of Jar ' Kai . As Makashi was Tyranus ' s favored form , Jedi Master Luminara Unduli was able to recognize his training techniques in Asajj ' s fighting abilities , stating as much . Mace Windu also infused Jar ' Kai tactics into his own Vaapad style while on a mission on Haruun Kal , his former apprentice ; Depa Billaba ; doing likewise . Double - bladed lightsaber combat . The primary purpose of the double - bladed lightsaber was to allow for a faster rate of attack , unleashing a rapid assault with only a minimum of movement , " more slaughter per swing " as some put it . Saberstaffs were also excellent defensive weapons , as the doubled length of the weapon provided more surface area for deflecting and parrying . In addition to the practical benefits of the weapon , it also possessed a great psychological impact . The dual - blades increased the visual impact of the weapon , and in combat , opponents would intuitively try to track the blades separately rather than as a single weapon , overwhelming them . However , despite all of the advantages offered by the weapon , its weaknesses were equally obvious . Special training was required to wield the weapon effectively , with those attempting to use it without such discipline likely to bisect or impale themselves . The techniques employable with a double - bladed lightsaber were extremely limited , as the second blade rendered many positions and movements impossible to execute , or required the wielder to twist himself awkwardly around the weapon to do so . Many techniques required the user to perform elaborate flourishes in order to move the staff around their body , leaving them open , and any sort of fighting method that focused on power or penetration was difficult to apply . Also , the enlarged hilt common to most double - bladed lightsabers presented a large target , difficult to defend . Opponents would often attempt to employ the " sun djem " contact mark , with even experienced saberstaff wielders being vulnerable to this tactic . Lightsaber pike combat . Resembling an ancient pole - arm in many respects , the primary purpose of the lightsaber pike was to allow vastly increased range . The primary feature of the weapon was the long shaft that the lightsaber was mounted on , which was machined from a lightsaber - resistant alloy , such as phrik . The shaft provided several advantages : drastically increased range , use as a close - quarters defensive weapon , with the large surface area of the shaft being used to block enemy strikes , and the improved leverage granted by such a large handle , allowing wielders to dole out devastating power attacks . However , like the double - bladed lightsaber , the weaknesses of such a weapon and the associated combat styles were obvious . The long shaft made many positions and movements awkward , sometimes impossible , to execute , it did not transition well between thrusts and slashes , and required plenty of open space to wield properly . Lightwhip combat . Wielded in the same manner as a proper whip , the lightwhip was a rare and exotic weapon , an unfamiliar occurrence among traditional duelists . Due to this , lightwhip wielders enjoyed a considerable amount of leverage over opponents . Along with its rarity , lightwhips also featured copious range , the long , flexible energy strand allowing the wielder to attack from a range of several meters . The weapon was also difficult to defend against , as it could simply flex around an opponent ' s blade when he attempted to parry . When multiple tassels were included , the whip was able to overwhelm the defenses of enemies by attacking them from all sides . However , lightwhips featured just as many drawbacks as advantages . The lightwhip blade was difficult to control , able to just as easily maim an untrained wielder as an opponent , and was weaker than the standard lightsaber blade . It needed to be swung wide to gain momentum for attack , and it was difficult to use defensively as flexible tassels are not well suited for parrying , leaving the wielder vulnerable to both great speed and brute force . In fact , lightwhip blades were even known to short out violently when struck with enough force . Unarmed combat . As the various forms of lightsaber combat were all fully developed martial art forms , they were not limited to use with the lightsaber , and unarmed combat training was standard among many Force - based organizations . Most species were known to engage in this kind of combat , and a number of sentient species and cultures also developed it into different martial arts proper ; just as the various lightsaber combat forms could be applied unarmed , so too could many of these unarmed combat styles be applied with the lightsaber . Darth Maul and Anoon Bondara were both students of the Teräs Käsi martial art , developed by the Followers of Palawa , who became accomplished lightsaber duelists . The Echani martial art was an unarmed combat discipline known to be taught to military special forces throughout the galaxy , and may have been taught to Meetra Surik . During duels , such physical attacks were applied with astonishing regularity , oftentimes with the goal of disorienting an opponent prior to a finishing attack . As disarming was a common goal in lightsaber duels , it was not unheard of for both opponents to lose their weapons , causing the fight to degenerate into a brawl . In fact , fighters have been known to draw on the Force to augment their speed and strength , allowing them to unleash powerful hits that threw opponents across the room , or literally tear them limb from limb . Behind the scenes . Lightsabers , and by extension lightsaber combat , were inspired by the pirate and romantic films of the 1940s , which heavily featured rapier fencing and the like . In keeping with these romanticized depictions of fighting , the lightsabers were intended to represent the honor and chivalry inherent in the Jedi . Jedi were initially conceived as fighting with swords , but George Lucas wanted to provide them with a technological edge , and created the lightsaber . His rationale was that in an era of energy weapons , lightsabers could be used to deflect the rays , giving birth to the idea of blast - deflection . Lucas wanted the earliest lightsaber duels to feature a very oriental style of fencing , reminiscent of fighting styles , which involved a great deal of honor and spirituality . The original lightsaber duel in was choreographed by Peter Diamond . According to Diamond , George Lucas wanted a broadsword - dueling style of fighting , with a touch of Japanese included . All of the fighting moves in the duel were two - handed strokes , in keeping with Lucas ' initial concept that lightsabers were incredibly heavy and difficult to handle . Also , due to the brittleness of the stunt blades used during this fight , which were little more than wooden dowels , Diamond was forced to instruct Alec Guinness and David Prowse to stop their blades before contact due to their fragility . As the " Star Wars " saga carried on , Lucas rethought the fighting styles . He decided to make them " faster and more intense , " symbolizing Luke Skywalker ' s increasing mastery of the weapon . One - handed fighting methods resembling European rapier fencing came to be included . The choreography of the duels in " " and " " was also used to show Luke Skywalker ' s development as a character . In " The Empire Strikes Back " , Mark Hamill was choreographed to show Luke Skywalker fighting as hard as he was able against the bitter enemy of Darth Vader , though the duel in " Return of the Jedi " was more centered on the emotional context of the fight . Also , due to David Prowse ' s tendency to break the prop lightsaber blades during the filming of " A New Hope " , all of Darth Vader ' s fight scenes had Bob Anderson acting as Prowse ' s fighting double . When the prequel trilogy began filming , Peter Diamond was replaced by Nick Gillard , who completely rethought the Jedi fighting styles . George Lucas envisioned that during this time period , the Jedi had reached their peak in terms of martial arts development , so the choreography had to be a great deal faster and more sophisticated . Gillard wanted to convey the sense that the Jedi had studied every single style of swordplay available , his idea being that " since they had chosen such a short - range weapon , they would have to be so good if they ' re up against ray guns and lasers . " Gillard choreographed the duels as what he described as " a chessgame played at a thousand miles an hour , " with every move being analogous to a check . Aiding Gillard was the martial artist Ray Park , who portrayed Darth Maul , and helped train Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor . Due to his age and consequent lack of mobility , Christopher Lee was replaced by stunt double Kyle Rowling for Count Dooku ' s more complex dueling shots . However , Lee was able to perform some of the moves , particularly during the close - up shots . " " was also the first " Star Wars " film to feature a large number of Jedi in a battlefield situation . To create this , numerous martial artists were hired and filmed either individually or in small groups in front of a blue screen . All the footage was then compiled and edited into vignettes that were composited into either footage of the Arena model , or a computer - generated background . Similarly to Christopher Lee , Ian McDiarmid was also replaced by his stunt double due to his age , though he also performed certain moves on the close - up shots . The seven forms of lightsaber combat received their first description and elaboration in the " " article released in " Star Wars Insider 62 " . While these fighting styles would be mentioned and used in " " , " " and its sequel , " " would instead use the three styles ; Fast , Medium , and Strong . While each of these forms had strong parallels to the Three Rings of Defense described in the 1998 Expanded Universe novel " I , Jedi " , they may be little more than game mechanics .