Might as well keep it here cause I'm going to learn them all. This is my goal to know all 7 Forms and to teach others.
Form I: Shii-Cho
According to an article in Star Wars Insider magazine, Younglings, the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Knight. Younglings are taught Shii-Cho first because of its simplicity and versatility. In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the Younglings can be seen being taught by Yoda to deflect light blaster bolts. They are in the beginning stages of Form I.[7]

Sometimes called the ideal form, Form I uses horizontal side-swipes and parries made with the blade of the lightsaber held upright to push the point of an enemy's blade away during a side-to-side attack. If the attack is a downward slash aimed at the head, Form I simply reverses the motion, with a horizontally-held lightsaber being moved up and down to deflect a blow. All the basic ideals of attack, parry, target zones, and practice drills were created with the Form I style. This style of lightsaber combat is not useful against multiple strikes because it only works as a basic guide for lightsaber combat.[6]

There were only a few known masters of Form I in the Star Wars universe: the best known being Kit Fisto and Cin Drallig. Obi-Wan Kenobi used elements of Shii-Cho even though he was "The Master of Soresu". According to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, the Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails.


Form II: Makashi
After Form I's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form II came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his opponent tires himself out.[8][6]

The form relies on parries, thrusts, and small, precise cuts?as opposed to the blocking and slashing of the other forms. The blade manipulation required is very refined and requires much focus, but the results are extremely potent. As ranged weapons such as blasters come into play, the advantages of this form of lightsaber combat become less useful, but it is still potent against multiple opponents.

Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, allowing the Jedi to attack and defend with minimal effort. Although many Jedi historians considered Form II to be the ultimate refinement in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it was dropped in favor of Form III combat when blaster weapons became prevalent in the galaxy.


Count Dooku, master of Form II, faces Jedi Master Yoda.In the time near the Clone Wars, the Jedi Order seldom practiced this technique. There was little lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat involved in a Jedi's life, so Jedi Masters found such forms as Makashi impractical.[9]

Mace Windu, Yoda and Depa Billaba had some mastery over every form of lightsaber combat, including Makashi. But Darth Tyr!@#$ mastered Makashi to the highest degree, fighting with the precision built into the ancient technique. His mastery over Form II made him particularly devastating to the Jedi he encountered. The system of Jedi training at the time of confrontation between Darth Tyr!@#$ and other Jedi does not prepare the Jedi for the precise movements of a form bred for lightsaber dueling.

Former Separatist general Sev'rance Tann was also a practitioner of Form II. It is also possible that General Grievous was a practitioner of this form since he was trained by Count Dooku. Mace Windu told Obi-Wan Kenobi to expect Grievous to be a practitioner of all lightsaber combat forms in the novelization of Revenge of the Sith due to his adaptive combat capabilities.

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Count Dooku mentioned that Master Tholme had kept up his dueling skills better than most of the Order who trained to deflect blaster bolts, which suggests Tholme as another possible candidate of Makashi.[10]

Elegance, precision and confidence are all characteristics of Makashi users. Arrogance and overconfidence are not uncommon. Form II users often have extreme faith in their chances for victory, and often look so relaxed while fighting that it appears that they are dancing. The biggest flaw in Makashi is that it will not hold off heavy attacks, such as from Shien or Djem-So or from multiple enemies/attacks; the reason for that being that Makashi is about speed and accuracy, not about strength.

Known users of the Makashi form are most notably Count Dooku and Cin Drallig in the two trilogies. Dooku utilized Makashi as his prime form, while Drallig mainly fought using the powerful Shien technique.

Form II in its completion is believed to have died out with Count Dooku and Cin Drallig's death, as there is no record of its instruction after the Clone Wars in Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order.


Form III: Soresu
Form III, the most defensive of all of the forms, unlike Form II combat, was developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. In the wake of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn at the hands of Darth Maul, many Jedi turned away from the Form IV style of open, acrobatic fighting and took up Form III in order to minimize the risk of injury or death. It is also seen as emphasizing the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy.[11] Soresu utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as little energy as possible to execute these moves.[12]It stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique exposes as few target zones on the body as possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly impenetrable. However, Soresu's same dedication to defense and minimal bodily exposure also decreases the lightsaber's threat range.

The philosophy of Soresu is described as "being within the eye of the storm." Practitioners remain centered in their mindset, never being moved by what is around them as they stay where the outer chaos cannot harm them. But as the storm moves, so does the practitioner move to keep within the eye. Thus Soresu commands powerful defensive techniques that seem to adapt to almost any circumstance, but at the cost of never reaching past the figurative eye of the storm?they lose attacking power. Many who study this style use it to wear down their opponent by defending a long onslaught with minimal counter-attacking, until their adversary's energy is spent; then an alternate style is often employed.

After Darth Maul's defeat on Naboo, Obi-Wan Kenobi decided to perfect his practice of Soresu since Qui-Gon Jinn, Kenobi's mentor and Form IV Ataru master, fell against Darth Maul.[13] By the time of Revenge of The Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi is acknowledged as the master of Soresu by Mace Windu in the novelization.

Though initially developed to deflect blaster fire, Soresu, if perfectly mastered, could act as a defense to any type of attack, including that of a lightsaber. Obi-Wan's performance of Soresu in Episode III is the prime example of the form.

Practitioners of Soresu remain on the defensive until their opponents make a mistake; only then do they strike offensively. It focuses heavily on counterattack and defensive strikes?there are no preemptive strikes in the form. Soresu can best be described as a passive form and one to be used by Masters who are extremely patient. Soresu users generally do not wish to fight, or harm. Even during a fight they prefer to remain on the defensive, and they will strike only when absolutely necessary, or if their opponent drops his guard during battle.


Form IV: Ataru / Ataro
The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought physically impossible without the aid of the Force. It is much like the more obscure form known as Sokan, with which Ataru has cross-fertilized. The given name is spelled "Ataru" in the Knights of the Old Republic II video game, but is spelled "Ataro" in the Revenge of the Sith novelization, Labyrinth of Evil, and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader. "Ataru" is its canon spelling.

This was one of the more recent lightsaber combat forms developed, developed by the Jedi Knights during the earlier centuries of the Old Republic, around the time of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. It emphasized acrobatic strength and power in wielding the blade, attributes which were frowned upon by many traditional Jedi Knights and Masters. It found a niche among the eager padawan learners of the time, who believed that the Jedi needed to become more involved in rooting out and eradicating crime and evil. Ataru relies on wide slashes, acrobatic proficiency and an open space for the Jedi to fight. One basis for the acrobatic nature of Ataru is that lightsabers can damage with brushing, light strokes, rather than hard chopping motions. Ataru practitioners are at a great disadvantage if fighting in a small area. This weakness became apparent in The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon Jinn was killed by Darth Maul in a confined space. Yoda, however, practiced Form IV with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, it left every point on an opponent's body open to attack while more than adequately defending himself.

Yoda was acknowledged as the greatest master of Ataru. He used it in almost all of his battles, and the style made him a virtually unstoppable whirlwind of destruction despite his small size and advanced age.[14] Qui-Gon Jinn was also a master of this form.[14] Kenobi was also very advanced in Ataru, but abandoned it in favor of Soresu because he felt that his master's death demonstrated a fatal flaw in Ataru's defensive capabilities.[14] Nevertheless, Obi-Wan applied Ataru acrobatics to face Count Dooku in Revenge of the Sith.

Aayla Secura is also a master of this form, according to Jan Duursema, who co-created the Twi'lek Jedi; Quinlan Vos had taught Aayla Form IV.[15]

In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use the Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping very high and running very fast, masters of Form IV are sometimes only seen as a blur. In order to achieve the acrobatic prowess, amazing reflexes and physical punch of this form, a Jedi Master would focus on the Force, letting it flow deeply throughout his entire physical being, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age, or poor conditioning.[16]

Due to its aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies; however, it leaves the user open to attacks from multiple opponents; therefore, it is wise to use Ataru in a duel, but not in open warfare.[6]

The greatest strength of Ataru is also its greatest flaw. The acrobatics will make the practitioner vulnerable to having their legs chopped off (Count Dooku attempted to do this in the Episode III novelization when he thought Anakin and Obi-Wan were Shii-Cho/Ataru practitioners)

In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, the Jedi Exile can learn Ataru from Master Vrook.


Form V: Shien / Djem So
The name of the Fifth Form of lightsaber combat varies in different sources. According to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Shien is the fifth form, while the Revenge of the Sith novelization stated clearly that Shien and Djem So are two different styles, and Anakin Skywalker mastered them both.[17]

By comparison, Djem So demonstrated an even higher level of physical strength and aggressive moves than Shien. It is believed that Shien and Djem So both fall under the category of Form V, much like Juyo and Vaapad are both Form VII, with Shien better at dealing with blaster bolts and Djem So better at blade-to-blade combat. It can be described as a mix of medieval swordmanship and kendo.

Form V was developed by a group of Jedi Masters who felt that Form III was too passive, while Form IV was not powerful enough. It addressed the shortcomings of both forms, in which a Jedi Master may have proved to be undefeatable but could not overcome the enemy. Among the many unique aspects of Form V was the development of techniques in which the lightsaber was used to deliberately deflect a blaster bolt directly back at the firer.[6]

Form V is a powerful style developed by Form III practitioners that preferred a more offensive angle. The defensive nature of Form III often leads to dangerously prolonged combat. This style came about from combining Forms IV and III. Jedi Master Plo Koon, and Anakin Skywalker, both as himself and as Darth Vader, are all practitioners of Form V. Luke Skywalker's use of Form V is probably as much instinctive as trained, as he was trained as a Jedi by both Obi-Wan Kenobi (Forms III and IV) and Yoda (Form IV). However, Luke's particular form of lightsaber combat may in the end be something entirely new, with traces of Forms III, IV and V mixed together with his own personal styles. It is believed by many that he actually used his Force power to copy Darth Vader's particular form of combat, blending elements of several forms, but classified as Djem So. It is doubtful that Masters Kenobi and Yoda had time to actually teach him the finer points of the various forms. As with many other aspects of Jedi knighthood, Luke had to improvise and create new fighting styles to replace those lost during the Great Purge.[18]

Embodying the perfection of the idea of counterattack, Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. While Form III combatants effortlessly deflect laser bolts, Form V practitioners excel at redirecting the laser bolt toward the opponent. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent.

Form V is also different from Form III in the fact that Form V practitioners believe that the best defense is a good offense. It has already been observed that Form III users simply deflect blaster bolts and parry lightsaber attacks until the opponent makes a fatal mistake. Form V practitioners use the near impenetrable techniques of Form III, then reverse the defensive style into an attack, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with pure force.

Form V also uses elements of Form II. However, where Form II concentrated on precise and elegant parries, Form V permits the user to actually fully block and repel attacks since it calls for the use of more powerful, Force-enhanced strength. This is evident in Revenge of the Sith when Dooku takes a swing at Anakin and Anakin not only blocks it, but pushes Dooku back with overwhelming strength. Also, in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, we see how Form V can be used to physically bully an opponent. In a rage, Vader continuously locked sabers with Luke only to throw him back and press his assault. The same happened in the second duel as Luke forced Vader back with his onslaught of physical strength. In addition, it is mentioned in the novel Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader that during their duel on Murkhana, Vader cut off Bol Chatak's arm and then slew her after "simply beat[ing] her into submission." This also indicates usage of Form V.

A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat an enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi describe by the maxim "peace through superior firepower." To some Jedi Knights, Form V represents a worthy discipline prepared for any threat; to others, Form V seems to foster an inappropriate focus on dominating others. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.

With the offensive but refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Form V has been proven to be a highly effective style. Both Form V and VII call for its user to use emotion to enhance their strength. Form V users can best be described as bold, powerful, fearless and confident. They are unafraid to let their emotions rule them and contribute to the fight, though they are wary of falling to the dark side. A master Form V stylist will be able to pull back from the abyss of the dark side, as Luke Skywalker did when he defeated Vader, though that does not always happen.

In the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, Jedi Master Kavar teaches the Jedi Exile Shien if the Exile is a Jedi Guardian, a Jedi Sentinel, or the advanced forms of either.

According to Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, Aayla Secura knows about Djem So as well. It is possible that Cin Drallig was also a practitioner of this form, as in the "Revenge of the Sith" video game he uses attacks and stances similar to Anakin's. This similarity in styles could be because at various points during their duel it is hinted that Drallig had a hand in Anakin's lightsaber training, or it could be because Cin Drallig was a user of form II, and form V employs several techniques of form II. Shaak Ti, according to the Clone Wars animated series, was a practitioner of Form V, as she uses this stance while fighting against General Grievous.


Form VI: Niman
Niman was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the Great Jedi Purge. This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form".[19] One can see this in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, when all of the Jedi using Form VI are killed in the Battle of Geonosis, including Coleman Trebor, whose technique could not defend against Jango Fett's masterfully placed blaster shots.[19]

The basic philosophy of Niman is "the leaf swept in the winds of the Force". One who uses this form attains a mindset of one who is not perturbed by his or her surroundings, but rides the currents of the surrounding chaos, being harmonious and balanced within. It is a style of balance. The style has a surprisingly low chance of deflecting blaster bolts, lower than any form.

Form VI attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate, making Form VI well-suited for diplomats and consulars, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics, negotiation and Force mastery instead of combat training. It can be affectionately referred to and known as a sort of "Jack of All Trades" form, with mastery of no one aspect of combat, but competency in all.[20]

Niman's greatest weakness is its lack of specific strengths to capitalize on and a very long and steep learning curve to mastering it to the point of great martial effectiveness, in contrast to a single-paradigm Form (e.g., Soresu, which effectively is derived from its near-impenetrable defense) with a higher mastership-to-study time efficiency relative to Niman. However, there is one saving grace to this form: Niman is the stepping stone to the dual lightsaber form, known as Jar'Kai; no one who has successfully mastered Jar'Kai has done so without first mastering Niman.[21]

In Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is depicted posed in a Niman ready stance.


Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad
In the Jedi world, the form known as Juyo (numbered VII) was an oddity for millennia. Abandoned for many generations of Jedi, Jedi Master Mace Windu later created his Vaapad fighting style to replace Juyo as the 7th Jedi form. Vaapad is named for a multi-tentacled beast which can strike its foes many times simultaneously. Anybody who views an initiate of this style will witness many lightsaber strikes that appear simultaneous. The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form VII requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms.[22]

In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, which takes place about 4,000 years before the Battle of Naboo, the Jedi Exile could learn Form VII Juyo from Master Kavar if the Exile was a Guardian, Weapon Master, or Marauder. This shows that a Form VII was created millennia before Mace Windu created Vaapad. In Knights of the Old Republic II, Juyo is portrayed as a powerful but precarious form that sacrifices defense against both weapons and the Force in return for greater dexterity and strength of attack. Every blow from a master of Form VII Juyo threatened to be a life-ending critical strike. Alternatively, Mace Windu's Form VII appears to protect the user from these attacks while still being a highly effective offensive form. This is illustrated clearly during the duel between Mace Windu and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Form VII Vaapad is without question the rarest form, with only two Jedi ever truly mastering Vaapad: Mace Windu and his Padawan, Depa Billaba. Sora Bulq (who instructed Quinlan Vos in a few of the form's basics, although Vos never fully mastered Vaapad) was acknowledged by Mace Windu as knowing "almost as much as him". As stated in Star Wars Insider, Darth Maul was also trained in the Juyo Form.

However, Vaapad borders on the edge of using the dark side, as it channels one's anger and darkness into the attack. Only Windu's mastery and concentration of the light side prevents him from succumbing, which is why Vaapad is rarely practiced and very dangerous. The only two other known practitioners of Vaapad, Sora Bulq and Depa Billaba, both fell to the dark side of the Force, unable to maintain control over their emotions.[23]

Vaapad goes beyond being a fighting style as it becomes a state of mind and a power. The state of mind requires that a user of Vaapad be allowed to enjoy the fight and be given over to the thrill of battle and the thrill of victory.

The power of Vaapad is simple: it is a channel for one's inner darkness; and it is a reflecting device. With strict control, a person's own emotions and inner darkness can be changed into a weapon of the light. Vaapad is able to take the hatred, anger and rage of the opponent and reflect it back at him. In his fight with Palpatine, Mace Windu used Palpatine's own speed and hatred against him, reflecting it back against the Sith Lord and using it as his own power. Vaapad is at once a form of lightsaber combat, a state of mind, and an actual tangible power. To use it required great mastery, discipline and, above all else, purity of heart and spirit. Vaapad users are intense, focused, and introverted; there are even signs of pent-up hostility in them.

Intrepid, somewhat direct movements are used in combination with very advanced techniques involving Force-powered jumps and motions. Form VII does not appear as elegant as Form IV, but the technical details of it use very open movements resulting in a very unpredictable battle style. The staccato swings and flow of the form make it seem as if the attacks are not linked?but in reality, it is merely confusing the opponent. The sword techniques of this art are very practical and efficient, using "battlefield" philosophy: kill, move on.[6]

Form VII demands the emotional and physical intensity of Form V, but it much more effectively controls it. If mastered, Form VII results in extraordinary power.

Only through the learning of several other forms could a Jedi begin to understand Form VII, being the most demanding combat style. It involved so much physical combat ability that its training brings a Jedi very close to the Dark Side of the Force. To master Form VII, a Jedi had to employ bold movements and be more kinetic than in any other form. Form VII employed the use of overwhelming power directed through unconnected, precise movements that would keep an opponent continually off-guard.

In the novel Shatterpoint, Mace Windu indicated that part of Depa Billaba's Vaapad blade work has even surpassed Mace Windu himself and the Vaapad he created and used.

Vaapad is believed to have been lost with the death of Mace Windu, as no records exist of its instruction after the end of the Clone Wars and the start of The New Jedi Order. The entirety of the form itself is believed to have died with Palpatine


Basic Jedi Description
Behead Sai cha Sai cha, from the ancient words for "separate"
and "head", describes the chilling Jedi ability
to behead an opponent in a flash of the
lightsaber. Jedi commit sai cha only when battle
is at its most deady serious and threatening,
or when an opponent is considered extremly
dangerous, even to a fully trained Jedi.

Cut Body in Half Sai tok Jedi consider bisection of a living opponent's
body a form of butchery, a desecration to be
avoided if possible. The savage extreme of sai
tok is thus normally used only against battle
droids. Sai tok represents a potentially Sith-
like desire to destroy one's enemy, whereas
the Jedi goal even in combat is an inner focus
on defeating the danger of opponents rather
than hating them and wishing utter destruction
upon them.

Cut off Weapon Arm Cho sun Cho sun, cutting off an opponent's entire
weapon arm, is a move lacking the precision
and elegance of cho mai, but cho sun is the
move most often necessary under surprise
combat conditions or where no chances can
be taken.

Cut off Weapon Hand Cho mai Cho mai instantly ends an opponent's ability to
use a weapon but does not kill, making cho mai
a preferred Jedi move. The precision of cutting
off only a hand is considered the mark of a
superior lightsaber master.

Damage or Destroy Weapon Sun djem Sun djem was a goal of early Form I masters,
since destroying an opponent's lightsaber
could win victory withouth causing injury-
always a Jedi aspiration. However, the
advances of Form II soon made sun djem nearly
impossible, since combatants trained studiously
against having their weapons taken or damaged.

Dominate Spirit Don möch Don möch is the Sith technique of
conquering an opponent's spirit, not just
their body. It involves great mental strength
on the behalf of the Sith using this technique.
To conquer an opponent's spirit is a greater
success than to conquer them physically.

Otherwise Maim Cho mok Cho mok describes the cutting off of an
opponent's leg or (in the case of non-humans)
other limb or appendage such as lekku.

Stab Shiak Jedi tradition considers shiak an honerable
method of inflicting serious injury since it
causes the least visible injury to the
opponent's body. Shiak can thus express Jedi
respect for an pponent and the living Force
even as it delivers a fatal blow.

Wound Shiim Any kind of wound with the edge of the lightsaber
blade is shiim. An inconclusive mark of combat,
shiim is considered inferior to other marks that
decisively end a bettle. Its appearance thus
expresses struggle with a powerful opponent.