greenhorn

[SILVERBACK]

for those of us that have no martial arts background, what would be a good form for us to start with to learn how to use our sabers properly. what i mean by properly is looking like we know somewhat how to spin our sabers instead of looking like we (me) are just flailing around like a spidermonkey on crack. any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

for those of us that have no martial arts background, what would be a good form for us to start with to learn how to use our sabers properly. what i mean by properly is looking like we know somewhat how to spin our sabers instead of looking like we (me) are just flailing around like a spidermonkey on crack. any input would be greatly appreciated.

HEY!

Spidermonkey is my preferred sighting style.

I'd point you in this direction to hammer down basics.

Some forum members put together a form one and so far I find it very solid.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=5977.60

Have fun.

[Darth Nonymous]

Check us out! We are specifically gearing tutorials so you can learn at home with no martial art experience.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL89FD30F9F512416E&feature=plcp

[Master Lucien Kane]

That being said, any sword martial art will give you a good place to spring from.

Fencing is very popular as is Kendo...

Iaido

any of the sword arts will be great!

[Solinus]

Check us out! We are specifically gearing tutorials so you can learn at home with no martial art experience.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL89FD30F9F512416E&feature=plcp

I have a little martial arts experience, but nothing in sword fighting. I'm clumsy. Uncoordinated. And if lightsabers were real, I'd have seriously maimed or killed myself by now.

And it's only been a week for me.

The Terra Prime Lightsaber Academy videos are a great place to start. I would say, as a beginner myself, that if you want to specialize in any form that you start with Form I: Shii-Cho. This is the form taught to Padawan Learners and Younglings for a reason. It teaches basic techniques and movements, as well as sets a foundation to later build upon. Become a master of Shii-cho or move into another form such as the defensive Soresu or the acrobatic Ataru.

Oh! And get a pair of gloves! Nothing fancy! Just something to shield your hands while training. You WILL thank me later!

[Xanedan]

When first starting out I found this series of videos to be incredibly useful as far as spins and flourishes go.  He starts out really basic, but moves on to some trickier stuff towards the end (there's over 20 videos).

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KChG_MM2HA4" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KChG_MM2HA4</a>

From there, you should have a pretty comfortable understanding of the different ways you can manipulate the saber around your body and look much more confident.

[Master Nero Attoru]

If you're looking to do some neat spins and improve your control, I'd say go with the video set Xanedan posted.  That will work you through some of the basic spins (figure 8, etc) and into some neat stuff (Obi-Ani) to get your repertoire of moves up to snuff.

If you're looking to actually learn to duel with the thing, I'd go with one of the aforementioned suggestions - martial arts (kenjutsu, iaido) and/or fencing are great places to start learning to use a blade.  Darth Nonymous's video set is also quite beneficial for people starting out!

[SILVERBACK]

thanks to all that replied , i will take into consideration all of these different techniques.