What Lightsaber Form Do You Favor?

[The Will]

But as you have seen in history the people call for peace but do nothing to claim it because even tho they ask they will never stop the conflict you can try but desire will always win to act on those desires is true peace.

This is what separates the Sith from the Jedi. The Sith will always act upon their passions citing that it brings peace within them and that they can guide others to the same path. The Jedi are selfless and forego their desires for a more spiritual peace than a peace of their physical being. To act on selfish desires brings peace of the moment, but not the long term peace of a life of service. It is true the people may not be able to claim the peace they desire to have and may always wish for some form of conflict. That said, to act on one's desires is a selfish decision, and when those desires require the injury of others the Sith never think twice. The Jedi will never act in a selfish manner, let alone act in a way that will bring about the harm of another. Sith however act only for themselves and if that means hurting their fellow man they will still make the selfish choice.

[Darth_Arkanus]

Well, Keeping this about Forms (the philosophy side is largely forbidden on this site, but I do have strong views on that, from a Sith perspective!)

I am an inexperience saberist, but already my preferences are becoming clear. I am predominantly Shii-Cho/Djem So, favouring simplicity, strength, directness and bone crushing attacks. Subtleness, surprise, and nuance are not lost on my though, especially since I began studying Makashi, but I prefer to look at Makashi as a way to add economy of movement and very rapid, pin-point accuracy to the sweeping power I'm already developing. There are elements of the rotation of Ataru and Screen blocking of Soresu in my freestyle work, but these are very minor elements at the moment I feel.

The TPLA Masters who have been helping me develop; Darth Nonymous, Master VorNach, Master Nero Attoru, Master Artorius Vidnyl and Sentinel Uilos have seen my "style" as much as anyone, so they can either confirm or correct my assessment accordingly.

As an illustration of my skills, I offer these;

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfywr3nIdFU" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfywr3nIdFU</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2iuUTSWmjM" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2iuUTSWmjM</a>

[Aerthias Kodoun]

I'm not sure what Form I'm using, but when I use a Lightsaber, I usually use a lot of defensive spins that turn into an offensive slash, with the occasional thrust. Sometimes I switch to my off-hand and practice like that, other times I use my Lightsaber with the blade parallel to my forearm. What Form(s) am I using?

[The Will]

I'm not sure what Form I'm using, but when I use a Lightsaber, I usually use a lot of defensive spins that turn into an offensive slash, with the occasional thrust. Sometimes I switch to my off-hand and practice like that, other times I use my Lightsaber with the blade parallel to my forearm. What Form(s) am I using?

The defensive spinning which leads to an offensive slash sounds very reminiscent of Makashi. The point of this form is to be highly defensive while at the same time using powerful counter attacks to keep your opponent at bay. The thrusting attack is called the Shiak. It is the somewhat signature move of the Makashi style. However to use the blade parallel to your forearm I believe is a Niman technique. (I could be wrong on this last one so if I am my sincerest apologies.) Niman however is somewhat of a combination of a variety of Forms, that said you could be using strictly Niman or using Makashi with a different twist on it.
Hope this helped!

[Darth_Arkanus]

The defensive spinning which leads to an offensive slash sounds very reminiscent of Makashi. The point of this form is to be highly defensive while at the same time using powerful counter attacks to keep your opponent at bay. The thrusting attack is called the Shiak. It is the somewhat signature move of the Makashi style. However to use the blade parallel to your forearm I believe is a Niman technique. (I could be wrong on this last one so if I am my sincerest apologies.) Niman however is somewhat of a combination of a variety of Forms, that said you could be using strictly Niman or using Makashi with a different twist on it.
Hope this helped!

I have to say that I'd agree with the Shiak technique coming in from Makashi, but the defensive spinning (if you're referring to vertical orbits - think "Obi-Ani" spin) sounds like Soresu. Soresu is largely defensive in nature, waiting for the best opening to launch a counter attack.

The other form known for some "reverse grip" work is Form V: Shien. But yes, Niman is more of a concept form (like Juyo) in which you are looking to defuse and end conflicts as peacefully and quickly as possible. That's not to say that Niman cannot be used effectively in battle, because it can, but the emphasis is on defusing situations rather than prolonging them.

Does any of that like what you do?

[Aerthias Kodoun]

I have to say that I'd agree with the Shiak technique coming in from Makashi, but the defensive spinning (if you're referring to vertical orbits - think "Obi-Ani" spin) sounds like Soresu. Soresu is largely defensive in nature, waiting for the best opening to launch a counter attack.

The other form known for some "reverse grip" work is Form V: Shien. But yes, Niman is more of a concept form (like Juyo) in which you are looking to defuse and end conflicts as peacefully and quickly as possible. That's not to say that Niman cannot be used effectively in battle, because it can, but the emphasis is on defusing situations rather than prolonging them.

Does any of that like what you do?

Well, that's mostly what I do when I am practicing. But recently I've been fighting people a lot more then usual, and I've noticed that I usually start using Makashi and Soresu at the start of the battle, and when I've figured out what Form my opponent has employed, I immediately go into what I like to call, "Fury of a Jedi." A very un-Jedi like mindless volley of strikes, using both hands and swinging with all my might. I find it extremely effective, it puts my opponent on the defensive and they're usually very surprised at the sudden change of behavior, I guess I'm using Juyo at times like this. Ive also broken HG Blades in half when I use this technique.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Well, that's mostly what I do when I am practicing. But recently I've been fighting people a lot more then usual, and I've noticed that I usually start using Makashi and Soresu at the start of the battle, and when I've figured out what Form my opponent has employed, I immediately go into what I like to call, "Fury of a Jedi." A very un-Jedi like mindless volley of strikes, using both hands and swinging with all my might. I find it extremely effective, it puts my opponent on the defensive and they're usually very surprised at the sudden change of behavior, I guess I'm using Juyo at times like this. Ive also broken HG Blades in half when I use this technique.

From the sounds of it, I would say that this particular style involves far too much force, especially if you're sparring without protective equipment.  I don't like to come down on people and be the safety police, but I just have to make that observation for your own sake (not to mention the sake of your sparring partners).  MAV and I never use that level of force when we're sparring, and we're working with many many years of swordsmanship experience that gives us a certain level of control.

That said, the tactics you're using are sound enough when used correctly.  An aggressive approach tends to throw off most inexperienced fighters, who are utterly unable to defend themselves effectively (when you think about it, an attack simply requires swinging the weapon, while a defense requires the muscle memory and reactions to get a parry in place for protection).  Of course, another downside to this approach is that depending on the opponent's perception of a swordfight, their reaction may not even be a defensive maneuver which can result in an attack failing... it's one of those things you really have to read before you commit.

[Darth_Arkanus]

Well, that's mostly what I do when I am practicing. But recently I've been fighting people a lot more then usual, and I've noticed that I usually start using Makashi and Soresu at the start of the battle, and when I've figured out what Form my opponent has employed, I immediately go into what I like to call, "Fury of a Jedi." A very un-Jedi like mindless volley of strikes, using both hands and swinging with all my might. I find it extremely effective, it puts my opponent on the defensive and they're usually very surprised at the sudden change of behavior, I guess I'm using Juyo at times like this. Ive also broken HG Blades in half when I use this technique.

I would add to what Master Nero said by saying that crafty opponent will keep clear of your "flurry", parrying only when they have to, and let you tire yourself out, then open you up like a clam shell! You have to be careful, not only from a safety point of view (absolutely!!!!) but also from an over-extension point of view as well. You sound like you put everything, and perhaps too much, into your Blitzkrieg, but if that doesn't work, then what? Also, I am concerned about the use of the term "mindless". That, from my MA background, is something you should never be. Rather the reverse; be mindful of your actions, and the reactions they create in your opponent. A flurry can cause confusion, turmoil and openings, BUT you must have something left "in the tank" to either capitalise, or change tactic if it doesn't work.

[Master Lucien Kane]

The other option, and the one I like to use on barbarian or berserker type duelists, is stepping in and jamming your offense. Meet your unstoppable force with a bit of immovable object. It generally throws the attacker off their game enough to score a controlled mark of contact.

Now those who learn to have measured fury and controlled chaos are truly a force to be reckoned with. I'd venture to say impossible without either safety gear or serious risk of injury.

[Darth_Arkanus]

The other option, and the one I like to use on barbarian or berserker type duelists, is stepping in and jamming your offense. Meet your unstoppable force with a bit of immovable object. It generally throws the attacker off their game enough to score a controlled mark of contact.

Now those who learn to have measured fury and controlled chaos are truly a force to be reckoned with. I'd venture to say impossible without either safety gear or serious risk of injury.

As Master VorNach always says, "safety gear, safety gear, safety gear!" lol It makes all tactics possible and serious injury free.

[Jammo]

Lately I've been messing more and more with the idea that the best parry is not to parry. I adjust depth, let the blade pass, and counter before my opponent can reset. I suppose that's a Makashi thing.

[Darth_Arkanus]

Lately I've been messing more and more with the idea that the best parry is not to parry. I adjust depth, let the blade pass, and counter before my opponent can reset. I suppose that's a Makashi thing.

*Nods like Jar Jar*

A-ha!

[Darth Nonymous]

Well, that's mostly what I do when I am practicing. But recently I've been fighting people a lot more then usual, and I've noticed that I usually start using Makashi and Soresu at the start of the battle, and when I've figured out what Form my opponent has employed, I immediately go into what I like to call, "Fury of a Jedi." A very un-Jedi like mindless volley of strikes, using both hands and swinging with all my might. I find it extremely effective, it puts my opponent on the defensive and they're usually very surprised at the sudden change of behavior, I guess I'm using Juyo at times like this. Ive also broken HG Blades in half when I use this technique.

Can we say "over kill"? Let's try to remember that these are supposed to be labor SAVING devices.

I am used to fighting with steel and other poly weapon at full force. I cannot conceive of breaking a heavy grade blade. I have seen them bend, but not snap in half.

[spectresabre]

I am, what my friend recently called, "garage trained?" Self taught essentially. after flinging my body unbalanced for years, I had spirit but lacked actual technique. I eventually came across a book on Kenjutsu, The art of Japanese Swordsmanship. I use a lot of the Kenjutsu when I spar with someone, along with some german longsword techniques I found from a video on Youtube. Since I haven't been able to practice on hot days here in Sacramento, I go out at night and use my friends as practice. It seems to be a pretty effective mix of techniques for myself at least. But that being said, my being self taught leaves me incredibly vulnerable at times. I'm working on it all, but it's more of a hobby lately since I picked up Parkour.

[Master VorNach]

Lately I've been messing more and more with the idea that the best parry is not to parry. I adjust depth, let the blade pass, and counter before my opponent can reset. I suppose that's a Makashi thing.

It's an excellent tactic in the right circumstances, practice it well.
Remember that part of the tactic is being able to respond when your opponent is prepared for that tactic. You think they have passed you by you step in to counter only to find the tip of their blade in your sternum.

Developing an understanding of distance/measure is incredibly valuable (Something Masters Nero and Nonymous can speak on with a great deal of expertise) and worth the time an effort. Don't stint on other valuable concepts though.

Jammo, would you be able to provide any video samples of your practice?