What Lightsaber Form Do You Favor?

[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.

Ah ha !!!
Historic context !!!

http://youtu.be/Eq1uuO5UsW0

[Jammo]

Ah ha !!!
Historic context !!!

http://youtu.be/Eq1uuO5UsW0

Nice to see that I'm not the only one that thinks that a good idea.

[Master Nero Attoru]

In fencing we call that tactic a distance parry, and it's pretty much the most ideal method of defense.  If you can manage that, then your control of your distance is excellent, and you should be able to take on pretty much any duel with great success.  The safest (speaking of a real duel where you don't want to get hit) and most effective techniques involve that kind of perfect timing, striking when the opponent is most vulnerable.

Very Makashi I'd say, but I'm sure Djem So would use it as well considering its emphasis on counterattacks.

[Darth Nonymous]

Call me crazy but that sounds suspiciously like dodging.

[Tyr-El Sivaut]

Favorite form?  Hard to say.  I have pondered that question since first I heard there were seven of them.  For some time I was very active in the SCA, trying to pull off a Samurai persona, which of course led me to katana-style and found my natural tendencies were toward an aggressive style.  The description of form seven (seemingly unconnected attacks from all angles that seek to trick your opponent into an opening) pretty much was my method for the longest time.  But, like Master Nero, I never really could find anything productive in fighting angry or with any emotion really, so that kind of through that idea out.  I never was as defensive as a Soresu specialist, so maybe Djem So/Shien.  Long story short, in the end I actually started to think of myself more as Niman, since I use a little bit of everything in combat yet have not quite mastered any specific aspect.  My interest/love for the style grew immensely when I watched TPLA's take on Niman.  So my answer would be Niman.

[rizalsoulisa]

To be honest, since I wait a lot, I always thought that a natural form for me is Soresu.
But as I start training this what I found for my self:

- Early in my training, I tend to switch to Shii Cho a lot. Even when I think Soresu or even Shien.
- Makashi is nice to have, especially if your opponent is a 'Juyo' user.
- Soresu is the form I want to attain, but I found that you need a lot of courage to apply it.
- Don't use Ataru. I'm too heavy <grin>
- Between Shien and Djem So, I can utilize both, but I'm leaning more to Shien now, since it is compatible with my Soresu techniques.
- I like the tactical thinking of Niman, although I only use its steps.
- Never like 'Juyo', although someday I hope I can define Vaapad.

So my favorite is definitely Soresu and Shien, with Shien at this moment is my primary form.

Now, I'm sorry for those who define their techniques as Juyo.
But to be honest, I met a lot of lightsabrist who swing their sabers a lot, and not really caring about hitting their opponent too hard or the risk of hitting a dangerous mark.
So, I need a term to describe them...and Juyo seems fit.

[Lord Krankenhaus]

I'll toss in by two cents on this.
I wouldn't mind learning a bit of each form (Except Jar Jar'Kai, unless that can also apply to double-bladed sabers and not just dual-wielding)
The Forms I use also depend heavily on the hilt I'm holding.
For example, I try to implement more spinning techniques when using my Initiate V3 or Aeon V3's, so Forms III, IV and V?
The Standard Issues seem heavier, more solid, so they are my Form I and V for sheer speed and power.
My Liberator and Bellicose don't fit into any one category for me, I use them relatively comfortably for each form.
The Prophecy is another spinning-oriented saber for me, and I use it most with a 24" blade, don't know what Form that would go under.
Finally, my newest acquisition, a Phantasm Initiate, has seen the most use as a long-hilted saber with only one 32" blade. It's actually very easy for me to swing around, being the V2, and only 18 inches or so, I prefer Forms I, III, and V.
Nero, please don't hate me for not using Form II with anything, I'm working on finding something comfortable! 

[Master Nero Attoru]

I'll toss in by two cents on this.
I wouldn't mind learning a bit of each form (Except Jar Jar'Kai, unless that can also apply to double-bladed sabers and not just dual-wielding)
The Forms I use also depend heavily on the hilt I'm holding.
For example, I try to implement more spinning techniques when using my Initiate V3 or Aeon V3's, so Forms III, IV and V?
The Standard Issues seem heavier, more solid, so they are my Form I and V for sheer speed and power.
My Liberator and Bellicose don't fit into any one category for me, I use them relatively comfortably for each form.
The Prophecy is another spinning-oriented saber for me, and I use it most with a 24" blade, don't know what Form that would go under.
Finally, my newest acquisition, a Phantasm Initiate, has seen the most use as a long-hilted saber with only one 32" blade. It's actually very easy for me to swing around, being the V2, and only 18 inches or so, I prefer Forms I, III, and V.
Nero, please don't hate me for not using Form II with anything, I'm working on finding something comfortable! 

Prophecy is perfect for Makashi, give it a try!

[Lord Krankenhaus]

Prophecy is perfect for Makashi, give it a try!

Guess I'll give it a go then. 
Thank you, Master Nero. 

[Master Nero Attoru]

Guess I'll give it a go then. 
Thank you, Master Nero. 

You're quite welcome!  I do love the Prophecy line 

[Lord Krankenhaus]

If I could ask a question, would a long blade or a short one be better for Makashi? I am most comfortable with 24" and 32" blades on the Prophecy. Since it's based on fencing, I would guess a longer blade, but I'm not sure.

[Jammo]

If I could ask a question, would a long blade or a short one be better for Makashi? I am most comfortable with 24" and 32" blades on the Prophecy. Since it's based on fencing, I would guess a longer blade, but I'm not sure.

For me, the 32. You need at least some reach, but speed is essential enough to the point that a 36 is usually too much.

[WookieeGunner]

If I could ask a question, would a long blade or a short one be better for Makashi? I am most comfortable with 24" and 32" blades on the Prophecy. Since it's based on fencing, I would guess a longer blade, but I'm not sure.

I get my renaissance masters messed up, but I do remember one of them (I think either Di Grassi or Agrippa) recommended the length from the tip of the blade to the cross-guard (so basically to the edge of your hand closest to the blade) should be the distance from the ground to your navel, so I'd go with something of about that length.

[Master Nero Attoru]

I get my renaissance masters messed up, but I do remember one of them (I think either Di Grassi or Agrippa) recommended the length from the tip of the blade to the cross-guard (so basically to the edge of your hand closest to the blade) should be the distance from the ground to your navel, so I'd go with something of about that length.

Certainly not a bad rule of thumb.  I tend to say that it depends on the person - I like lightweight blades since I use my wrist and fingers to control it, so 36 inch mid grade or 32 inch heavy grade is my preference.  It really depends on what kind of balance you like on your weapon, and how much reach you're willing to sacrifice for speed.

[Oramac]

Certainly not a bad rule of thumb.  I tend to say that it depends on the person - I like lightweight blades since I use my wrist and fingers to control it, so 36 inch mid grade or 32 inch heavy grade is my preference.  It really depends on what kind of balance you like on your weapon, and how much reach you're willing to sacrifice for speed.

Definitely depends on the person.  If I went by that rule, I'd use a 36" blade, minimum.  Probably would be closer to a 40" or longer If I actually measured it.  Yet I prefer a 32" blade for one-handed stuff.  Though to be fair, I've yet to actually spar with that setup, so I could find that it's not ideal.