Saber Forum

Hey, all! I'm just wondering what everyone's favorite forms of Saber Combat are, and why. I'm really excited to see what everyone else prefers!

I personally prefer Ataru. This is most likely due to that fact that I have been free-running for the last seven years, or so, of my life. So, naturally, it's concept of using every plane of motion together, and constantly flowing from one maneuver to the next as the situation dictates allows me to utilize my free-running in combat.
Though, I lean more towards Soresu for defense, as it's more serene approach to combat lends an excellent compliment to my application of Ataru. This also allows me to overcome many of Ataru's short-comings in defense.

I'm into Soresu as well for the sole fact that I don't like to get hit! Since I truly believe in the defensive-only aspect of saberfighting. I'm a Canadian - we don't have fair self-defense laws in this country; it's almost as if the law wants one to let one's self get pummeled in an attack, and then "trust" that the law will deal with the offender. We have to be "reasonable" with our use of self-defense techniques or the defender gets charged with assault as well. Seems a little open-ended for me.

That's why Soresu offers a means of effective self-defense, and means that I won't get pummeled, but won't have to pummel anyone in the process. I am truly a product of my environment!

My preferred method of saber combat at the moment involves me yelling "AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" and running away as fast as possible.

In all seriousness, I like feinting attacks, grappling the other deulist's hilt, and swinging at their feet.  Not sure how that all comes together and what form to call it, because I'm not as up-to-snuff on my Saber Forms as I used to be.

I haven't studied the 7 forms of lightsaber combat enough to say I am a certain form.  At the moment, I use techniques I have learned from Shaolin Kempo using Chuks and tried to modify them so that my saber moves mirror what my body is already trained to do. 

That sucks man.  Sorry to hear it's that bad.


As for me, conceptually I prefer Djem-So.  The measured relentless assault and finishing the fight quickly on my terms appeals to me. 

In practice, I'm probably some screwy combination of all 7, plus whatever random bits and pieces I've picked up from past experiences. 

As everyone knows... I'm a Makashi guy ;)

Seeing how I dont start Kendo class until Saturday,,I got nothing.
In a perfect world  Heavy on defense but when the opening presents it self to end it quickily and decisively. that opportunity is taken without hesitation or remorse.

Shii-Cho as always spoken to me for some reason, I like to keep it simple. Then again I appreciate all the 7 forms for different reasons.. Maybe I'm a Niman guy..

This makes perfect sense, as to why you would lean towards Soresu's more defensive (but not passive) approach to combat. We do what we know, I suppose. lol

Though that does really suck...


Honestly, that sounds (at least conceptually) like a very aggressive Shien, to me. "Sith Shien," perhaps? : p

Though there's nothing wrong with running when your in a losing situation. lol


Honestly, that way I see it, we all lean to one philosophy of and set of techniques, but incorporate the parts of other forms that appeal to us.

Like I said, I prefer an Ataru-Shien mix, but I also incorporate the occasional Shii-Cho swing, or Makashi thrust, if the situation calls for just such a move. : )


That's because of your background in Fencing, correct?


That actually sounds like Soresu to me, with the emphasis being placed less on defending until your opponent is tired, and more on patience and waiting for the right opening to end the fight quickly and decisively.


Shii-Cho is an excellent form, all on it's own, and isn't appreciated by enough people if you ask me. : )

I also appreciate all seven forms' philosophies, and the applications of the ones I feel I understand well enough, and I will occasionally use all of them. What makes me an Ataru user, I feel, is the fact that it's techniques and philosophy are what drive my dueling. I simply sprinkle a bit of everything else on top of it.

I hope that makes sense. : )

So far, it seems like there's a good variety of different preferences of styles. As opposed to what seems to be occurring amongst the people I train with. Most of them seem to either prefer Djem-So or Shii-Cho. Which is fine, but you get tired of fighting a bunch of people that all take the same two approaches to combat...

Not that I'd go out of my way to injure an attacker, but yeah, a re-examination of these self-defense laws are in order.

I will have to go with Form II (Makashi)  I just prefer the single hand dueling approach....

I never meant to imply that you would, I was just agreeing that since that's what you're used to it makes perfect sense that you would lean towards the form that most closely resembles that "passive" approach to fighting. Of course Soresu may appear passive, but it is anything but. : p

As do I, actually. But ,as I've said before, Ataru's philosophical approach to combat most appeals to me. I just take a mostly one-handed approach to it. : )

Yup!  Ten years of fencing means I pretty much use Makashi by default.  If I had to use another style though, I'd go with Djem So.


Just keep in mind that Makashi isn't the only Form to use a single hand.  You could essentially perform any of them with a single hand - point in case being Master VorNach's video demonstrating single handed Djem So.

 Juyo via Shien.

Forgive my asking, but why bother training any weapons or martial arts at all, if you wouldn't harm someone who means to do you harm (or death)?  Even the Dalai Lama and Ghandi have said they believe it's reasonable to cause harm to another in self-defense. 

Disclaimer:  I'm not suggesting you go out looking for a fight. 

I thought I remembered that, from the Symposium. : )

One of our members actually has several years of formal Fencing experience. So he naturally has the same tendency to default to Makashi as his preferred style. Whereas, in shaolin, I've learned a bit on how to use the Chinese Dao, which emphasizes bodily motion. Lots of spinning, and jumping type motions to carry your momentum through the strikes. That's, no doubt, a big part of why I prefer Ataru. : )


I completely agree with this. Though, I would also say that you should never look at Makashi as a solely single-handed style. Doing so, I feel, adds mental limitations to your own application of the form.


I'm actually really curious about this. I'm not really sure what you mean, especially so considering my very limited understanding of Juyo's application to combat... And even more so because of the fact that I've never seen a solid set of techniques for Juyo; only interpretations the vary widely from person to person.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm having a hard time visualizing that combination.

the laws are pretty silly. you can defend yourself, but there is an unknown limit to "how far" you can go.

you can hit someone back, and defend yourself, but you cannot incapacitate someone. If you are a trained martial artist, you also have a hard time proving the you didn't use "excessive force".



To answer the original question - Preferred form is Makashi, slowly working my way toward a heavy spanish fencing influence.
Shien is my second choice.

It sounds like the law is just vague enough to be unjust... Those are the worst kinds of laws... Doing more harm than good. Though, these are my opinions, and I feel they are probably best left at the door.

When I first started my training, I started with Shii-Cho. I dove right in and absorbed and devoured everything I could find on the Form. Then I saw an application of Soresu and immediately knew that I wanted to learn this Form. I have delved into the Cannon uses of the Form, along with the practical uses, both theoretical and physical. I am still very much wanting to continue training in this form.

I am making a personal journey through each of the 7 Forms. Learning the basics behind each, and applying what I learn to theoretical and practical uses. I have learned a lot about myself along the way. Certain views that I had about myself have given way to new outlooks. As a saber enthusiast, I am growing, and with that growth comes change.

I have taken an unusual liking to the Makashi Form. There's something about it's style that stand out. Is it the regal bearing that it's users typically display? Is it the sophisticated and precise strikes that come with the Form? You control the strikes. When. Where. How. With that control comes a sense of power. "See what I can do to you with little effort?"

This may change as I move into the different Forms. How can I call one my favorite, or my preferred, if I am not yet tested them all?

And Daven... there's a reason why you haven't seen anything on Juyo. The preferred style of the Sith, you won't find too many who know it's secrets.  8)

That said, enough rambling.

TL;DR: I always fall back on Shii-Cho. It's where I am comfortable.

There are higher pursuits and goals to martial art beyond hurting people who want to hurt you. That there are extreme cases where there is no other choice but to hurt some one, it is hardly the case in most self defense situation where the prime goal is escape. You don't need to hurt them to get away, and hurting them doesn't even guarantee they will stop.

Martial art is about overcoming your own limitations. Cultivating yourself.

Sun Lu Tang was asked once why anyone should practice MA in the age of the gun. He replied "A gun does not give you good health."

I suppose that makes sense. As I understand it, Juyo requires a passion for battle from it's user. This sort of passion would be contradictory to the more widely accepted version of the Jedi Code, and most of the people I know fit more into the role of a Jedi than a "typical" Sith.


Very well said. : )

That is an EXCELLENT interpretation. For the Jedi, there is Vapaad.

Correction for Grey Jedi there is Vapaad.  Even Mace considered it to be walking the razor edge between light and dark at times.  Unlike it seems, Vapaad requires even more control over your emotions than the other forms.  Let me put it this way:  Walking along a cliff-top without falling is challenging.  Throwing yourself over the cliff to dangle by your fingertips is insane.

I still feel that the same risk is there.

I see Juyo as "Unbridled Fury," and Vapaad as "Tempered Aggression."

Unbridled Fury meaning that you allow your passion for combat to fuel your techniques, much like wood in a fire to keep it burning.
Tempered Aggression meaning that you focus that passion into a finer, more manageable point, rather than a raging fire.

Both would require that passion for combat, but each would take an entirely different approach to how that passion is utilized. Though I have always thought that it would make sense for Jedi to be more inclined to use the Vapaad variant of Form VII, than the Juyo one.

Of course, I don't have a great understanding of Form VII. I'm just expressing what I do believe to understand about it at this point in my studying. : )

There's an inherent risk in everything.

But you are correct. While Juyo is fueled by pure rage and emotion, Vapaad is more controlled. But it's the closest thing that a Jedi can come to Juyo while still holding true to their teachings.

But that is cannon, in a galaxy where the Force guides your actions.

In real life, here in our world, the two forms might almost be mirror images of each other. But as you say, there is very little to go on in the way of the forms.

My favorite? Lightsaber combat.  ;D

Which is not as flippant an answer as it may seem.
I like a balance of options, being able to respond with alacrity to the dynamic changes that occur in a sword fight.
There is no single "best form". There is a collection of skills, techniques and principles that develop unto a whole.

a good question, one i have asked myself many times.

at first i thought,  'reverse grip shein sounds good, ill use that.'
then it turned out to be next to useless in combat with another lightsaber for me.
then, 'makashi. purely for saber vs saber. perfect.'
turned out i was pretty good, but my sparring partner was too aggressive, and i got hit. alot.
'soresu, then.'
im great at soresu, but i found i was dodging back too much, and kept tripping.
 most amusing to my sparring partner, im sure.

in the end, i realised there was niman.

 my idea of niman is to use soresu, makashi, reverse grip, shii cho, ataru or djem so at appropriate moments.
 it is mildly unpredictable and highly useful. and better than that, im good at it.

I don't know... Sounds like Niman, to me. : p Just kidding. I completely understand.
When you focus solely on one style, one set of techniques, you limit yourself to that particular set of moves. You can stagnate as a martial artist. So, the same would apply to lightsaber combat.


My friend Khalis often argues that I'm a Niman practicioner, because I will use any of the first five forms based on what's appropriate to the situation. Though I disagree. I feel that because my philosophical approach to combat mostly resembles Ataru, I am an Ataru user. So, I would say what Form you "use" is more about how you approach combat, mentally, rather than the techniques you use. Though techniques definitely play a large role. : p

That being said, based on the way you've described how you came about using your style, it makes perfect sense that you consider yourself a Niman user.

If possible, I would very much like to see your version of Niman. : )

i have a week off from family and children as they are all off to disneyland paris next week. my sparring partner and i will be videoing a few saber battles, i will put a couple up. he uses saberstaff juyo (his interpretation)vs my single saber niman.

Shii-Cho for me. I have just started really getting into saber combat, and discovered Terra Prime thanks to this forum. I understand that Shii-Cho is the foundation for all else, and want to train myself in that to get good form before I start trying anything fancy. But in the end I would like to be a Juyo user, since I am more of a Sith person and prefer to be on the attack.

That sounds awesome! : D


A very sound plan. : )

Though I feel, as a Jedi, I should attempt to convince you to leave the darkness of the Sith behind. : p

Sometimes we have to open ourselves to a broader way of thinking. Not just the dogmatic ways of the Jedi.

Honestly, I agree. Hence the reason I have rejected the more known version of the Jedi Code, in favor of the older (less restricting) one. : p

As for myself, I am a Djem So specialized fighter, though I tear out bits of makashi, Soresu, Ataru, and Shien to help refine my fighting style and turn my weaknesses (shortness, less lower body flexibility) into strengths. That said, I am a strong proponent of the idea that swordsmen should master all the forms, both individually and collectively (using one style at a time and then them all) to fully round out one's skills, regardless of your natural abilities in them. I'm still on the individually part; hence my downright shameful understanding of Niman.
 

The greatest weakness of the Jedi is that they fear the dark. It is what led to their downfall in ROTS according to the book (and if you analyze it from my personal perspective). They became fearful, untrusting, stubborn, and couldn't rally their efforts to defeat the single sith lurking in arms reach.
Hence their failing. Don't embrace the dark side, but be aware of its reach and its true potential, and it is nothing to you. Thats my philosophy for today.



True, I do say that alot. Mostly because his fighting style, even if he can't see it, remains very adaptive, and formless. His movement doesn't become defined except at the last few moments of his movement, making it hard to predict where he'll go, which to me is the focus of Niman. But the decision is yours; I am just trying to categorize what I see, and what I see is constantly changing.

If I still hold to my belief of you being a Form VI user, I would emphasize that you heavily use Form IV. Though you could be like Obi-Wan; he specialized in Soresu but was a master of Ataru, Niman, and Shien. Oh wait, those are all forms you care about. Neat. Your now the Obiwan in our group :D
lol

Crap... I was going for Jolee Bindo... Oh well. lol : p

When Your old, crotchety, annoying, senile... then I'll call you Jolee Bindo

I'll hold you to that. lol

This is going to be confusing with two people on the forum named Vael. Didn't notice it before. Anyway, I tend to believe that the Jedi fell because Palpatine, not their own feelings. After all it was Palpatine's plans that led to them being fearful, untrusting, and stubborn yes? I don't think the dark side is all about finding great power, but also hiding it in order to find the right time to strike. Which I guess Juyo isn't the best form for that  ;)

True, Palpatine led them to that state with his plan. But would they have been as susceptible to his manipulations if they hadn't constantly shunned, ignored, and rejected their own feelings? I have found that the greater knowledge of one's own emotions, desires, motivations, and vices can enable one to be unafraid. In short; know your enemy. This still holds true even more so when the enemy can be yourself as much as someone else.

Anakins flaws were his greatest enemy, tearing him apart from the inside out. Sidious just pushed and plotted for those weaknesses to be un-fixed and weaker so that he could take advantage of them when the time was right.

Like only using a secret passage to gain access to a castle when the King was asleep in said castle. One could use the passage to take the castle at anytime, but to take it when the King is there is a vastly greater victory.

But in that analogy, had the defenders known of the secret passageway, would they be caught unawares? Possibly, but far less likely.

I digress, but those are my thoughts on the Jedi. I am one, I just don't think the classical Jedi view was sufficient.

I like to pretend that the prequels don't exist... So... Yeah... lol

Revenge of the Sith is good. The other two are worth forgetting.

I think what many people overlook in the Prequels is the Prophecy of the Chosen One.  Anakin was allowed to do things that would have caused others not to be trained or passed to the level of Knight. 

I think this can be seen today in the fact that certain people are allowed to get away with not obeying rules because of whom they know or to whom they are related while others are required to follow said rules.

We all know someone who is currently in a seat of power or control and our first reaction is "I wonder who they knew to get this job." 

Yoda had a firm belief that age was a great factor in the training of a Jedi.  I was late in life staring my martial arts career and sometimes it is frustrating to take lessons from someone ten years your junior but I have to remember that age does not always equal wisdom and talent and therefore when I let go of the pride, I can be properly trained. 

Anakin was frustrated because there were people his age that were much more advanced in title and assignments than he was and therefore it left him open for Sith manipulation of his insecurities. 

Yes BUT, Anakin also had a myriad of badassed jedi who would and did train him to overcome this. Toss the whole phophecy thing out and let your mind wander to what he might have been without falling to the Sith. Could this Jedi alone once and for all crushed them? prolly should stick this convo elsewhere.

To be honest I feel like 'at birth taken' jedi, like most jedi before the rise of the galactic empire, are inferior to jedi who came to the order as young adults on (as most of Luke's Jedi would). True, they had a greater chance of being epic in combat, having been trained for decades longer naturally would make them better... except by the time of the Clone Wars most had let their combat training become far more lax than most of the prequel heroes as demonstrated by the absolute slaughter of Jedi at Geonosis and again at the Jedi Temple during Order 66.

Whereas full adults have more context and experience that allows them to connect and apply whats being taught to them to themselves... ergo, I think there is some advantage to how Anakin was trained... had he not become so close to effectively the Devil.

And yeah, not really an appropriate discussion but we got off topic. Woot.

Wasn't trying to get off topic but more on topic is that we all know people that hand out promotions and distinctions like candy at a parade. 

When being trained to properly handle a weapon (in this case a saber) you want to find those that have experience and have a similar goal to yours.

In Shaolin Kempo, we study 5 animal styles.  Each of these animals has a good fit for a student.  We challenge ourselves to learn styles that don't always fit our preferred style but in the end, we tend to sit with the style that comes most natural to us. 

When I fought MMA, I was classified as Heavy Weight.  Crane techniques don't do well for me because you are expected to be in the air alot.  I am more of a Tiger technique guy because it is strength based and up close fighting. 

In saber combat, I would probably choose a style that allows the same.  My first saber purchases got the standard mid grade at 36".  The mid grade just did not feel right to me.  Too light.  I then went Heavy Grade and this felt better but I found that something was amiss.  Once I began conversing with Master Nero (who is a fencing instructor and I am criticized in martial arts for my assuming a fencer's stance), I learned that shortening my blades to 32" not only felt more comfortable, I felt more in control and better able to get closer to my opponents.

Short distances and quick strikes just feel more natural to me.  Being a person of size means that I have a natural tendency to look a little scary up close and then having a shorter blade that allows for faster and stronger motions means that I have fear and surprise working to my advantage.

Now as to which of the Lightsaber 7 forms this most closely fits, I have not a clue.

This sounds like Form V, to me. Specifically Djem-So. Though, really... Any form can be used "up close and personal."

It's just the way you describe your preferred fighting style... Strength based, getting up close and personal.
Would you say that you would overpower your opponents, in order to dominate your field of battle?

I'm a blend between Makashi and Soresu. It really depends on which hand I'm holding the saber in. If it's my right Soresu. My left Makashi. Sounds silly I know, but since I have an old injury it makes it a little hard for me to do spins with my left hand. The outer bone in my forearm will kind of pop. It's an old injury I've had for a very very long time. There's no pain just makes it hard to keep a good spin going when every time you twist your wrist it pops. :D

Being in control and dominating the field via surprises are very signature for me.  I like to see them burn out when possible so that I am expending the least amount of energy.  Being a person of size means that people attempt to hit me harder than is really necessary so it makes it really fun to through a hard block that does more injury to them than to me.  This is usually the point in which they want to back away and I keep moving toward them until they have very little room left to move and therefore must fight in desperation.  This leads to the fact that they become sloppy and gives me ample openings in which to pick them apart and eventually win. 

The most common mistakes that my opponents make about me is that since I am a person of size, I must be slow in reaction time.  Quick strikes take them very much by surprise.  I also like to do some unorthodox things in the ring such as punching low and high at the same time.  Most opponents that I have faced think about one at a time punching and therefore the double strike overwhelms defenses and they hesitate allowing at least one strike to get through.  Where my weakness lies in this is that I am leaving no room to defend myself.

All this is really making me want to get a saber staff really soon.

That is odd, but considering your old injury it makes perfect sense. You compensate for the limitation by changing your style. : )


This is very Djem-So.


However, this actually seems very Soresu to me. Though it could be argued that it is Shien, which would still be Form V. And, again, everything else you've said sounds very Djem-So.

I'm interested in actually seeing how you fight. As soon as school's back in session, and we're having regular practices again, you need to try and come to some. : D

As a fencer I prefer Makashi over all the other techniques simply because it is very similar to many things I already know from bladed combat, though Ataru is pretty kick ass

In terms of Saber combat, I prefer Soresu. I'm currently working with that and trying to get back in sync with myself and lightsaber combat. Because of college I haven't had much time to practice. I would enjoy learning and practicing with Juyo however.

I've been trying to figure out what form I am. I have tons of footwork, spins, and turning my body, and I'm ALWAYS in their face or standing with my saber directly in front of me. I just need to find someone who isn't just out to "kill" me, and fight me like an actual saber battle. (aka not just slash slash slash etc like a sword battle, y'know what I mean, "flashy" saber battles")

I totally get that. It's the same reason I've always preferred Ataru. : D


I think we can all relate to that. As fun as this stuff is, something are most definitely more important. That being said... WINTER BREAK IS UPON US!!!

As my friend Khalis would probably say: "TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, and uh... TRAIN!" lol


I totally get you, there. Sometimes Khalis and I (because he's the only member of our group that consistently trains with me) have to just slow down and work on technique in our duels. Though we enjoy going full-speed as well. : p

Did you ever think that maybe because you can't really decide what form you would prefer that you might like Niman? It does take bits and pieces from everything before it. Just a thought, there. : )

Oh yeah. In fact, my first actual day off starting Winter Break was yesterday, and I was warming up with some Form I using an old, modified bo-staff to get into the groove of things.

Yes. Sadly, not many people want to spend an hour or two a day after work to train. I don't get it :( it are make me SAD.

also, the above statement has as much sarcasm and silliness in it as I can add. This is the internet however, and I need to STATE so.

Awesome! : D


As sarcastic as your statement was, I'm betting it was also true. : p

... the truth behind it is that I am sad I have no-one other than you to duel that does that.

Good point...

I couldn't really tell you what "form" mine is called, but mine is all concerned about the footwork, controlling exactly how far away I am from my opponent, moving lightly on the balls of my feet. My goal, wait for my opponents attack, then i either block out their shots and doge, remembering to keep moving! then I take well timed feints and cuts, keeping my opponent just out of balance and distance to strike. (I'm 6'4"). Using a combinations of solid defense, maneuverability, a long reach and  strong quick movements.

I switch my style up a lot though. I have an aggressive two handed short blade style. I increase my movement even further, always stepping around, walking pacing, making sure when my opponent swings I retreat to the sides, or i'll step in with a block and slash them across the stomache legs or arms. I can use my dual swords to assault my opponent rapidly with a flurry of feints or blows, I can block numerous attacks and once again get my opponent into a perfect range of attack.


I can also fight with spears, flail's, staves, daggers, shields yadadada.


I do most of my fighting boffer fighting. I took a few years of aikido.

This sounds very much like Makashi, to me. Which is great! We need more non-fencing-esque makashi users! Though there's nothing wrong with fencing-esque Makashi. : p

Makashi sounds about right!

Agreed, those tactics are rather consistent with Makashi.  Welcome to the Makashi club ;)

I'm really enjoying that there seems to be a wide variety of Form preference among everyone here.

My previous experience was that most people seemed prefer either Form V, or Form VII. Which gets old, after a while. lol

I'm curious if peoples preference comes from discovering what they liked through application or if it was the descriptive information and visual examples from movies and games that drew people to what they practice.

Hah, you touch on something I've also observed in saber choreography clubs. Though it tends to only exhibit itself with that age group of saber enthusiasts who grew up with the Prequel Trilogy. (which university clubs, by nature, would see a lot of.)

Also, in the "holy trinity" of choreography clubs (1. Are they Star Wars fans? 2. Are they martial artists or have a healthy interest or past experience of martial arts? 3. Are they actors/performers/dancers or have a healthy interest or past experience of performing arts?) these people tend to be, like, 85/10/5 :)

Application of my new study of Kendo will decide this. ( one lesson in)
Descritpive info? yeah sorta I like the precision of kendo strikes and the patience one must have. The movements are at first glance small not very damaging. UNtil you pick up the shinai and get yourwrists beaten by a more expierenced user.
THe movies? meh yeah we are all guilty of this I think tom some degree. I doubt I would have any interest in this were it not for the SW universe. Also being a professional Mariner swordplay has always interested me, dur to the history of Pirates. And of course pirates + swords = hand and glove. same same with Jedi/sith and sabers. it just kinda works. NOw i must admit were it not for this site ,I would not have even bothered at my age, but the kid in me won out. On eof these days i am gonna find my inner child and beat his ass. Punk just cost me several hundie in sabers.

I would have to say "yes".

My preference came from 2 things: 1) trying (and failing miserably) to apply what I saw in movies.  2) My own personal preference for what I'm looking for in a fighting style.   

I think it's probably different for everyone, even a mix of both for some.
I'm arguably a Niman duelist, because I use a philosophy of constant adaptation. (Even in real-life activities.) Plus I always like to try my hand (and learn a few skills) in pretty much any new activity (or trade) that I discover.
However, I'm also arguably an Ataru user because the moves I use are very Ataru in style. Bodily momentum, carrying my blade through each move... Using all three planes of motion... Even occasionally incorporatig acrobatics, such as jumps, spins and rolls.


That's a good point. However, I would hope that there would be more people like myself (who are in that age group) that realize that A: The prequels were crap, comparatively to the original trilogy, and B: Most of the moves shown in the movies are either impractical simply by their nature, or because we just can't call upon the Force to aid us. Though many of the fights are flashy, and pretty to watch. : p

Then again, as you've pointed out, most of those groups are either centered around choreography or stage combat rules, as opposed to live (or "true") combat. Which is fine, if your goal is simply to have fun. : )

For me it's more based on the philosophical reasoning behind the forms and what seems to resonate most with me. I consider myself a student of all approaches, TBH.
Maybe if I found a sparring partner I could expand.

That is pretty much it. The Forms as set down in the original article are actually more of a progression. So to truly specialize, it would be the philosophical approach that would define you.

Agreed. I've actually been saying that throughout this thread. X D Your preferred form is less about the techniques you use, and more about your philosophical approach to combat. : )

I've studied a few of the seven forms through my performance/sparring group, but once two sabers were put in my hands I fell in love with Jar'kai.  Fighting with two sabers just gives me more defense and offense options as well as the ability to fend off multiple opponents with the whirlwind and double strike centered techniques. 

Jar'Kai is really challenging because of the hand strength required to effectively wield two blades and control them, but it's so worth it.  The power you feel when you bring two sabers down from behind your head coming out of a spin is phenomenal.

 I believe that as a duelist I should flow like water, which two blades allows me to do.

I use a combination of makashi and Shien / Djem So for myself. I do like Niman/Jar'Kai as well but it really depends on my opponent.

Juyo/Vapaad, but probably more Minan as I'm a dual blader.  A lot of defense with the offhand as I utterly lack coordination in that hand.  So it would be like left handed shoto Soresu with Juyo/Vapaad pimp hand.  Really aggressive main hand and a defensive offhand unless I can find an opportunity to use the offhand.  More often it would be a gut thrust or leg sweep.

Welcome to the forums! Which group would that be? :D

im going to be using a mixture of form 2 and 3. iv studied 17th century swordsmanship and medieval broadsword etc, if anyone has ever seen someone fight with a two handed longsword with the blade/spear grip it'll be kind of like that (except obviously i need an extended handle as i refuse to ever grip a sabers blade ;) )

Are you referring to "half-swording" (Halbschwert) ?

exactly, ringneck's style of half swording.

My friend is getting a Shock LE saberstaff.  I was wondering what a good style would be for her to practice.  I personally have zero staff training so I have nothing to show her.

You need to go to YouTube and check out Terra Prime Lightsaber Academy.  Darth Nonymous has a really great video (probably more by now) about staffs.  Many of the learners in exile use TPLA videos for training.

Blue

This is good advice.  TPLA has already done the first Trajectory of the Shii-Cho Dulon with a saberstaff (maybe the whole thing? I'm not sure).  I'm at work, so unfortunately, I can't link it on Youtube.  Maybe someone else can jump in with the link?

Here you go, sir!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTjSPeP9Ho4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTjSPeP9Ho4)

I do lament the loss of half-swording and blade grabs.
(Point for mentioning Ringeck !)

thanks vornach, im hoping the extra hilt length will allow me to use some of the tricks, looking forward to challenging people at the next event XD

So would you say that you use a Jar-Kai variant of Ataru?


I've been working on Niman a lot, lately. : D


I love Ataru! It's my favorite! : D


There's actually a Fencing style that uses two weapons much like this. Maybe it's something you should look into? Not sure what it's called, but my fencer friend was telling me about it one time. I'll talk to him again, and get back to you. : )


I haven't seen the TPLA video for staff yet, but as I understand it Staff works really well with Shii-Cho, Ataru and Juyo. : )