How do i choose my form

[Darth star]

So I'm very small and weigh about 72 lbs and i love aggressive fighting what style. should i choose i do a little defense but mostly i want to focus on swift and lighter strikes. Help me please

[Landen Se-Sentien]

Welcome to the forum. This is a very common question, and you'll get a very common answer.

The overwhelming response is to always start with the basics. In lightsaber sparring, that means Shii-Cho. There you will learn some basic swings, blocks, footwork, posture, etc. From there you will progress, but don't rush it. Walk before you try to run.

Once you have learned a few forms, you will figure out which one suits you the best, and you can start to focus on that.

So, how do you choose? By learning them and developing an aptitude.

[Master Seblaise]

Agreed with Landen ...

In fact, there are two possibilities:

1. You are already a Martial Artist or a Fencer
2. You are a beginner.


If 1. you may implement/adapt your basics to Lightsaber and propose your own interpretation of a Form

If 2. you should start with form 1

[Darth star]

THANKS!! So ill do this and probably add some Juyo and Ataru. I've learned basic strikes from form one and I mix it with aggressive strikes.

[Guardianofwinds]

If i may place my two cents. Those above are spot on about starting with the basics. Being fast and aggressive wont do you much good if your foundation is weak. Poor footwork and body mechanics will cost you. TPLA and Bendu lightsaber academy are both good places to start. Or if you want to go old school, General Sun's shi cho from New York Jedi is a fantastic place to start. All three sources have videos on Youtube.

One thing to remember; when it comes to martial forms real or fictional, there are only so many ways to block/parry/strike. My personal view is that each of the seven frames are more of a mindset. You're not going to only block with a soresu block, or only strike with an ataru slash. You're going to use whatever is going to protect you and move you out of the way of the blade/punch/kick etc. TPLA goes into this alot more that what i've stated which i love. Good luck and MTFBWY

[Musashi Padawan]

Agreed with Landen ...

In fact, there are two possibilities:

1. You are already a Martial Artist or a Fencer
2. You are a beginner.


If 1. you may implement/adapt your basics to Lightsaber and propose your own interpretation of a Form

If 2. you should start with form 1

I strongly agree with this advise. Anyone new to sabering, regardless of size or athleticism, should learn form 1 and form 2 before specializing. These are really the foundation for all the other forms. I can’t stress enough that footwork should be the emphasis for beginners. The blade will follow.

[Master Uilos]

Parroting the rest here, but for different reasons:

Even if you're a real life martial artist, you need to study form 1. You're learning a new martial art regardless of your own skill. You're learning a new weapon that is all edge, and no flat. Knowing a weapon style gives you an advantage, but not much.

Always begin at the beginning. You can have a black belt in one school, you're still a beginner in another.

[Master Seblaise]

Parroting the rest here, but for different reasons:

Even if you're a real life martial artist, you need to study form 1. You're learning a new martial art regardless of your own skill. You're learning a new weapon that is all edge, and no flat. Knowing a weapon style gives you an advantage, but not much.

Always begin at the beginning. You can have a black belt in one school, you're still a beginner in another.

You are right ... "from a certain point of view." 

I have always considered Light Saber fighting as the equivalent of MMA. I mean, for me, Light Saber is a weapon used by species from an entire galaxy with different cultural backgrounds and different anatomies. For me, the different "forms" are only because of that ... Lets consider a Human being from a peaceful planet and a 7' tall Alien from a warrior planet. They should have a very different style ...

What i love when practicing Light Saber, it is that people from different cultural/martial backgrounds use the same weapon. And it is very fun for me. With my own background, i learn a lot when i fight with a fencer or a kendoka.

But if you consider LightSaber as a Martial Art and not the equivalent of the MMA, you are absolutely right