How do I get started with learning lightsaber forms?

[Master Lucien Kane]

Well i wasnt going to go into Juyo blindly and just channel anger against my foe, i was going to have some basic coaching on strikes and control and what not but just not a super in depth form that would be Juyo too far away from reach you know?

Yeah we aren't trying to rain on your parade, or even tell you you're too inexperienced to learn a fictional form of martial arts. It's just that when you're sparring and you decide to take the role of aggressor, there's a measure of control you must learn before you do this because if you don't learn that control you'll hurt yourself and others.

I think that by learning the basics first and then getting some sparring time in you'll learn how to apply aggression properly and safely. Let's face it this is an aggressive sport we engage in, so safety is paramount. Due to the fact that we've never met you before, and so that others who are interested in Juyo will know we have to state that Juyo is not just going berserk on your opponent.

[Master Bluespike74]

Here is a perspective that I think anyone can appreciate.  The 7 forms of Lightsaber combat are like learning forms and kata in any martial arts.  There are basic moves that one must learn and then you learn to combine those moves into more advanced moves.  Basics are always there.

No martial art (or lightsaber form) is designed to be a one size fits all.  You will find that the Masters are very comfortable with one to two forms and will go to those most often.  As a learner, you will find that you will do the same.  My Master loves moves for short small guys because that is what he is.  I am a taller and bigger guy therefore I like moves that fit my body style.  No matter who or what I am fighting, I will often when tired revert to the moves that I am most comfortable with and have the most muscle memory surrounding. 

All martial arts and lightsaber forms are meant to build muscle memory and give you the basics.  In a real situation against a fluid opponent, you will find that no matter how long or hard you train, something is going to happen that will not occur as you expected.  During a recent training session, I performed a self defense technique that is one of my favorites and my opponent unexpectedly leaned into a full force crescent kick and I knocked my opponent out.  The kick is meant to quickly trap an opponent's arm as 99% will lean away from the kick.  This one tried to duck and it was lights out.  Now I know that I have to be on guard for the 1% that will lean into kicks or I could seriously hurt someone during training.

Now to the final point of this post.  Train with all forms and learn the basics of all 7 forms.  Find two forms that suit you the best (and get outside input on this as well) and work the more advanced moves in those as you get better.  When against someone for sparring or during a choreography, always be aware of potential issues that could cause someone to get injured and be on guard for the unexpected.  This is why the Masters always stress using protection.  Go max during sparring and try to incorporate some costume pieces that could also protect you in choreography. 

A final added lesson I recently learned on my disappearance to Philly:  Sometimes you have to step back and reassess a situation.  Stress and challenges are part of life but fun and relaxation are equally important.

Blue