What are everyone's prefered forms of Saber Combat?

[Brotaku Vengeant]

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.

[Daven Vash]

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.

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

[Brotaku Vengeant]

Makashi sounds about right!

[Master Nero Attoru]

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

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

[Daven Vash]

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

[Master VorNach]

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.

[Stiletto]

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

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

[RevanChrist]

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.

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.

[Oramac]

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.

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.   

[Daven Vash]

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.

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.

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.)

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. : )

[4stringjedi]

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.

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.

[Darth Nonymous]

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.

[Daven Vash]

For me it's more based on the philosophical reasoning behind the forms and what seems to resonate most with me.

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. : )

[pretaim7]

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.

[whitmers]

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.