Help with Form II

[TDH]

I'm getting my first HeavyGrade saber soon that I plan to use for dueling. I like to adhere to tradition so I researched the different the different forms of lightsaber combat.
I decided that I liked Makahi Form II the best, but I'm not really sure where to go from there. I haven't really found any instructional videos or guides for Form II so I'm lost.
I have been fencing for several years, will this help me at all?

[Kaiden Shardsbane]

You could order the Combat tutorial on the store.  I've heard that has a lot of the forms in it.  Or you could just Wookiepedia it.  Mostly, it's just whatever you say it is.

[Iyce]

Personally, I don't think Form 2 and fencing are any different, except that for one you use a lightsaber.

[ShadowKatt]

Well, I don't know anything about fencing, but I do use the principles of Form II.

For me, when I use Form II, I change the grip on my saber. Rather than grip it up by the emitter, I grab it down at the pommel. That allows me to move it in any direction at all without the pommel of the hilt catching on my arm or otherwise restricting my movement. This comes at the cost of leverage; you lose a lot but then Form II is more about precision than brute force.

If you look on the wiki, they have Form II's opening stance with the saber held to the side at a roughly 45 degree angle down. I...don't know why, I don't do this. My form two stance is keeping my body either dominant-side-on towards my opponent or angled with dominant side forward. I hold my lightsaber(again, gripping the pommel), straight out in front of me shoulder height of a little bit lower, keeping the blade horizontal and pointed at my opponent. It helps to keep the distance between myself and them and any attack they launch my saber is at a mid-point that can strike out in any direction. For example, if they knock my saber to the side and move in with a top down strike, I can simply side step and catch them while they're vulnerable. On the contrary, with the superior mobility, I could feignt a high strike and then immediatly drop down for a lower strike.

That's about all I got for now, I'll add more later when I think of it. I'm sure Novastar will be along shortly as well given he IS a fencing instructor, and then I'll just feel woefully inadequete XD

[Master BStone]

Makashi has to do with balance and control, and emphasizes striking with the last third of the blade. good use of point is important. much of your fencing knowledge will be useful. the guard position described in wookiepedia is an inviting stance; it "invites" the opponent to attack, giving you an opportunity to strike in time to the thrust/cut or whatever the opponent throws at you. keeping the lightsaber in line with the target is often a good idea, as the point tends to be quicker than the edge in terms of traversing distance to a close target, like the opponent's wrists or lead leg.

[Master Nero Attoru]

This is all good advice.  I use Form II a lot, being a fencer myself.  As many have said, these forms are fictional constructs based on the movie choreography so it's mostly up to interpretation, so here's my take:

Form II uses a lot of fencing ideas like lunges and thrusts, along with very small controlled cuts.  Holding the saber more towards the blade helps, as it gives more control in that regard.  I tend to think of Form II as being very controlling and manipulative, using proper distance and precise bladework to maneuver the opponent however you like in order to create openings.  When I attack it tends to be precise attacks to limbs, and when I defend I tend to keep a good deal of distance (think epee fencing, since the whole body is target really).

Once again, I'm not a master, that's just my version of Makashi.

[Ultra]

We'll be offering Master Caine's 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat video in the store very soon if you want some extra training materials.

[Warlock Umbra]

We'll be offering Master Caine's 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat video in the store very soon if you want some extra training materials.

Awesome!! That's exactly the kind of video I want!!

[Iyce]

I gotta get myself that video Ultra, tell us when it's avalible!

[Caine]

We'll be offering Master Caine's 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat video in the store very soon if you want some extra training materials.

 

[ThreadJack]

One should start by growing a beard, wearing a cape, and buying a Hasbro Dooku FX hilt. Do this and you will be a Form II master. Trust me.

[Master BStone]

...and actually previously starring in several old Hammer Dracula films helps a lot too.

[LordDesann]

I would just watch The Duel Scenes of Episode II & III with Count Dooku, maybe see if there is a pattern,

Also, Shaak Ti uses Form II, And if anyone has played TFU I, she uses Makashi, perhaps this could help as well.....

[TDH]

Thanks for all the advice! 

I'll be sure to get myself that video as soon as humanly possible.

[ShadowKatt]

One should start by growing a beard, wearing a cape, and buying a Hasbro Dooku FX hilt. Do this and you will be a Form II master. Trust me.

I have mixed feelings on the effectiveness of this training...