Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat: A Discourse

[Jedi Galak]

Very interesting, couldn't stop reading it, has a lot of insight

[Karmack]

This is an excellent article.  Opening many doors in my mind...

[Darth Xerxes]

Hi guys, my name's Craig Page. I am longstanding member of Stage Combat group NY Jedi. A year ago, I had begun working on a primer and discourse on the Seven Forms of Lightsaber combat. The paper focused on the historical (in canon) and psychological context of each form while also discussing it's strengths, weaknesses and possible analogues in real world martial arts. It also included mentions of examples from some of the Lightsaber Stage Combat groups I had been in contact with, as well as different types of lightsaber designs and other concerns.

I would like to present it here to the saber community at large to get their opinion, comments , editions and additions. The idea is to develop this further in a bid to help the community create and develop forms and fights that best represent the Seven.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17111310/7%20Forms%20of%20Lightsaber%20Combat.pdf

PS: While it says it in the document. I would like to point out that this document does not necessarily reflect the opinions of NY Jedi, SaberWars.com, LIJedi, or any other entity within and without the Star Wars community. This is my own opinion.

[Master Uilos]

Hey gang, I know I don't post much, but I just found out that if you search for "Lightsaber Combat" or "Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat", then this post appears on the second link.

This link is second to only the Wookiepedia article. This brings me no small amount of joy, awe, and humility. Thank you for all those who have read it and I hope it and I continue to help in your sabering.

[Racona Nova]

I read your discourse already some months ago and never found time to thank you for your effort writing that paper. Together with the published TPLA videos/Live shows (I love watching all of them over and over again, btw) it provides much help and information on the background of the Seven Forms and basics of saber combat!

So - thank you, Master, and have a point!

[Tol Freeman]

Hello. Never over use a pattern in form 4 or 5. Change you parries and rate of attacks.

[Tol Freeman]

 Use form 6 with upwards strokes instead downwards if you are intermediate in skill. Do not overextend in stave.

[Kyyanno]

This is a fantastic read, thanks for sharing it with us

I look forward to learning!

[Tk768]

I fight in form VI Niman style.  I fight single grip, florentine (two blades), staff and pike.  These are with real weapons, looking forward to applying this to saber fighting.


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[Olu-Wa Igniscor]

I remember reading this for the first time, then printing it off and putting it in a binder to I could read it without being near my computer. XD

Great work, Master Uilos. Points to you.

[JinhamKlyean]

I wouldn't slam the Star Wars film saber fights too much...they are 100% the reason this site exists...our mutual appreciation of the sabers and the fights.

 

This!

[ninjariguy]

Lots of great info

[kaanapuchris]

Excellent read. Printed it out and gonna read it again!


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[Lord Raváge]

This is really informative, however, while reading the document I began to try to visualize these styles.
The vids below help animate the text.

Form I: Shii Cho Dulon and stances

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZEESNVrHYc&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZEESNVrHYc&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy</a>

Form II: Makashi

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYeXaSOJUA0&amp;index=2&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYeXaSOJUA0&amp;index=2&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy</a>

Form III: Soresu

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoMGgtLibDs&amp;index=3&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoMGgtLibDs&amp;index=3&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy</a>

Form IV: Ataru

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fV1G8abtLk&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy&amp;index=4" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fV1G8abtLk&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy&amp;index=4</a>

Form V: Shien

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3GzVzaPbog&amp;index=5&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3GzVzaPbog&amp;index=5&amp;list=PLa0qMrSIuQ9ruWsNdoUBFl7Oyucmgv5Hy</a>

The last 2 embedded vids were over the embedded limit, so here are the direct links.

Form VI Niman: Demo of Accelerations and Dulon (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

Form VII: Juyo Dulon

[Master Nero Attoru]

Since Master Uilos is a part of the TPLA Headmasters, you've gotten it quite right!  He's our expert on the Seven Forms lore, keeping us grounded in the Star Wars universe.