Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat: A Discourse

[Master Nero Attoru]

Thats an excellent way of putting it. I think taking aspects of certin forms can mold you into a Force (no pun intended) to be reckoned with, IMO. In that case, I know for sure I combine at least 3 just based off the principles and acts of what I know thus far:

1. Shien (w/out reverse grip)
2. Ataru
3. Soresu

It's definitely a neat way to think about it.  I need to really sit down and discuss some of these ideas with Artorius, but there's one theory that's been forming in my mind for some time now.

That theory is this:  everyone has a "base style" that they fall back upon when the situation is dire.  For me, being as my experience is in fencing, this tends to be Makashi.  Artorius is very patient (in combat) and very skilled at defense, so he feels comfortable in Soresu.  At the same time, each of us has a few styles that we use small amounts of here and there - for me, it tends to be either Ataru or Djem So (depending on who I'm fighting), and for him it's more Vaapad.  I like to think of it as a soup recipe (strange I know) - you have your broth, which is the main component, and your ingredients.  In my case it would have a Makashi broth, with Djem So and Ataru mixed in.

If that sounds insane... I apologize lol

Another way to think about it (another "point of view", if you will) is this:  everyone has a passive behavior, and an active one.  Artorius uses Soresu as a passive, and Vaapad as an active (when he needs to take the initiative).  If you use this approach, keep in mind that everyone will have different percentages of passive vs active - for instance Bob might use 95% Soresu and every once in a GREAT while utilize Djem So, whereas Jimmy might use a 50/50 split between Makashi and Ataru.

Once again, this might just be me rambling... but hopefully it'll at least get you all thinking

[Veldryne]

Its good thinking, and the soup analogy works "from a certain point of view"

One thing that I had already sent nero a pm regarding, but figured i would put this out there based on the direction the conversation is going.

If you are working on one form that you really want to emulate, but lore wise seems to be built off another form, or a combination of two forms. It definately couldnt hurt to train with people that specialize in those base forms, so you can get those elements together to help improve on that one style that you are trying to make your own.

[ZequarX]

@Nero

I follow ya, bro! I mean it took Obi-wan 10yrs to master Soresu after Qui Gon's fall to Darth Maul. There's just not enough "standard" years in our lives to be a "master" of multiple forms. So, in turn, you figure out what martial Form suits you, learn it, breathe it, live it, master it, and in your prime, take aspects from other forms that appeal to you.

I love being on the offense and maintaining speed, but also favor quick parries and a solid defense, which is why Shien appeals to me 1st and foremost. And I think in a "SW" Universe, Shien has the uncanny ability to deflect blaster's, which IMO would be a highly used skill. Then mix in my love for acrobatics, even though I am a bigger guy, and you got certain Ataru aspects I will always use. Lastly, having some knowledge in Soresu, IMO, is key. Especially if the fight/duel is prolonged. Soresu is easily the best fall back Form IMO..

But this is just my take on it all. One big, bad ass bowl of "fighting" soup!

[Master Uilos]

I love this analogy, and I'll give a real world example

Bruce Lee originally lerned Wing Chun. He then studied fencing, boxing, jujitsu, and a slew of others. He called his personal style Jeet Kune Do, and later gave the name to the principle Jeet Kune Do. He studied these things, but Wing Chun was still his base. He just applied what he learned to the style he had already mastered.

For me, my primary base Form is Shii Cho. My other styles are Djem So and a smattering of Makashi. Even with my tonfa, I'm usually the one piling straight ahead like a buzzsaw, but will adjust to use power and redirection and then add in point oriented attacks.

And I agree with Veldryne. I love Djem So, but I my main concept is Shii Cho. I'm studying European Longsword with my friends to help get the rhythm set in my mind and body.

[Master Nero Attoru]

I love this analogy, and I'll give a real world example

Bruce Lee originally lerned Wing Chun. He then studied fencing, boxing, jujitsu, and a slew of others. He called his personal style Jeet Kune Do, and later gave the name to the principle Jeet Kune Do. He studied these things, but Wing Chun was still his base. He just applied what he learned to the style he had already mastered.

For me, my primary base Form is Shii Cho. My other styles are Djem So and a smattering of Makashi. Even with my tonfa, I'm usually the one piling straight ahead like a buzzsaw, but will adjust to use power and redirection and then add in point oriented attacks.

And I agree with Veldryne. I love Djem So, but I my main concept is Shii Cho. I'm studying European Longsword with my friends to help get the rhythm set in my mind and body.

Shii-Cho is good stuff, another fine form to have as your "broth" if you will.  IMO the first three - Shii-Cho, Makashi, and Soresu - are excellent picks for this, as they don't have the active and aggressive nature the other forms do.  They each rely on simplicity, but have three entirely different ways of doing it... which is what makes them so versatile.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Tis discourse is spot on and the references to Bruce Lee are perfectly fitting.

My base is probably Shii-cho as well, but I've gone so far into soresu that it's almost impossible to tell.

Nero and I agree here, the first three forms make up three different points of view and are all great start points.

[Master Uilos]

There is a natural progression in the forms as seen by their treatment of the marks of contact. shii cho teaches control as seen by it's focus on Shiim, or grazing the opponent, and Sun Djem, attacking the weapon. Makashi taught precision as seen in it's use of shiak, or thrusting. Soresu was the focus of defending the marks of contact from the attacks. By the time you get to ataru, every mark is free gain because you already know control, precision and how to defend yourself.

[Master Rel]

Hmmm the old Bruce Lee argument  

An interesting aspect of the JKD is that it was his way, his path, his story.  So for his JKD to work for you then you would need to ignore his path and follow your own with only the philosophy of the JKD to carry you through.  To study his JKD is like studying someone else's speeches or stories, best you could do is repeat or recycle.  

Study everything and anything, every aspect of life can be used, take it all in...use what you can and let the rest go...start again...the cup is ever empty, never intending to be full.

The Buddhist joke is that the cup of the perfect student has a hole in it.

I like to look at the learning process as a structure rather than soup (though soup is a good one).

When you begin your process, you lay a foundation.

You then take whatever building design you have to work with and begin construction.

The design may stay constant or have sections that are different depending on the materials and plans at hand.

And then you have the options of paint, roofing, finish details.

Once finished enough to "live in", you can begin putting in the kitchen, bathrooms, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc.

After all this you then consider the carpets, interior paint, etc.

Later on, you may add on a garage, a study, a pool, etc.

You may even tear the house down, clear off the foundation, and start again with a new design.

For me the foundation was hard style karate then I added and altered the design to include various aspects of a dozen styles only to find that none of it worked to the degree I wanted and then I found judo.

I made the hard and tough choice to tear down my house, breakup the foundation, level it all out and start again.

Judo became my foundation that I built my house upon...I did not forget my prior training, I just put it in its own room, a recreation room if you will.

For sabering I have a great deal of experience coming into the process beyond video games, movies, and comic books...I am not 16yrs old...I have been injured and I have injured others...so my style is a focused Soresu without a doubt.

Calm, eyes on the torso, prepared for a shift of position and counter strike...commit and know my intent  

[TheHobbitofDune]

Really good breakdown of the seven forms. Thank you!

[Master Uilos]

Alright, so I have a question

I've been thinking of this for a while now, and I wanted to get your take on it all. I wanted to do a video guide for this paper. By that I mean a look at the form, including showing martial arts examples, as well as looking at people within the community and interview them on it. It wouldn't be for money () and it wouldn't be me saying THESE ARE THE FORMS, BOW, but try and show what I attempted to write. Would anyone be interested in that?

[Darth Nonymous]

Alright, so I have a question

I've been thinking of this for a while now, and I wanted to get your take on it all. I wanted to do a video guide for this paper. By that I mean a look at the form, including showing martial arts examples, as well as looking at people within the community and interview them on it. It wouldn't be for money () and it wouldn't be me saying THESE ARE THE FORMS, BOW, but try and show what I attempted to write. Would anyone be interested in that?

I'm in.

[Darth Cestual]

totally Uilos 

[Master VorNach]

I wanted to do a video guide for this paper. By that I mean a look at the form, including showing martial arts examples, as well as looking at people within the community and interview them on it. It wouldn't be for money () and it wouldn't be me saying THESE ARE THE FORMS, BOW, but try and show what I attempted to write. Would anyone be interested in that?

Sounds like fun.

[Spidey088]

Excellent info here. I like the breakdown and simplicity so anyone can understand. Good job.

[KashiAtaru]

Alright, so I have a question

I've been thinking of this for a while now, and I wanted to get your take on it all. I wanted to do a video guide for this paper. By that I mean a look at the form, including showing martial arts examples, as well as looking at people within the community and interview them on it. It wouldn't be for money () and it wouldn't be me saying THESE ARE THE FORMS, BOW, but try and show what I attempted to write. Would anyone be interested in that?

I'm no master, but count me in brother!