Main Saber holding Rule (counter immersive poses and stances)

[Stephen Strange]

Watching the many photographs taken with Ultra sabers there was something very crcial that I noticed. Something real counter immersive...

The light saber is (if real) an energy blade capable of reaching at least 5000 degrees (it can burn through steel doors), and cutting all (or almost all) material it touches. Our Ultra Sabers are then more like padawan training blades but should still be handled as if they are real.

I know there is a Jedi style name... but in reality we duel using Fencing, Kendo, Wushu, Gladius & Western Broadsword techniques. And in fact all of those styles work well... But if you are Light Saber fighting remember to ...

- Never touch the blade! (in fact... stay away from it for at least 1-2 inch)
- Only activate the blade for the actual combat! (greet your oponent with blade off)
- Don't lean on the blade (you would cut in the floor)

Just three things I see a lot... and makes me wonder if the person holding it knows what he pretends to handle. It is the one thing that seperates all these styles from what would be light saber handling and for sure inserted in the fictional Jedi styles.

[Master Uilos]

This is something that I try to remind the performers. The blade is a cut-all, it's non solid. That being said, a Lightsaber is reported as not producing heat unless in direct contact with an item. So it's good for cutting fingers and melting blast doors if it touches said fingers and doors. However, you can't use it to create fire or warmth if you're in a harsh environment. Just trying to clarify that.

I agree with your first and third points, but I would consider the  second as dependant on the characteristic of the fighter. Some may activate at the drop of a dime, some may activate only at last resort, some may activate, flourish in salute and continue. It's a flavor for the fighter

[Stephen Strange]

Well.. uncontrolable having the blade on.. making an unexpected move .. or maybe something happens suddenly. It would be part of saber safety to switch it off when not in use.

[Master Lucien Kane]

The reason the lightsaber will never exist at least not in the actual sense of the technology is because it is perfect energy... No energy is lost to heat until the blade comes into contact with something else, I.E. another blade, or flesh or a blast door etcetera etcetera.

So you never need to worry about getting flash burns because the weapon doesn't even lose energy as heat until it makes contact.

You never need to recharge the weapon because the energy flows in a cycle feeding back into the hilt. The only two instances you would need to recharge the Force attuned Diatum power cell is if it has been unused for many years, like a 20 year solitude on Tattooine, or if it has been in prolonged contact with another object without a break.

Now there is a form variation that capitalizes on the lightsaber's ability to switch on and switch off. I.E. Sith swings an overhand strike.... Jedi intercepts the strike with their blade, then deactivates their blade and lets the Sith's blade pass by, the Jedi then reignites their blade and uses that to get inside the Sith's guard.

It's a gamble and if you just sit there with your blade off you're likely to get caught off guard or your enemy is going to wait you out. Remember Revenge of the Sith, Sasee Tiin and Eeth Koth both already had their sabers out and activated, yet Palpatine was still able to move fast enough to catch them both off guard.

There are entire forms of martial arts that are based on the art of drawing the sword, so if you dedicate your life to one of them you will have an advantage over someone who isn't expecting you to be able to draw your weapon quickly make an accurate cut and then place your weapon back at your side. Most Jedi while skilled at this, still needed to be ready for a full assault from a Sith, or a barrage of blaster bolts.

[Master Uilos]

Agreed with Lucien. But to clarify, Trakata is a tactic, not a form. Minor nit, but important. Also, keep in mind that the light saber also serves the function of a badge. "This is a weapon of unpredictable power. I may wield it, for the Force is my ally". One needed the force to master the use of the saber

And a lot of manufacturers do sell sabers with momentary switches, which must be depressed at all times to remain lit. It takes discipline to fight while keeping your hand on the ignition

[Niassa]

Further noted to what Uilos said - sabers have a deadman switch - much like the throttle of a speeder bike. While that can be locked out on a speeder or even a saber if you incorporated that feature, typically, a Jedi would use the Force to keep that switch from tripping while also using it to guide the path of a saber during a saber throw.

[Master Lucien Kane]

That's why I said Form variation... It can be tacked on to any form, but I agree it is important to note that Trakata is a tactic not a form.