Fiach's lightsaber training

Fiach Dubh

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Progress for Fiach was sure and steady – and soon she was ready to be taught various moves and manoeuvres. There were many and it was important to learn them all and seamlessly add them into combat.

She began with sai, which was a jump used to evade an attack directed at the legs. Then came jung – a 180 degree turn, which was followed up with jung ma, a 360 degree spin, primarily used to build momentum for an attack. Next was shun, which was a 360 degree spin, during which the lightsaber was held one-handed.

Then more complex moves were learned. Flowing water was a technique based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew their lightsaber offensively to one’s own advantage. As the opponent pulled their lightsaber back from a bind, you would follow it with your own blade, in effect causing the opponent to pull the user’s blade into themselves.

Falling leaf was an ancient move that involved the user spinning and making a fast slash at an opponent standing behind them and then return to face the way they were before the manoeuvre. It was described as spinning one’s feet to “slash from the sky”.

Dulon was a lightsaber move where the hilt’s pommel would be held at one’s midsection with the blade thirty degrees up, and would be slashed at high velocity. The name dulon, interestingly, also referred to a solo lightsaber training.

Once she’d mastered these, Fiach progressed on to kai-kan. This was not a manoeuvre, but a re-enactment of a prior lightsaber duel, designed to learn strengths and weaknesses of combinations and choices made.
 

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As each of the lightsaber combat Forms were self-contained styles, they each possessed moves and manoeuvres unique to them. So, alongside each Form, she learned specific moves.

Form one included the disarming slash – a strike directed at the opponent’s weapon in an attempt to rip it out of their grasp or destroy it. It also had the sarlacc sweep – a wide sweeping attack in which the duelist struck against multiple enemies.

The second Form contained contentious opportunity – a tactic based upon recognising and exploiting an opening in the opponent’s defence before swiftly moving to strike the exposed enemy. It also used the Makashi riposte, which was a defensive technique where the duellist slightly altered the angle of an opponent’s attack before quickly retaliating with a counter strike.

The Form that was quickly becoming Fiach’s favoured was the third – Soresu. She spent countless hours perfecting circle of shelter which was a technique where the duellist created a protected area around themselves and their allies, making it difficult for enemies to penetrate. She also learned deflecting slash – a technique where the duellist redirected the momentum generated by deflecting an enemy projectile into a slashing attack at an adjacent target. This was by far the hardest to execute – as it was far more than simply blocking the blaster fire.

Ataru gave her the hawk-bat swoop. This was intended to allow a combatant to quickly strike their opponent without giving them a chance to react and was linked to the next, the saber swarm, where numerous short strikes were aimed at the adversary.

The fifth form taught her barrier of blades, which was similar to the Soresu deflecting slash.By contrast, falling avalanche was an overhand power-blow that crashed down upon an opponent with incredible force. She also studied fluid riposte, which was a smooth transition from parrying an attack to a counterstrike. And a build on barrier of blades was Shien deflection, where you simultaneously deflected weapons fire and leaped towards an opponent.

The sixth Form provided pushing slash where you would slash an opponent before pushing them aside with a Force push. By contrast, draw closer consisted of the duellist telekinetically seizing an opponent and pulling the enemy into the path of her blade.

Fiach did not learn the seventh Form to use it, but to understand it in case it were used against her. So she studied assured strike – which was the trading of sheer power for a near-certainty of landing a hit and Vornskr’s ferocity, which was simply the ferocious attacking of an opponent. It also taught her swift flank, where the duellist leaped or dashed around an opponent to make a quick strike. The speed of the manoeuvre was intended to catch opponents off guard. Finally, she learned about tempered aggression which both described the ferocity of the Vaapad form, but with more control against succumbing to the dark side even in the heat of battle.
 

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Fiach also learned a range of techniques that were Form agnostic.

The first she learned was high ground defense. She was taught to use the terrain, learning to manoeuvre her opponent into vulnerable areas during the course of a duel.

She also learned unhindered charge – a technique of rapid movements towards your opponent, ignoring difficult terrain and obstacles.

She also practiced twin strike – and more importantly she learned to defend against it. Then she moved on to rising whirlwind, where the duellist who uses two blades swings their lightsabers about their body, creating a brilliant whirlwind.

There were also some subtle and clever moves taught. Like pass the blade, where the duellist deactivates her blade as she attacks, bypassing the opponent’s block before re-igniting it into the hapless foe.

There was also the unbalancing block Where the duellist catches the opponent’s blade with her own before momentarily deactivating it, causing the opponent to stumble and leave themselves open.

Flash slash was the activation of the blade for only a moment, allowing just enough time for the blade to reach full length while being swung, and then deactivated again.

Spinning attack was when the flying duellist would hover in one spot and spin wildly, lashing out at multiple opponents.
 

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Later training involved the use of sequences and velocities. The continuous repetition would make the moves instinctive reflexes. Sequences were precisely choreographed series of attacks and parries that flowed together smoothly and were used during combat. Each Form of lightsaber combat had its own sequences, and there were hundreds of different sequences which could be applied to various combat situations.

Some believed that using sequences in combat was superior to using individual moves, because taking time to consider and use moves individually in combat was slow and inefficient, and using sequences instead of individualised moves was faster and more fluid, providing significant advantages. The downside was that sequences, if read, would let your opponent know what you were going to be doing next, which gave them the upper hand.

Velocities involved two students practicing sequences of attacks and parries against each other, repeating the same patterns over and over, while constantly increasing the speed of the movements until one opponent got hit, or decided to yield.
 

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“It is simple, and its simplicity is strength.”
― Kreia


Having understood all of the basics, Fiach then moved to intense training on six of the seven Forms – starting naturally with Form I.

Form I, also known as Shii-Cho, The Way of the Sarlacc, or The Determination Form, was the first of the seven known Forms of lightsaber combat. As it was effectively an experimental combat form, and was created prior to the emergence of the Sith, it did not address the issue of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and was quickly replaced by Form II. Despite this, Shii-Cho was considered an excellent training form, with almost every Jedi receiving instruction in it, and including elements in their own combat styles. Shii-Cho was considered an effective fall-back option when no other form or combat style would do.

In combat, Form I lightsaber combat was wild and raw, relying on deliberate tactics and being primarily aimed towards disarming rather than injuring foes, in keeping with Jedi philosophy. Used by someone untrained, it would look clumsy but in the hands of a master, Shii-Cho was fluid and highly randomised and unpredictable.

As Shii-Cho was an extension of traditional sword-fighting styles, it retained the basics of attacks, parries, and body zones established by such ancient methods.

It had strengths too. It was useful when engaging multiple opponents, the wide, sweeping motions being ideally suited towards attacking numerous adversaries. However, Form I was not as useful against single opponents.
 

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“He is a fencer. Leverage, position, advantage—they are as natural to him as breathing.”
― Qui-Gon Jinn's spirit to Yoda on Count Dooku, a Makashi master.


The second Form Fiach invested time in was Makashi, The Way of the Ysalamiri, or The Contention Form. Specifically developed for the purpose of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it addressed the failings of Form I, and was the most duelling-centric of the seven classical forms. Relying on precision and efficiency over Shii-Cho's wild, sweeping motions, Form II allowed an initiate to defend themselves against an opponent with minimal effort, while placing a heavy focus on avoiding disarmament.

Makashi was described as elegant and focused, and was based on balance and footwork to outmanoeuvre opponents. Fluidity, precision, and economy of motion were relied on, rather than strength, with Form II blade-work heavily utilizing jabs and light cuts rather than hack and slash movements. Overall, the form was at its fore when engaged in combat against a single enemy duellist. However, Makashi had been designed strictly for blade-to-blade combat, so it lacked an effective means of combating enemies with projectile weapons.

Of the seven forms, Makashi was the most akin to bladed weapon dueling, developed during an era where engagements with Sith became an almost routine activity. Form II's primary purpose was to serve as a counter to the first form, Shii-Cho, by relying on precision swordplay to counter Form I's sweeping movements.

The higher levels of the Form proved considerably effective. Form II bladework encouraged precision and efficiency over power, using jabs, parries and light cuts rather than slashes, blocks, and chops. The blade manipulation required for this form was very calculated, requiring intense focus and expert timing. It was described as elegant, powerful and precise, relying on feints to confuse and trap opponents. These refinements allowed a user of the form to attack and defend with minimal energy expenditure. Makashi also placed a great deal of emphasis on footwork in both attack and defence. The footwork of Form II practitioners commonly followed a single line, front and back, shifting the feet to keep in perfect balance as the practitioner advanced and retreated. Makashi was a style based on balance, on back-and-forth charges, thrusts, and sudden retreats. Makashi practitioners were also uncommonly adept at defending themselves from Force-based attacks. These elements combined to create a form that was extraordinarily effective for lightsaber combat against a single opponent.

Because Form II emphasised fluid movement and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, it required very smooth motion of both the blade and the body, and practitioners often wielded the blade one-handed for a greater range of movement. With a skilled practitioner, the results were deadly. In fact, masters of the form often seemed so relaxed when employing it that they appeared to be dancing.

Makashi duelists also trained themselves to avoid enslavement to form, as such devotion opened the practitioner to be defeated by unpredictable tactics.

However, for all its effectiveness, Form II was not without its weaknesses. As it was designed to combat enemy duellists rather than enemies with blasters.

However, the greatest flaw of the Makashi system of combat was its inability to generate kinetic energy in its application; the focus on precision and blade control hampered an adherent's ability to generate momentum in both offensive and defensive manoeuvres. This meant that a duellist who possessed a sufficient level of physical strength could potentially overwhelm a Makashi practitioner, shunting aside strikes from the form's precision offense and simply bashing through it's evasive, footwork-oriented defence.

Being a style geared towards efficiency, Makashi adherents relied on balance and economy of movement, preferring to refrain from the leaps and acrobatics common to Form IV.

The Form II opening stance was a single handed low guard. The saber would be held in the strong hand of the user, and held at her side, the blade pointed down, and the feet would be shoulder width apart. Some faced their opponent side on, so the blade was pointed in their direction. The lightsaber hilt would be held with the thumb pointing down the length of the blade to allow for smaller, tighter, more accurate movements of the saber. The rest of the fingers wrap around the hilt holding it tightly, but not so tight as to limit the fluidity of the movements. The typical Makashi flourish consisted of rapidly moving the tip of the blade in an X shaped pattern through the air, often following the Makashi salute. The salute was not an attack or maneuver but a challenge to an opponent. The saber was held in one hand, brought up vertical directly in front of the practitioner's face, then swung down in a Makashi flourish.

Due to Form II's emphasis on blade manipulation, and its many fluid one-handed moves, Makashi practitioners often wielded lightsabers that were specialised for such use. The most prominent weapon for this purpose was the curved-hilt lightsaber. These weapons were used because the curved hilt fit better into the palm, granting better blade control and allowing for greater precision and strength.
 

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“That is so like you, Master Kenobi. I am called a great swordsman because I invented a lethal style; but who is greater, the creator of a killing form—or the master of the classic form?”
― Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi


The third learned, and by definition the third Form was, by far in a way the one that Fiach immediately felt at home utilising.

Form III, was also known as Soresu, the Way of the Mynock, or the Resilience Form. Soresu was developed during the widespread emergence of blasters as an offensive weapon. Essentially a development on Form I blast-deflect training, Soresu relied on tight bladework and subtle dodges to provide maximum defensive coverage, minimizing exposure to ranged weaponry. Over time, Soresu transcended this basic origin, and came to be considered the ultimate expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. Perhaps this is why Fiach was drawn to it, not that she considered the ‘why’ too deeply and went the way she felt the Force was guiding her.

Like Makashi, Soresu relied on economy of motion and energy efficiency, keeping up constant blade movement to build up momentum and minimise energy expenditure. Form III focused on strong defensive technique to essentially outlast an opponent, waiting until they began making mistakes due to frustration or fatigue, before taking advantage of these lapses and countering. Despite its effectiveness, Soresu was heavily criticised for its lack of offensive capabilities, as it facilitated survival rather than victory.

The Soresu form was devised to counter the widespread emergence of blasters, weapons that the previous Makashi form wasn't equipped to combat. The pragmatic Form III became the most defensive of the seven forms, and utilised tight moves, consisting of subtle dodges and efficient parries, intended to provide maximum defensive coverage, and minimise exposure to ranged fire. Over time, Form III came to transcend this basic and pragmatic origin, and became an expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy.

Fiach learned that to be effective, her lightsaber had to keep moving every second in an attempt to achieve near-total protection, and expend as little energy in the process as possible. Form III stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique minimised the body's exposure, making a well-trained practitioner practically invincible, which allowed Soresu to be effective against both single enemies and multiple opponents, as well as blasters and lightsabers.

Form III was particularly useful in prolonged battles where the user observed and learned as much as possible about their adversary’s technique whilst engaged in combat. Also, being more optimised for lengthy battles, a Soresu user had the ability to gain control of a combat situation, creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form. It was reasoned that a Form III user could choose to kill, disarm, or even reason with their opponent.
 

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The core tenets of Soresu encouraged duellists to place themselves “within the eye of the storm”: to maintain a calm centre, undistracted and undisturbed by the conflict around them. In keeping with this idea, Soresu incorporated powerful defensive techniques that were flexible enough to adapt to almost any circumstance, at the cost of never reaching past the figurative eye of the storm. In essence, Soresu focused almost entirely on self-defence, often at the expense of offensive capabilities – which was something that Fiach embraced despite others calling it out as a weakness. The tactics encouraged by the style involved the reliance on pure defence while essentially waiting out the opponent, holding back until his frustration or fatigue inevitably caused his defence to lapse. This offered then the chance to either employ an alternate, more aggressive attack to take advantage of the situation – or as Fiach would learn to see it – a chance to allow the opponent to surrender.

But Fiach knew, despite her gravitating towards the style that Form III initiates needed considerable experience to effectively counterattack and entrap opponents. Also, Masters had to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the centre of the combat circle, since the defensive tactics of the form included guards and parries that engaged very close to the body. Jedi with small lapses in their otherwise strong defence left little room to avoid injury. She was also aware that, despite the idea of the Form being to cause the enemy to become fatigued or frustrated as they attempted to keep up their offense, this tactic ran the risk of fatiguing the user if they faced as adversary who could maintain an aggressive but cautious offense.

For the Soresu opening stance, the duelist held the blade back in a one-handed grip, angled forwards with the blade arm held parallel, the other hand held up in a challenge. The dominant foot was positioned back. The brace-ready stance had much in common with the Ataru guard, with the hilt held at waist height on the dominant side in a two-handed grip for greater control, extended vertically upwards. The dominant foot was placed back while the other was extended forwards and to the side in a brace position. A variation on this stance featured the blade held high in a drop-parry position, though the foot positions were the same.

Against individual shooters, Form III duellists were taught to apply the deflecting slash. This move served the dual purposes of allowing a Jedi to redirect the momentum generated by deflecting an enemy projectile into a slashing attack at an adjacent target, and allowing the Jedi to advance and close the distance before the attacker could fire another shot. A careful application allowed a Jedi to redirect the shot back at the attacker, though this skill was more commonly applied by Shien practitioners. Against multiple blaster-wielding attackers, the ‘circle of shelter’ was advised. This technique allowed a Soresu practitioner to hold off as many as twenty shooters by dropping into a moving meditation, relying on the Force to perceive the various positions of the attackers and the necessary movements to evade or deflect their shots. As this manoeuvre was executed while in a meditative state, prolonged use could open a Force-adept's mind to visions of the future.

Another reason Fiach was suited to Soresu was the fact that her light build removed the more aggressive lightsaber forms from her potential repertoire. Instead, the focus was to develop tactical know-how as much as lightsaber skills. To seek out strategically advantageous positions on the field, able to make do with a simple room corner, using the two walls to cover your flanks.

In summary, Fiach learned that the key to truly mastering Soresu seemed to come from grasping the concepts and philosophy of the Form rather than adhering to its tactics and manoeuvres.
 

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"Defense will not slay my enemy."
"You lack the physical strength required for the powerful attacking strikes of Djem So or the other aggressive forms. You must rely on quickness, cunning and, most of all, patience to best your enemies."
― Darth Zannah learns from Darth Bane the effectiveness of Soresu

Center of Being was not only a stance used in lightsaber combat. For Fiach, it had a relevance in the execution of Soresu. And this was linked to the fact that it could also be used for meditation.

The stance was used by members of the old Jedi Order. In the simplest terms, the stance would require the Jedi to hold the lightsaber horizontally, with the lightsaber hilt just below the chin.

The meditative stance would find use in combination with more passive and defensive forms. Where Fiach spent time in perfecting the technique was that she had learned that anyone who fell deeply into this style could almost unconsciously defend from even the most flowing random attacks and feints. This was, in her opinion, the ultimate extension of the third Form.
 

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“Ataru is the name given to the movements of this form—though it is aggressive, it is focused, and its best use is in combat against a single opponent.”
― Zez-Kai Ell


Form IV, also known as Ataru, the Way of the Hawk-Bat, or The Aggression Form, was the fourth of the seven forms of lightsaber combat. The history of Ataru stretched back through as early as the Mandalorian Wars, where it was commonly employed by Jedi of that day.

An aggressive style, Form IV was fast-paced and effective against single opponents, though weaker in prolonged combat and confined spaces. One of Fiach’s mentors recommended this Form to her and she diligently applied herself, despite her heart telling her that Soresu was the one for her. At the very least, she saw this as an alternative. For when Soresu was not appropriate or when she was required to change tactics.

She was also aware it was not recommended for use against opponents wielding blasters. And unlike Soresu, it was a Form that was characterised by Force-assisted acrobatics, such as somersaults and leaping strikes, both for attack and defence. Another characteristic of the form was its fast, powerful strikes from multiple directions.

Ataru was an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of strength, speed, and agility. Fiach could boast the latter two, but not the former. Due to the style of the Form, it was also called the Way of the Hawk-bat or the Aggression Form. Fiach learned that practitioners of Ataru were always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings. Form IV practitioners constantly called upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body, they could overcome their physical limitations and perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the slashes and strikes of their opponents.

Jedi utilising Ataru needed to incorporate all the Force powers that involved surpassing normal physical ranges of motion, speed, and agility in order to be successful. Running, jumping, and spinning were all emphasized in learning the elaborate kinetics of the form. So, whereas this was never going to be her dominant Form, the lessons and learning would be useful for not only duels, but life as a Jedi in general.

It had its weaknesses, as any Form did. Because it was such an aggressive style, Ataru was not generally optimal for use against multiple opponents, and it was somewhat ineffective against blaster fire, particularly from multiple foes.

This Form was also considered not as effective for prolonged combat, as the nature of Ataru could greatly tax the body. Ataru practitioners were advised to withdraw if they were unable to win after a devastating burst of Ataru attacks.

The opening stance for Ataru was a balanced two-handed guard: holding the lightsaber vertically with both palms, either on the right or left side of the body.
 

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“I prefer more straightforward tactics.”
“Master of understatement.”
― Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi


Form V, also known by its two primary disciplines of Shien and Djem So, as well as The Way of the Krayt Dragon or The Perseverance Form, was the fifth of seven forms recognised for lightsaber combat. Fiach learned it was developed by practitioners of Form III who felt that the defensively-minded Form unnecessarily extended time spent in combat by forcing its users to wait for an opportunity to strike rather than create their own openings. Form V combat was characterised by power attacks and defence immediately followed by a counterstrike.

Shien, considered the classical variant of Form V, was more adept at blocking blaster bolts than for blade-to-blade combat, whereas Djem So was developed later and was specifically intended for use in lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So were designed to use an opponent’s attack against them, as evidenced by Shien’s focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin and Djem So’s emphasis on immediate counterattacks. Although it was felt that Form V encouraged aggression and domination, that sentiment did not stop many Jedi from practicing it and like the other lightsaber Forms, it saw use among both the Sith and Jedi.

Form V evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive manoeuvres of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of its practitioners’ opponents. This was why (along with its aggressive nature) that Fiach chose not to pursue the adoption of the Form).It was considered the most physically demanding of all the Forms.

The form was developed alongside Ataru at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace and had two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So and most users had a preference for one or the other.

Shien was dubbed the Perseverance Form. It was described as being well-adapted to guard against blaster fire and enemy strikes without compromising one’s ability to launch powerful counterattacks. The style worked best when countering attacks from multiple opponents, and was typically less effective against a single adversary. With its focus on repelling blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability.

The Shien opening stance was a high guard position, with the lightsaber hilt held in a two-handed grip above the user’s head and the blade angled upward and behind the user. The dominant leg was held back, enabling powerful step-through strikes to be utilized.

However, Shien was not without its shortcomings—it was particularly weak against a single opponent.

Some users used the reverse Shien grip, an unorthodox variation of Shien where the wielder would hold the lightsaber hilt in a backward position, exposing the front. This grip allowed the user to perform long, sweeping strikes to take down several enemies at a time, whipping the blade forward with the movement of throwing a punch. This variation was rarely seen however.

Djem So was the creation of a group of Form III masters who felt that Soresu was too passive a form. It addressed the shortcomings of Form III, in which a Jedi Master could maintain a prolonged defence but was likewise unable to overcome a skilled opponent. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintained a proper foundation of defence against both ranged and melee attacks. While a Soresu user stayed on the defensive and only counterattacked when necessary or when an opening appeared in the opponent’s defense, a Djem So practitioner was not as passive. Immediately after defending against an opponent’s strike, a Djem So stylist followed with an attack of their own, bringing the force of the opponent’s own blow against them and seeking to dominate the duel. Djem So placed a heavy focus on brute strength and pure power, with wide, powerful strikes and parries followed immediately by a counterattack.

Unlike Soresu or Ataru, Djem So required the user not only to counterattack, but also to press the assault, combining Force-enhanced strength with powerful blade combinations to overpower and overwhelm an opponent’s defences. Djem So’s sheer power, when combined with physical and Force-imbued strength, was capable of defeating a user of Makashi, a lightsaber form focused on dueling, finesse, and elegance, when employed by a skilled practitioner.

The Djem So attack stance consisted of holding the lightsaber above the head, angled back and down at an approximately forty-five degree angle.

Whereas a failing of Shien was its weakness against a single opponent, Djem So was known for having a lack of mobility.

Jedi of large stature often chose to use Form V, because it required less agility than other forms of lightsaber combat and made use of their natural strength and reach advantages.
 

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“For superior balance, use the Niman form. This form has no specific strengths, but no weaknesses either.”
― Kavar


Form VI, also known as Niman, the Way of the Rancor, the Moderation Form, and the diplomat’s form, was the sixth form of the seven forms of lightsaber combat. This fighting style was a hybrid martial art created by effectively combining elements of the preceding lightsaber forms into a single, generalised form. Fiach noted that Niman balanced out between the various specialisations of the other forms, covering many of the basic moves, but focusing on overall moderation. This resulted in a fighting style that lacked a significant advantage, but also lacking any serious drawbacks, and thereby not leaving adherents as exposed as some of the more aggressive or specialised forms. Overall, Niman had a fairly relaxed focus on blade-work, designed as a simple, easily mastered fighting form for Jedi who preferred to devote most of their time to study and diplomacy.

To compensate for the relaxed focus on blade-work and lack of significant specialization, Niman training regimens encouraged the inclusion of Force-based attacks in combat, such as telekinetic pulls and shoves used in sync with lightsaber strikes. Also, as Niman was developed from two pre-existing martial arts fighting forms that both emphasized the use of dual-blades, it provided a firm foundation for duelists looking to study into such practices. Ultimately, Niman’s success in combat was dependent on a practitioner’s intuition and creativity in combat, rather than the rote responses common to the other forms.

While the roots of Form VI were vague, several noted Jedi considered the pure root of Form VI to be Form III. Being a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ style with broad emphasis and little need for continuous and dedicated practice, Niman found a niche amongst Jedi Consulars who instead preferred to focus on diplomacy and meditation on the Force rather than combat.

At one point, it was one of the most common forms in the Jedi Order. However, Niman demonstrated itself to be inadequate for the open battlefields of the Clone Wars.

A hybrid fighting style, Niman incorporated elements from the previous forms, mainly Forms I through V, excluding Form II, but balanced out between their various specializations, in keeping with the Jedi quest to achieve harmony and justice without resorting to the rule of power. Form VI covered many of the various moves of lightsaber combat, but due to its emphasis on overall moderation, its focus on blade-work was somewhat relaxed.

While the generalisation made it ill-suited for lightsaber dueling or fighting on the open battlefield, it was perfectly adequate for facing down criminals and thugs. Due to the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ nature, the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner’s intuition, improvisation, and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms.

The opening stance of the Niman form was wide and open, with the blade held out from the body in a one-handed grip, the blade angled upwards and back, while the off-hand was folded across the chest. The feet were evenly spaced. Another Niman stance featured the blade held at head-height in a two-handed grip, angled upwards and slightly in, with the dominant foot placed forwards. A third position was a two-handed low guard, with the hilt held at waist height in both hands, blade held back and to the side, angled downwards, with the feet closely spaced.

Derived from a fighting form centred around the use of dual-blades, Niman was considered a foundation for this challenging practice, and became something of a gateway form to Jar’Kai. Form VI dual-blade training encouraged the use of the shoto short lightsaber in the off-hand, as the smaller blade was easier to handle.
 

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“I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light.”
― Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi


Form VII, also known as Juyo, the Way of the Vornskr, or the Ferocity Form, was the seventh of the Forms recognised for lightsaber combat. The Juyo incarnation of Form VII was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat and was said to involve significant internal focus on the part of the user. For this reason, Fiach’s study was to understand the use of the Form and how to defend against it – as opposed to utilising it herself.

A new variation of Form VII, dubbed Vaapad after a creature native to the planet Sarapin, was created by Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Sora Bulq. Vaapad was explained as being a state of mind rather than just a fighting style, allowing the wielder to channel her own inner darkness into the duel, and accept the fury of the opponent.

The two variations of Form VII, Juyo and Vaapad, had in common utilisation of bold, direct movements. What Fiach found difficult, even in her basic lessons with the Form was the requirement to maintain a calm exterior appearance, whilst experiencing significant internal pressure. Overall, she found the concepts that made the Form too difficult and unattractive.

She did learn that one of the strengths of the form as its unpredictability. What she did not understand, from a Jedi perspective was the requirement to exercise a state of mind that led through the penumbra of the dark side, requiring the user to actually enjoy the fight, and relish the satisfaction of winning. For, although the sequences and manoeuvres of Form VII could be practiced and drilled, a duelist would not be truly executing the style unless they allowed the excitement and passion of battle to influence their actions.

The Form VII opening stance was a one-handed high guard with the blade held horizontally above the head and pointed to the side. The body was half-twisted, with the off-hand swept across and down.
 

Fiach Dubh

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“Much like master and apprentice, two blades are. One can sharpen and improve the other.”
― Yoda


As well as learning the traditional Forms and standard fighting styles, Fiach also considered the less common uses of lightsabers. From her own viewpoint, there was much to be gained from unfamiliarity. It was less about using the less common styles and more about learning their strengths, weaknesses and common use.

So she spent time studying Jar’Kai. It was originally a style of swordplay that utilized dual blades. Unlike Niman, which was developed into the sixth Form of Lightsaber combat, Jar’Kai was something of a blanket term for dual-blade combat and was named after a city on Atrisia.

Although the style predated the invention and usage of lightsabers it was easily adapted.

The benefit, Fiach soon found out, was the ability to maintain a strong offense, as the speed of attack that two blades allowed would overwhelm most opponents. A typical manoeuvre was to continually attack with one blade while relying on the other for defensive coverage, ensuring that the duellist could keep up his guard even as he attacked. However, it was more common that both blades be used for offensive purposes, keeping up a continuous wave-front assault.

Another advantage of Jar’Kai was that the two blades made it easier to hold off multiple opponents, as one simply had more blades to parry with. Dual blades could also be used as a defensive or compensatory measure when engaging another opponent who utilised multiple blades in combat.

The most often used techniques included the ‘Rising Whirlwind’, which consisted of a duellist swinging her blades about her body, creating a whirlwind of deadly attacks, and the ‘Twin Strike’, in which both blades were swung in an arc towards the opponent in a deadly power attack.

Though a complete fighting system in and of itself, Jar’Kai was easily adapted to other styles. But it was not without its weaknesses. It was noted that users tended to rely too much on their blades, and pay too little attention to the Force. Also, as both hands held individual lightsabers, two-handed blows were impossible, and the duellist was unable to put all his or her weight behind blocks or parries, weakening the defensive capabilities. Thus, an enemy with a single hilt could simply assault a Jar’Kai practitioner’s defence with brute force, battering away until the dual-blade duellist’s guard gave way. This could be negated if the practitioner had the physical strength to block power attacks with only one arm.

Also, because of the gyroscopic effect inherent in lightsabers, dual blades were more difficult to control than a single blade. Due to this, special training was required to practice Jar’Kai, and without it, a secondary blade was more often a hindrance than an advantage.

Finally, the reliance and practice with two blades meant that, if one was lost, the duellist was often considerably weakened in combat.

Fiach also practiced with what was known as a shoto – a shorter blade that allowed for a greater range of motion.
 

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“It is unfortunate you and I cannot resolve our differences as you do in the Zygerrian tradition.”
“With no weapons, you would fight me?”
― Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darts D’Nar

To complement her saber training, Fiach also spent time each day on hand-to-hand combat. She learned formal and informal approaches – for as a Jedi, you never knew when you would be unable to use your saber. One style she spent particular attention to was created by the Zygerrians – who had a tradition of resolving their differences by unarmed combat. Known fighting moves included the Strike of the Nexu and the Kick of the Bantha.
 

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“Have you ever heard of the art of Teräs Käsi? It was designed to counter the Jedi, but I find it works quite well on anyone with limbs to break.”
― Dryden Vos, to Qi’ra


There was one particular martial art that Fiach focused on more than any other – Teräs Käsi. It was actually, she found out, a form of hand-to-hand combat that was created to fight Jedi. Progression of capability had ranks and soon she had passed through being a novice and was classified an adept – but knew she had many more years of training before she could be considered a master.
 

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“Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Yoda holds you in such high esteem… surely you can do better!”
― Count Dooku to Obi-Wan Kenobi


Dun Möch was a form of combat that used distraction and doubt, usually through taunting, in conjunction with lightsaber combat. Fiach learned that it was commonly used by Sith through history and was initiated to completely dominate an opponent's spirit through whatever means possible by employing their own lightsaber combat doctrine.

Dun Möch commonly involved spoken taunts, jeers, and jests that exposed the opponent's hidden, inner weaknesses or doubts, which had the end result of eroding the opponent's will. Mental attacks would also be utilized during combat in order to strip one's concentration with the Force, making an opponent less precise and effective.

Again, Fiach had no intent of using the technique – but wanted to understand it fully, to protect herself against its effects. She knew that correctly executing Dun Möch required great patience

However, she learned that it was a common misconception that Dun Möch was only used by Sith.

Most importantly, she also learned of the ‘boomerang effect’. If not carefully applied, Dun Möch could backfire upon the user, spurring the intended target to anger or greater focus instead of overwhelming her with fear.

Of course, Fiach knew all too well that if it provoked her into mindless anger, the rage would open her to the dark side, which can be exploited in its own way. For this reason, it was often used against potential apprentices, in order to make them give into their inner darkness and therefore make them easier to convert to the dark side of the Force.

In fact, Fiac learned finally, there was a form of inverse Dun Möch, that could be used to reduce the opponent’s aggression, and therefore their connection to the dark side.
 

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“Remember, your lightsaber is an invaluable tool. Even when inactive, it can defuse a potentially volatile situation. Trust me on that.”
― Kyle Katarn


Fiach was considered by many to be an old-fashioned kind of Padawan, who devoted herself to the tenet that a Jedi only used the Force for defence, never attack. To this end, she studied Form ‘Zero’, not an actual form of lightsaber combat per se but rather an ethical principle. It was the idea that Jedi should know when to use their lightsaber and when to find an alternative means of solving a problem.

Fiach’s view was simple – she would always seek to arrive at a solution without resorting to violence and would often quote Master Yoda’s saying that, “The best blades are kept in their sheaths.”

She also learned of the value of the unactivated lightsaber – which could often be enough to cause individuals that might be potential enemies to become more cooperative. Its sight gave hope to the weak and made any wrongdoer think twice before committing an illegal act.
 
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