FORM I
The most basic of the Seven Forms, Form I was based upon ancient sword-fighting traditions. When the Jedi switched from using swords to lightsabers, the leaders of the Order developed Form I. The basics of attack, parry and body target zones were all in Form I, and were taught to all Younglings during principle training.
FORM II
The ultimate refinement in lightsaber combat, Form II was a classical style that many were hard-pressed to match. Those who studied Form II - such as Count Dooku - became masters with the lightsaber, and had fine-tuned the precision of blade manipulation to perfection. However, with the fall of the Sith and the advent of blaster-wielding enemies, Form II was dropped in favour of more defensive styles. Still, some Jedi clung to Form II, making them impossible to beat if they were ever faced with a lightsaber duel.
FORM III
Form III was created as a response to the advancement of blaster technology. This Form focused on defence against lasers, with tight, efficient movenents to minimize a target area. Obi-Wan Kenobi took up Form III after his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, was killed by Darth Maul. Obi-Wan felt that Qui-Gon's Form IV was not sufficient to defend against the Sith, and so he remained a practitioner of Form III until his death.
FORM IV
Considered to be the most acrobatic Form, emphasizing a Jedi's increased agility through the Force. Form IV was used by those Jedi who wished to go beyond what was physically possible. This helped many of the older Jedi - such as Qui-Gon Jinn and Yoda - against younger, more agile enemies. Yoda was a Form IV master, and was a blur when practicing his style.
FORM V
For the Jedi who felt Form III was too passive, the powerful Form V was developed. This emphasized strength over defence, since many believed that while Form III was sufficient to defend against an enemy, it wouldn't necessarily be able to beat them. Form V masters used the blaster bolt blocking of Form III and changed it so the bolt would be deflected back at the opponent. This seemed to symbolize Form V perfectly; able defence, but with focus on attack. Anakin Skywalker used Form V in his quest for greater strength as a Jedi, and continued to use it as Darth Vader.
FORM VI
The current standard during the last decades of the Republic, Form VI balanced the defence of Form III with the power of Form V to provide overall moderation, in keeping with a Jedi's quest to become one with the Force. Form VI was often referred to as the 'diplomat's Form'; a ?Form V master was capable of fighting well, but would be at a loss in a complex political conflict.
FORM VII
The most advanced Form, Form VII was only practiced by true masters of the Force. Form VII employed bold, direct movements that aimed to finish a fight quickly and with little fuss. It was more kinetic than Form V, but not as elaborate as Form IV. Form VII masters used a series of seemingly random attacks, making their Form very unpredictable. Greater energy and control was needed for Form VII, and it also drew upoin a deeper well of emotion than Form V. Thus, Form VII is perhaps the Form that is closest to the dark side, and even masters were always wary of its lure. Mace Windu practiced Form VII, turning him into a master in battle, and considered to be second only to Master Yoda. |
