How to Learn Lightsaber Combat Styles

Last Updated: March 3, 2021

After the defeat of the Empire, Luke's new Jedi order didn't have much information about the classical lightsaber forms. Instead, they developed three "styles" of lightsaber combat: the Strong style, the Fast style, and the Medium style, building on the basics that Yoda had taught Luke. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Strong style

1
Use heavy, sweeping blows to attack an enemy. Imagine you're trying to hit them with a sledgehammer.
2
Take it slow and focus on precision. The Strong style emphasizes strength and precision over speed.

Advertisement
3
Use acrobatics if you can. This style does draw some elements from Ataru, the most acrobatic of the classical forms.
4
Don't keep your lightsaber close to your body. Reach out as far as you can (without overreaching) to hit your enemies.
5
Use this style in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Because of its emphasis on strength over speed, this style is not good for combating blaster fire.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Fast style

1
Make quick, light blows. Try to get in as many attacks in as short a space of time as possible.
2
Keep your lightsaber in close. Don't reach out. This helps to increase your defense.
3
Don't go for many acrobatics. Use them if you have to, but be as fast as you can.
4
Use this style for blast deflection. The Fast style shares a weakness with Makashi: it's very easy for a strong opponent to bash through your defense.

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Medium style

1
Try to find a balance between speed and strength. Use whichever is more suitable for the task at hand.
2
The Medium style is intended as a balance between the other two styles. It is very similar to Niman.
3
Make sure that you are able to quickly switch between attack and defense, and also fast attacks and strong attacks.

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Question

If I want to master all saber styles. Where would be a good place to start?

Community Answer

Start just choreographing with friends and as you get better, speed it up. You could probably find tutorials online.
Question

Where do Jedi get lightsabers?

Zack

Top Answerer

After you become a Jedi, your Master will assist you in building your own lightsaber.
Question

Can I merge these together?

Zack

Top Answerer

Yes, you can merge various styles together. Learn each style, and practice one style at a time until you have mastered them all. Then create your own sequence and freestyle.
Question

What do I do if I'm not fast or strong?

Zack

Top Answerer

You do not need to be fast or strong if the Force is with you. Watch the training sequences by Yoda and learn how slow and weak Yoda became a master.
Question

What are the lightsaber forms?

Community Answer

Seven lightsaber forms exist. They are: Form 1 Shii-cho, the most basic, sweeping blows. Form 2, Makashi , precision, simple footwork and preventing disarmament. Form 3 Soresu, deflecting blaster blots, defensive. Form 4 Ataru, aggressive, acrobatic style. Form 5 Shien/Djem So, counterattacks, dominate opponents. Form 6 Niman, combination of all forms. Form 7 Juyo/Vaapad, the most difficult and chaotic, furious and unpredictable.
Question

Is it difficult or not to switch from attack and defense?

Mason

Community Answer

It depends on which style you are talking about and it also depends on the person. If you are combined and mixed, you'll be constantly in the middle of both attack and defense.