The Assistant-Blademaster's Guide to Form V

[Lord Iezkon]

The Assistant-Blademaster’s Guide to Form V

Introduction to Form V

Form V is one that is generally split into two variants: Shien, the classical variant, and Djem So. While they are of the same Form, and one can draw a multitude of parallels, they do require a different approach and will be addressed separately. Form V as a whole finds its roots in Soresu, and thus maintains some of the same defensive patterns found in its predecessor. In contrast, however, to Soresu, both of the Form V variants allow for much more offensive freedom, with their own well-defined sets of attacks. Djem So and Shien are distinct, and vary widely from Soresu, their roots are clear. It is well known and documented that without the third form, we would not have the fifth. Designed to replace Soresu, those who created Form V did so with the mind of creating and forcing their own opportunities. This form is focused on strong attacks, and defence which is immediately followed up with counter attacks. Form V is an incredibly versatile form, allowing the user to outmaneuver most opponents they will face.

Form V was created by masters of Form III who had a desire to use a more offensive fighting style, born from Soresu’s inherent lack of offensive movesets. Taking the defensive capability of the third form, and adding to it the aggressive moves of a more offensive form, gives us a style so unique in its nature that it found itself classed as its own lightsaber form. This combination of philosophies is refined into a form which truly demands greater physical strength and prowess than many of the forms that came before it. This development came alongside the development of Form IV, Ataru, both seeking to repair gaps in Form III in a different manner: Ataru, creating a form that is purely offensive, with very limited ability to outlast the opponent; and Form V, creating a form that blends the defence of Soresu, but sacrifices some elements therein, in order to find a symmetry between offence and defence almost perfectly. To use Form V, one must be able to find this symmetry, where the two are focused upon almost equally. Both variants of Form V require a focused, honed mind, with enough attention to detail to assess all possible outcomes of their decisions in combat.

With every saber form, it is always valuable to take a brief detour to discuss the way in which they have gained their names. As a whole, Form V is also known as the Way of the Krayt Dragon, stemming from the large, carnivorous reptile of the same name. The Krayt Dragon indeed is fierce and powerful, they are renowned for their strength and sheer longevity. It is from here that we see the link between Form V and the Krayt Dragon: both renowned for strength, longevity, ferocity and power.

Here, it must be noted that while Shien and Djem So are bound together by their very core philosophy, composition and creation, they are distinct; being used, and taught, in a drastically different manner. Form V is a very aggressive form to wield; its development was much like that of Ataru, allowing for greater aggression than Form III, with more refined and controlled practice than Shii-Cho, and more freedom of movement than Makashi. I intend to discuss Shien and Djem So in what follows as distinct, despite their classification and mentality being within the same form.

What must be noted is that Form V is versatile, when the user is well-practiced enough. Shien has the benefit of being able to deter multiple opponents, and has its own focus upon the deflection of blasterfire, but struggles in single-combat due to its wide, arching attack patterns. Djem So, on the other hand, is designed with single-combat in mind, and is a force to be reckoned with in this scenario, but often struggles to handle multiple opponents due to a lack of easy maneuverability, and its heavy footwork.

Shien

Introduction to Shien

Shien is the classical variant of Form V, and found its creation alongside Form IV, Ataru. It is clear to see, often, that there are similar attitudes which went into the creation of the two, but their application differs quite wildly. The Sokan-esque awareness of the environment, and the circular movements on the axis of the user, bear a resemblance when dissected to this extent, but the way in which they manifest in each of the two forms is strikingly different. In other senses, Shien is vastly different from Ataru, taking with it some of the tighter defensive capabilities of Soresu, and wider movements of Shii-Cho. Typically, Shien substituted some of the refined, tight, defensive movements of its predecessor, Soresu, and replaced them with the wider, more sweeping, offensive motions of Shii-Cho.

While it may lend itself to blaster deflection, or lightsaber combat where the user is faced with multiple opponents, this does not make it obsolete in single combat. Incorporating wider, more sweeping movements than Soresu or Djem So, Shien allows its users to meet the incoming blasters or weapons as though they were swinging a club and - with enough practice - can see blaster fire not only deflected away from the user, but indeed ‘returned to sender’.

The primary shortcoming of the classical variant is that it is not best suited to single combat, for many of the same reasons that Shii-Cho is not: wide, arcing motions lend themselves to multiple opponents, defending yourself on all sides. It is not impossible, nor is it useless, in single-combat; indeed, when used to a high enough level, one can best any weaker opponent, and at the very least put up a strong fight against others of an equal skill level to themselves. Due to its creation after Soresu, it was after the emergence of blaster weaponry. Thus, Shien has its own focus on deflection of such fire, which is why many seem to flock to the form for its defences in battle.

Opening Stances, Moves and Techniques

As with any other lightsaber form, there are a multitude of variations to opening stances, typical use, and whether a practitioner even elects to utilise any specific stance. However, it is worth noting one of the most often used stances in Shien. This one begins in a high-guard position, with the dominant leg moved back while the non-dominant leg moves forwards. Holding the lightsaber in a two-handed grip, it is positioned above the user's head, angled upwards and pointed behind them. This stance allows the practitioner to use their dominant leg to add power to their forwards movements in order to provide themselves to do so with greater power.

Within Shien, you can see a lot of Soresu, especially in its blaster deflecting capabilities. Where Soresu is almost entirely defensive, a user of Shien finds the point at which the offence and defence complement each other to near perfection, the equilibrium between the two.  A Shien user can continue their offence without sacrificing their defensive capabilities, blurring the two into a seamless blend of Soresu’s defence and a more circularly focused offence. While it is often noted, and widely renowned, as the form for blaster fire defence, this is somewhat reductive, neglecting the finer points that come with a lightsaber form: most forms can deflect fire where necessary, such is in the nature of wielding a lightsaber. To reduce the form to only its blaster deflection is to ignore its abilities in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. The capabilities it draws from Shii-Cho make it well suited for fighting against multiple opponents.

While it is rather easy to draw the parallels between Shien and Shii-Cho, their core differences must also be noted, and the comparison must be made. Where Shii-Cho aims to attack on all sides, Shien defends on all sides, without neglecting its ability to counter attacks that are thrown towards the user. Shii-Cho aims to attack multiple opponents, with a rather limited defence in the same manner, while Shien would aim to defend against multiple foes, while still allowing themselves the freedom to make their own attacks and counter attacks.

A Shien user may often be seen to utilise a technique known as the Barrier of Blades, which is one of a few techniques which can be used for the deflection of incoming blasterfire. This is where one uses their lightsaber to create the maximum defensive coverage around them, wherein they can ‘catch’ incoming blasterfire and sometimes, even, see it reflected back to the enemy. This is a similar technique to Soresu, but the key difference is that Soresu has no focus on seeing the fire reflected, but instead is removed from the field of battle. Shien, on the other hand, has a focus on seeing fire reflected back to the enemy, which allows for the use of one’s own defence as an offensive measure.

There is a technique which should be noted, and appears more often than one would expect, since this is considered relatively more ‘rare’. This is of Reverse Grip Shien - wherein the user holds their lightsaber ‘backwards’, such that the blade emits towards their back if their hand is parallel to the rest of their body. While there are a variety of uses for such a technique, it does allow for stronger attacks - the user is able to throw their saber forwards with the power of their punch behind it. In addition, it allows for even longer, more sweeping strikes to be made, allowing one to take down multiple enemies with relative ease, should they find themselves skilled enough to do so.

A Note on the Training of Shien

Like with every form of lightsaber combat that has been created, one cannot hope to learn Shien without the instruction of a capable teacher. One guide, or a hundred guides, will do nothing to instruct on the real-world scenarios that one finds themselves in with their blade. To train the form, once a first lesson has been given by a capable teacher, one should decide which aspect they wish to focus on. If that is blaster deflection, as it is for many, they should utilise training droids, or a soldier with their own blaster, in order to train before they are faced with true combat. However, if the user wishes to focus on melee combat with Shien, it would be wise to find a suitable sparring partner or two, in order to test the limits of the form when faced with lightsaber-wielding opponents. With all of this in mind, it is recommended that we take a view towards Shien which allows for the equilibrium which the fifth form embraces. To be able to defend and attack with equal skill against both ranged and melee opponents allows for a practitioner to find themselves closer to unstoppable in the field of battle.

Djem So

Introduction to Djem So

Djem So is the other primary variant of Form V, which is more widely used by duellists than in the deflection of blaster-fire. Taking the same principle as the form as a whole, Djem So aims to repair the holes in Soresu, creating in turn a more offensive form, while maintaining the same defence of its predecessor. The focus in Djem So, however, is on domination and overwhelming one’s opponent; following every block and parry with an immediate counterattack, each attack wielding significant power and speed. This variant of Form V is often associated with intense combinations and brute strength, wide strikes and parries followed by immediate counterattacks, while maintaining that solid defence that comes from its roots in Form III. It is essential that a Djem So practitioner knows how and when to create their own opportunities, and use their opponent’s attacks against them. This combination of strategies that run through the minds of Djem So users allows for the creation of an attack focused form which can give the opponent very little chance to do anything but react to the attacks thrown their way, often finding themselves overpowered. A Djem So practitioner is a force to be reckoned with in single combat and on the battlefield. It is for this very reason that Djem So is a staple for many Sith within our Order. Without the acrobatics of IV, or the impulsivity of I, this is a form that moves with an elegance and certainty that can be easily missed at a first glance. One cannot hope to become an effective user of Djem So without the capability to manipulate a fight in your favour, and how to create your own openings to press the attack further.

While Djem So can often be seen as a form which focuses on hacking-and-slashing, those who are well-versed in the form often find that their moves are significantly more calculated than is perceived on the surface. The mindset being one of focus, with Djem So demanding counter attacks and furthering one's own assault, with each move calculated with a brutal efficiency that is built to overwhelm the opponent, with the capability of seeing the fight end before it truly has a chance to begin. Without the appropriate mindset of focus, one cannot hope to understand the inner workings of Djem So, nor to ever truly master the form. From this mindset comes the understanding of leverage and momentum, how to use combinations, how to step, parry, deflect, and when to do so. While many assume that Djem So functions only on impulses, instincts, the form indeed relies on calculated efficiency.

It would be neglectful not to touch upon Form IV in this section, as both Djem So and Ataru are incredibly aggressive forms which thrive upon continuous assault. However, there is a distinct difference in the way in which this came about: Ataru came as a purely offensive form, shunning the sheer volume of defence offered by Soresu in favour of a tiring, aggressive form. Djem So, on the other hand, took the benefits of Soresu, the key aspects of its very core defences, and built upon it. Instead of shunning the defence in favour of pure offence, Djem So is - much like its sibling, Shien - an equilibrium between the two.

The final aspect I will note before moving on from this introduction is footwork within Djem So. The user will find their footwork is ‘heavier’ than many other forms of saber combat: where even Shien is light and flexible, the focus of the Djem So user tends to be upon the single enemy in front of you, allowing for less free movement. However, when used correctly, the user can use this heavy footwork to add further power behind their attacks, blocks, and parries. While the footwork is rather on the heavy side, however, and not as complex as Form II’s, it is still rather intricate to get to grips with. One should never attempt to use Djem So to best an opponent if their footwork is imperfect: that single misstep could cost the battle. The concept of leverage and momentum, and being able to use these, are essential to mastery of this form.

Opening Stances, Moves and Techniques

As stated earlier, it is commonplace to find an array of opening stances for any saber form, as one will not always fit the situation. However, that which I will discuss is one of the more popular. There are a multitude of different stances from which to choose, which allows the practitioner to show clearly that they are using Djem So, or keep such hidden for as long as they can. The most well known opening stance in Djem So is one that most are familiar with: the user holds their lightsaber above their head, angling the blade backwards from themselves, and downwards at an approximate forty five degree angle from themselves. While this is instantly recognisable, it is not always ideal for live combat, especially if one is not anticipating what is to come. However, in a duel, it gives the opponent a flavour of the sheer power they will be faced with in their opponent, a user of Form V: Djem So.

In a similar manner to Form II: Makashi, Djem So can be considered a form fit for duellists, focusing on controlled bladework and clear, technical leverage which is utilised masterfully to subvert or redirect the opponent’s momentum. While Djem So maintains the discipline which Makashi holds, it focuses this discipline on sheer domination and power, in a manner which Makashi often fails to do. While this form is not the most ideal with regards to fighting against many, it deals with the one with expert precision

There is a vast array of notable moves and actions within Djem So that are useful, and some which have less significant benefits to the user, but only a handful will be touched upon here. It will first be noted that Djem So can - and at times does - lend itself to a degree of hand-to-hand combat. A well-versed practitioner knows how to utilise punches, kicks and other attacks which do not involve their blade, without losing a limb or counteracting their own defences. Additionally, within Djem So, all parries and defensive moves should cause no hindrance to the continued offense. Indeed, the ability to defend and attack in one breath is integral to the fifth form as a whole. The primary goal is to break through an opponents’ defences with sheer power and strength.

A technique that most are familiar with is known as the Falling Avalanche, a staple of Djem So practice. This move is purely held in offensive strategy, used when an opponent’s defence has faltered, or is otherwise weak. Intending their blade to move in a swift, hard downwards strike towards an opponent, the practitioner forces them to overexert themselves to defend with the blade, take the injury inflicted by the attack, or move out of the way and disrupt the very flow of the duel. While this technique could pose some defensive risks, a master of the form knows when these risks outweigh their benefits; calculating the next steps in their attack, this move can be used to overwhelm an opponent or to see the duel ended. This style of attack embodies Djem So, and is nearly exclusively recognised as an aspect of the form in its entirety.

Thriving on powerful combinations, Djem So’s typical attacks often include a variety of different Marks of Contact. Putting these together into fluid movements, the user can overwhelm and defeat their opponent; even using a significantly lower volume of attacks than an Ataru-user might, the increased power behind them truly makes the Djem So practitioner one not to be underestimated. Many, if not all, specific attacks within Djem So can be boiled into some application of one, or a few, different Marks of Contact. Further detail of the Marks of Contact can be found within the Acolyte Archives document “The Basics of Lightsaber Combat.” While there is value in discussing the specifics of each, this guide could continue indefinitely if they were. Instead, a reiteration of the importance of combinations is vital. While most forms thrive on them, one cannot hope to use Djem So in any other manner.

It should also be noted that while Shiims indeed have uses manyfold, there is some degree of waste to their use within Djem So - utilising the sheer power of strikes that comes hand in hand with the form to inflict only shallow wounds is something of a waste of one’s own strength. Throwing your entire weight and strength into executing the perfect Shiim is like setting yourself on fire because the embers keeping you warm were beginning to fade.

Final Notes on Djem So

Djem So is a form fit for a one-to-one duel, and while it falls within the realms of Form V, it is distinct from its sister, Shien. A much more linear form than Shii-Cho or Shien, focusing less on the wide, arching strikes, and emphasising the physical and Force-enhanced strength to inflict their power upon the singular enemy before them. Djem So is a product of focus and strength, combined into one for the deadly will of the Sith to be inflicted; in the hands of a master, Djem So is truly deadly. While it can fall short in combat which involves multiple enemies, or indeed when there is blasterfire involved. However, this limitation does not make it impossible.

With regards to training, it is always recommended to find a competent teacher for such matters. While guides, books, and study can be useful in the beginning of one’s knowledge, they do not substitute physical training. The recommendation of the Blademaster’s Office is that all who wish to learn of Djem So begin their training with the array of writings held within the Archives, before seeking a teacher. Then, the focus should be on the very basics: ensuring one is competent with the blade, before moving onto how to wield combinations within Djem So. From there, one can begin to build on these basics in order to truly become competent with the Form

Final Notes on Form V

Shien and Djem So might well be sisters of one another, and fall very closely within the same philosophies, their applications are distinct in many ways. While Shien takes inspiration from Shii-Cho as well as Soresu, Djem So appears to take more from a Makashi style of fighting. This is exemplified in both of their levels of success in multiple opponent fighting. It is recommended that one learns of Shien first, but not compulsory. This is solely because Shien falls into the category of “Classical Form V”, and is an ideal place in which to begin a journey into Form V.
Both variants of Form V are forms which should not be underestimated, a true master of either can see their opponent cut to shreds without breaking form for a moment. The principle of using offence and defence as an interlinked pairing rather than two separate aspects of a form is what truly sets Form V apart from other lightsaber forms.


(*Post by Eddi Arkiti.*)