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'''Lightsaber combat''' describes the ] fighting styles employed by ] and ] characters in the '']'' ]. The details of the ] styles are never mentioned directly in the released '']'' films, but they are explored in novelizations as well as ] sources such as magazines, ]s, the Star Wars ] and "Visual Dictionaries." According to ], the various styles were devised for the prequels and intended to further ] their practitioners.<ref name=characterize>"Much more than pure action, the lightsaber battles of this film are designed to advance the story and reveal the nature of the characters through physical movements in combat." "I developed different styles for the characters, and gave each of them a flaw or a bonus. So with Obi, for instance, he's got a very business-like style--when he was younger he could border on the flashy and might twirl his lightsaber a bit, because he was taught by Qui-Gonn. Qui-Gonn was brash, that rubbed off on Obi and Obi then taught Anakin, who was way too old to learn anyway." "I think the style really worked well. The Jedi style of fighting is an amalgamation of all the great swordfighting styles. Melding them together is the difficult part--to move from a Kendo style to, say, Rapier requires a complete change in body and feet movement, and this must look effortless. The style moves seamlessly between the different disciplines, but remains technically correct throughout. It's unlike any other style of fighting and I think it's beautiful to watch." </ref> The duels were even choreographed to be miniature "stories."<ref name="mini-stories">"Nick's goal in choreographing the action for Episode I was to create stunts that flow from the story. "You can't just think, 'I'm a ], I'm going to make a big stunt happen'," he says. "It's all about making it tie in nicely with the film so that you don't notice the stunts." Creating narrative through physical expression, Nick wrote each fight as an individual story that supports the overall structure of the movie. "All the fights have a beginning, a middle and an end," he says. "I worked hard to write them like a story."....No two sword masters have exactly the same style, and Nick has woven the subtleties of distinct identities into the choreography of the lightsaber battles. "It was important to me that each character in Episode I have a distinctive ]," he says. Some of this shading came from the classic Star Wars Trilogy." "Q: Do you think about the characters involved when choreographing a fight scene? A: When we started on ], I set out certain styles and, particularly, faults for characters. Once you know the line of them, you know why they're going to do something."</ref> |
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The ] used in the films are a combination of ], ], and various western ] styles including traditional ]. Many of the names resemble the ] to reflect this.<ref name=iado>""I figured that since the Jedi had chosen a lightsaber, they'd have to be really good with it," says Gillard. "So I took the essence of all the great sword fighting techniques, from kendo through saber, épée, and foil, and flowed them together." "These lightsaber fights seem to fall into two categories: On the one hand, those strongly influenced by Asian martial arts experience, typically adapting Japanese kenjutsu and kendo, the familiar Filipino Arnis/Escrima, or the stylistic ] ] clichés of non-stop twirling and obsessive spinning with extra wide exaggerated motion." </ref> |
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==The seven forms of lightsaber combat== |
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According to ''Star Wars: Attack of the Clones The Visual Dictionary'', each Jedi chooses the style of ] combat that best suits him or her.<ref name="ep2-visual-dictionary">"Seven forms of lightsaber combat have been developed since the foundation of the Jedi Order. Each represents a distinct approach or philosophy, and has its particular strengths. Jedi may specialize in dedication to a particular form..." {{Citation |
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| first3 = Alexander |
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| last4 = Barnes |
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| last5 = Goodson |
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| title = ] |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = DK Pub |
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| year = 2002 |
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| isbn = 0789485885 }}, pg 62 </ref> For example, the shorter Master ] uses the ] form to compensate for his lack of reach and height, as well as to take advantage of his nearly limitless amount of Force power; ] uses ] to tap into his anger and employ it constructively (without giving himself over to the ]); ]'s practice of the ] form fits his intention to engage frequently in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat as well as his emphasis on class, elegance, and precision. The ] from '']'' was an expert in many of these forms but never relied on just one. Lightsaber styles are generally taught to the students by the ], though not always.<ref name="battle-master">'']''; see also the "": "Kyle became the academy's foremost battlemaster, honing the skills of countless Jedi students like Jaden Korr, and stopping the dark side berserker ]."</ref> |
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Many Jedi and Sith are known to use more than one Lightsaber form.<ref name="generic-sources"/> |
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===Form I: Shii-Cho=== |
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According to an article in '']'' magazine, ], the Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form I before they begin a ] apprenticeship with a ]. Younglings are taught Shii-Cho first because of its simplicity and versatility. In '']'', the Younglings can be seen being taught by Yoda to deflect light blaster bolts. They are in the beginning stages of Form I.<ref name="insider-62">"Jedi Masters created Form I from ancient ] traditions, since the principles of blade combat remained much the same. The basics of attack, parry, body target zones, and the practice drills called velocities are all here.....Young Jedi still begin their training by learning Form I. After the younglings finish their training though they move on to whatever form they want to learn." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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Sometimes called the ideal form, Form I uses horizontal side-swipes and parries made with the blade of the lightsaber held upright to push the point of an enemy's blade away during a side-to-side attack. If the attack is a downward slash aimed at the head, Form I simply reverses the motion, with a horizontally-held lightsaber being moved up and down to deflect a blow. All the basic ideals of attack, parry, target zones, and practice drills were created with the Form I style. This style of lightsaber combat is not useful against multiple strikes because it only works as a basic guide for lightsaber combat.<ref name="generic-sources">'']''; |
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{{Citation |
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| last = Luceno |
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| first = James |
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| title = ] |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = Ballantine Books |
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| year = 2004 |
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| edition = Hardcover |
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| isbn = 0345458974}}; {{Citation |
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| last = Luceno |
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| first = James |
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| title = ] |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = Lucas Books/Del Rey |
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| year = 2005 |
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| edition = Hardcover |
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| isbn = 0345428838}}; |
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{{Citation |
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| last = Luceno |
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| first = James |
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| last2 = Ivanov |
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| first2 = Alexander |
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| last3 = Barnes |
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| first3 = Robert E |
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| last4 = Goodson |
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| first4 = John |
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| title = ] |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = DK Pub |
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| year = 2005 |
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| isbn = 0756611288 }}; |
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{{Citation |
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| last = Wallace |
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| first = Dan |
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| title = Order 66: Destroy All Jedi |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 87 |
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| date = April 2006}} </ref> |
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There were only a few known masters of Form I in the ''Star Wars'' ]: the best known being ] and Cin Drallig. ] used elements of Shii-Cho even though he was "The Master of Soresu". According to '']'' and the novelization of '']'', the Shii-Cho form is good versus many enemies wielding conventional blaster weaponry. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a very good style to use if all else fails. |
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===Form II: Makashi=== |
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After Form I's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form II came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his/her opponent tires himself/herself out.<ref name=insider-makashi>"The ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat became Form II, advancing the precision of blade manipulation to its finest possible degree and producing the greatest dueling masters the galaxy has ever seen." |
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{{Citation |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref><ref name="generic-sources"/> |
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The form relies on parries, thrusts, and small, precise cuts—as opposed to the blocking and slashing of the other forms. The blade manipulation required is very refined and requires much focus, but the results are extremely potent. As ]s such as blasters come into play, the advantages of this form of lightsaber combat become less useful, but it is still potent against multiple opponents. |
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Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, allowing the Jedi to attack and defend with minimal effort. Although many Jedi historians considered Form II to be the ultimate refinement in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, it was dropped in favor of Form III combat when blaster weapons became prevalent in ]. |
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].]] |
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In the time near the ], the Jedi Order seldom practiced this technique. There was little lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat involved in a Jedi's life, so Jedi Masters found such forms as Makashi impractical.<ref name="insider-makashi-2"> "Form II was an archaism studied by few in the Jedi Order, because it was not relevant to tactical situations, in which opposition rarely fought with lightsabers. Even with the resurgence of the Sith, confrontation of an enemy with a lightsaber was an exceedingly rare prospect for a Jedi, so they continued to focus on more practical forms. Sith expecting to battle lightsaber-wielding Jedi, however, found Form II to be a powerful technique." |
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{{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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], ] and ] had some mastery over every form of lightsaber combat, including Makashi. But ] mastered Makashi to the highest degree, fighting with the precision built into the ancient technique. His mastery over Form II made him particularly devastating to the Jedi he encountered. The system of ] at the time of confrontation between Darth Tyranus and other Jedi does not prepare the Jedi for the precise movements of a form bred for lightsaber dueling. |
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Former Separatist general ] was also a practitioner of Form II. ] told ] to expect Grievous to be a practitioner of all ] combat forms in the novelization of ] due to his adaptive combat capabilities. |
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Known users of the Makashi form are most notably Count Dooku and Cin Drallig in the two trilogies. Dooku utilized Makashi as his prime form, while Drallig mainly fought using the powerful Shien technique. |
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===Form III: Soresu=== |
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Form III, the most defensive of all of the forms, unlike Form II combat, was developed to counteract the advancing ] technology throughout the galaxy. In the wake of the death of ] at the hands of ], many Jedi turned away from the Form IV style of open, ] fighting and took up Form III in order to minimize the risk of injury or death. It is also seen as emphasizing the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy.<ref name=soresu>"The third great lightsaber discipline was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> Soresu utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as little energy as possible to execute these moves.<ref name="soresu-tight">"Form III maximizes defensive protection in a style characterized by tight, efficient movements that expose minimal target area compared to the relatively open style of some of the other Forms." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref>It stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique exposes as few target zones on the body as possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly impenetrable. However, Soresu's same dedication to defense and minimal bodily exposure also decreases the lightsaber's threat range. |
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The philosophy of Soresu is described as "being within the eye of the storm." Practitioners remain centered in their mindset, never being moved by what is around them as they stay where the outer ] cannot harm them. But as the storm moves, so does the practitioner move to keep within the eye. |
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Thus Soresu commands powerful defensive techniques that seem to adapt to almost any circumstance, but at the cost of never reaching past the figurative eye of the storm—they lose attacking power. |
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Many who study this style use it to wear down their opponent by defending a long onslaught with minimal counter-attacking, until their adversary's energy is spent; then an alternate style is often employed. |
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After Darth Maul's defeat on ], ] decided to perfect his practice of Soresu since ], Kenobi's mentor and Form IV Ataru master, fell against Darth Maul.<ref name="soresu-quigon">"Obi-Wan Kenobi takes up a dedication to Form III after the death of Qui-Gon Jinn (who favored Form IV), since it was apparent to Kenobi that Jinn's defense was insufficient against the Sith techniques of Darth Maul. True Form III masters are considered invincible. Even in his elder years, Kenobi remains a formidable Form III practitioner."{{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> By the time of ''Revenge of The Sith'', Obi-Wan Kenobi is not only acknowledged as a master of Soresu but ''the'' master of Soresu by ] in the novelization, thereby implying that, though Windu himself as well as ] were well-practiced and knowledgable in all of the Forms, Kenobi was the universally-recognized expert of Soresu in the galaxy. |
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The Soresu form also appears in the Darth Bane book series. Darth Bane's apprentice Zannah utilizes Soresu as her main lightsaber form due to her lack of great physical strength, and her double-bladed lightsaber. The double-bladed variation involves keeping the lightsaber spinning at all times to conserve strength and more easily deflect lightsaber blows. |
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Though initially developed to deflect blaster fire, Soresu, if perfectly mastered, could act as a defense to any type of attack, including that of a lightsaber. Obi-Wan's performance of Soresu in ''Episode III'' is the prime example of the form. |
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Practitioners of Soresu remain on the defensive until their opponents make a mistake; only then do they strike offensively. It focuses heavily on counterattack and defensive strikes—there are no preemptive strikes in the form. Soresu can best be described as a passive form and one to be used by Masters who are extremely patient. Soresu users generally do not wish to fight, or harm. Even during a fight they prefer to remain on the defensive, and they will strike only when absolutely necessary, or if their opponent drops his guard during battle. |
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===Form IV: Ataru=== |
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The master practitioners of Form IV make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought physically impossible without the aid of the Force. It is much like the more obscure form known as ], with which Ataru has cross-fertilized. The given name is spelled "Ataru" in the ''Knights of the Old Republic II'' video game, but is spelled "Ataro" in the ''Revenge of the Sith'' novelization, '']'', and '']''. "Ataru" is its ] spelling. |
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This was one of the more recent lightsaber combat forms developed, created by the Jedi Knights during the earlier centuries of the ], around the time of '']''. It emphasized acrobatic strength and power in wielding the blade, attributes which were frowned upon by many traditional ] and Masters. It found a niche among the eager padawan learners of the time, who believed that the Jedi needed to become more involved in rooting out and eradicating crime and evil. Ataru relies on wide slashes, acrobatic proficiency and an open space for the Jedi to fight. One basis for the acrobatic nature of Ataru is that lightsabers can damage with brushing, light strokes, rather than hard chopping motions. Ataru practitioners are at a great disadvantage if fighting in a small area. This weakness became apparent in '']'', when ] was killed by ] in a confined space. ], however, practiced Form IV with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, it left every point on an opponent's body open to attack while more than adequately defending himself. |
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] was acknowledged as the greatest master of Ataru. He used it in almost all of his battles, and the style made him a virtually unstoppable whirlwind of destruction despite his small size and advanced age.<ref name="ataru-practitioners">"Yoda, with his deep emphasis on the Force in all things, is a Form IV master. Form IV was also the chosen discipline of Qui-Gon Jinn and the early choice of his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> Qui-Gon Jinn was also a master of this form.<ref name="ataru-practitioners"/> Kenobi was also very advanced in Ataru, but abandoned it in favor of Soresu because he felt that his master's death demonstrated a fatal flaw in Ataru's defensive capabilities.<ref name="ataru-practitioners"/> Nevertheless, Obi-Wan applied Ataru acrobatics to face ] in ''Revenge of the Sith''. |
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] is also a master of this form, according to Jan Duursema, who co-created the ] Jedi; ] had taught Aayla Form IV.<ref name="duursema"></ref> |
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In dire situations, Form IV practitioners use ] to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping very high and running very fast, masters of Form IV are sometimes only seen as a blur. In order to achieve the acrobatic prowess, amazing reflexes and physical punch of this form, a Jedi Master would focus on the Force, letting it flow deeply throughout his entire physical being, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age, or poor conditioning.<ref name="ataru-force"> "Ordinarily Yoda walks with a slight limp, his ancient body wracked with arthritis and the normal infirmities of old age. In combat however, the diminutive Jedi Master possesses extraordinary strength and reflexes - entirely the result of focusing the Force through his physical body and not just his spirit as is his usual emphasis." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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Due to its aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies but leaves the user open to attacks from multiple opponents. Ataru is better suited to dueling than open warfare.<ref name="generic-sources"/> |
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The greatest strength of Ataru is also its greatest flaw. The acrobatics will make the practitioner vulnerable to having their legs severed (Count Dooku attempted to do this in the Episode III novelization when he thought Anakin and Obi-Wan were Shii-Cho/Ataru practitioners) |
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In ''Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords'', ] can learn Ataru from Master Vrook. |
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===Form V: Shien / Djem So=== |
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The name of the Fifth Form of lightsaber combat varies in different sources. According to ''Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords'', Shien is the fifth form, while the ''Revenge of the Sith'' novelization stated clearly that Shien and Djem So are two different styles, and ] mastered them both.<ref name="anakin-djem-so"> "As the Clone War begins, Anakin Skywalker dedicates himself to Form V in his increasingly blind quest for strength. As Darth Vader he will still be using Form V when he confronts Obi-Wan Kenobi and later Luke Skywalker." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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By comparison, Djem So demonstrated an even higher level of ] and aggressive moves than Shien. It is believed that Shien and Djem both fall under the category of Form V, much like Juyo and Vaapad are both Form VII, with Shien better at dealing with blaster bolts and Djem So better at blade-to-blade combat. It can be described as a mix of medieval swordmanship and kendo. |
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Form V was developed by a group of Jedi Masters who felt that Form III was too passive, while Form IV was not powerful enough. It addressed the shortcomings of both forms, in which a ] may have proved to be undefeatable but could not overcome the enemy. Among the many unique aspects of Form V was the development of techniques in which the lightsaber was used to deliberately deflect a blaster bolt directly back at the firer.<ref name="generic-sources"/> |
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Form V is a powerful style developed by Form III practitioners that preferred a more offensive angle. The defensive nature of Form III often leads to dangerously prolonged combat. This style came about from combining Forms IV and III. Jedi Master ], and ], both as himself and as ], are all practitioners of Form V. Darth Bane also employs Djem So, and after gaining armor that could stop almost any weapon, he all but abandons the defensive side of Form V. Luke Skywalker's use of Form V is probably as much instinctive as trained, as he was trained as a Jedi by both Obi-Wan Kenobi (Forms III and IV) and Yoda (Form IV). However, Luke's particular form of lightsaber combat may in the end be something entirely new, with traces of Forms III, IV and V mixed together with his own personal styles. It is believed by many that he actually used his Force power to copy Darth Vader's particular form of combat, blending elements of several forms, but classified as Djem So. It is doubtful that Masters Kenobi and Yoda had time to actually teach him the finer points of the various forms. As with many other aspects of Jedi knighthood, Luke had to improvise and create new fighting styles to replace those lost during the Great Purge.<ref name="djem-so-insider"> "During an era when Jedi were called upon to more actively maintain the peace in the galaxy, Form V arose alongside Form IV to address a need for greater power among the Jedi. Jedi Masters who felt that Form III could be too passive developed Form V. A Form III master might be undefeatable, but neither could he necessarily overcome his enemy. Form V focuses on strength and lightsaber attack moves. This Form exploits the ability of the lightsaber to block a blaster bolt and turns this defensive move into an offensive attack by deflecting the bolt deliberately towards an opponent. A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat an enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi describe by the maxim "peace through superior firepower."" {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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Embodying the perfection of the idea of counterattack, Form V maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form III, but channeling defense into offense. While Form III combatants effortlessly deflect laser bolts, Form V practitioners excel at redirecting the laser bolt toward the opponent. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent. |
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Form V is also different from Form III in the fact that Form V practitioners believe that the best defense is a good offense. It has already been observed that Form III users simply deflect blaster bolts and parry lightsaber attacks until the opponent makes a fatal mistake. Form V practitioners use the near impenetrable techniques of Form III, then reverse the defensive style into an attack, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with pure force. |
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Form V also uses elements of Form II. However, where Form II concentrated on precise and elegant parries, Form V permits the user to actually fully block and repel attacks since it calls for the use of more powerful, Force-enhanced strength. This is evident in ''Revenge of the Sith'' when Dooku takes a swing at Anakin and Anakin not only blocks it, but pushes Dooku back with overwhelming strength. Also, in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi'', Form V is used to physically bully an opponent when Vader continuously locked sabers with Luke only to throw him back and press his assault. The same happened in the second duel as Luke forced Vader back with his onslaught of physical strength. In addition, it is mentioned in the novel ''Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader'' that during their duel on Murkhana, Vader cut off ]'s arm and then slew her after "simply beat her into submission." This also indicates usage of Form V. |
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A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat an enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi describe by the maxim "peace through superior firepower." To some Jedi Knights, Form V represents a worthy discipline prepared for any threat; to others, Form V seems to foster an inappropriate focus on dominating others. The aggressive philosophy of Form V is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval. |
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With the offensive but refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III, Form V has been proven to be a highly effective style. Both Form V and VII call for its user to use emotion to enhance their strength. Form V users can best be described as bold, powerful, fearless and confident. They are unafraid to let their emotions rule them and contribute to the fight, though they are wary of falling to the dark side. A master Form V stylist will be able to pull back from the abyss of the dark side, as Luke Skywalker did when he defeated Vader, though that does not always happen. |
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In the game ''Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords'', ] ] teaches the ] Shien if the Exile is a Jedi Guardian, a Jedi Sentinel, or the advanced forms of either. |
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According to ''Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary'', Aayla Secura knows about Djem So as well. It is possible that Cin Drallig was also a practitioner of this form, as in the "Revenge of the Sith" video game he uses attacks and stances similar to Anakin's. This similarity in styles could be because at various points during their duel it is hinted that Drallig had a hand in Anakin's lightsaber training, or it could be because Cin Drallig was a user of form II, and form V employs several techniques of form II. ], according to the ], was a practitioner of Form V, as she uses this stance while fighting against ]. |
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===Form VI: Niman=== |
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'''Niman''' was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the ]. This combat discipline is often called the "Diplomat's Form".<ref name="niman-equals-dead">"In the time of Palpatine's Chancellorship, Form VI is the current standard in Jedi lightsaber training. This Form balances the emphases of other Forms with overall moderation, in keeping with the Jedi quest to achieve true harmony and justice without resorting to the rule of power. It is considered the "Diplomat's Form" because it is less intensive in its demands than the other disciplines, allowing Jedi to spend more time developing their skills in perception, political strategy, and negotiation. In an increasingly dangerous galaxy, the "Diplomat's Form" might not be enough against serious combat dangers. All the Form VI Jedi Knights who fight on Geonosis die in the arena battle."{{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> One can see this in '']'', when all of the Jedi using Form VI are killed in the ], including ], whose technique could not defend against ]'s masterfully placed blaster shots.<ref name="niman-equals-dead"/> |
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The basic philosophy of Niman is "the leaf swept in the winds of the Force". One who uses this form attains a mindset of one who is not perturbed by his or her surroundings, but rides the currents of the surrounding chaos, being harmonious and balanced within. It is a style of balance. The style has a surprisingly low chance of deflecting blaster bolts, lower than any form. |
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Form VI attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate, making Form VI well-suited for diplomats and consulars, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics, negotiation and Force mastery instead of combat training. It can be affectionately referred to and known as a sort of "Jack of All Trades" form, with mastery of no one aspect of combat, but competency in all.<ref name=KOTOR2>'']''</ref> |
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Niman's greatest weakness is its lack of specific strengths to capitalize on and a very long and steep ] to mastering it to the point of great martial effectiveness, in contrast to a single-paradigm Form (e.g., Soresu, which effectively is derived from its near-impenetrable defense) with a higher mastership-to-study time efficiency relative to Niman. However, there is one saving grace to this form: Niman is the stepping stone to the dual lightsaber form, known as Jar'Kai; no one who has successfully mastered Jar'Kai has done so without first mastering Niman.<ref name="no-niman">"Another uncommon form called Niman is a style often taught in the Jedi Order but rarely mastered by more than a few Jedi each generation." pg 2 of the ''Hero's Guide'' ] source book, web supplement </ref> |
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In ''Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary'', Jedi Master ] is depicted posed in a Niman ]. |
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===Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad=== |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: ] --> |
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In the Jedi world, the form known as Juyo (numbered VII) was an oddity for millennia. Abandoned for many generations of Jedi, ] Master ] later created his '''''Vaapad''''' fighting style to replace Juyo as the 7th Jedi form. Vaapad is named for a multi-tentacled beast which can strike its foes many times simultaneously. Anybody who views an initiate of this style will witness many lightsaber strikes that appear simultaneous. The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form VII requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms.<ref name="juyo-vaapad">"Only high-level masters of multiple Forms can achieve and control the ultimate descipline known as Form VII. This is the most difficult and demanding of all Forms, but it can eventually lead to fantastic power and skill. Form VII employs bold, direct movements, more open and kinetic than Form V but not so elaborate in appearance as Form IV." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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In '']'', which takes place about 4,000 years before the ], the Jedi Exile could learn Form VII Juyo from Master ] if the Exile was a Guardian, Weapon Master, or Marauder. This shows that a Form VII was created millennia before Mace Windu created Vaapad. In ''Knights of the Old Republic II'', Juyo is portrayed as a powerful but precarious form that sacrifices defense against both weapons and the Force in return for greater dexterity and strength of attack. Every blow from a master of Form VII Juyo threatened to be a life-ending critical strike. Alternatively, Mace Windu's Form VII appears to protect the user from these attacks while still being a highly effective offensive form. This is illustrated clearly during the duel between Mace Windu and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. |
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Form VII Vaapad is without question the rarest form, with only two Jedi ever truly mastering Vaapad: ] and his Padawan, ]. ] (who instructed ] in a few of the form's basics, although Vos never fully mastered Vaapad) was acknowledged by Mace Windu as knowing "almost as much as him". As stated in ''Star Wars Insider'', ] was also trained in the '''''Juyo''''' Form. |
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However, Vaapad borders on the edge of using the dark side, as it channels one's anger and darkness into the attack. Only Windu's mastery and concentration of the light side prevents him from succumbing, which is why Vaapad is rarely practiced and very dangerous. The only two other known practitioners of Vaapad, ] and ], both fell to the dark side of the Force, unable to maintain control over their emotions.<ref name="dangerous-vaapad">"Form VII master Mace Windu fights alongside Form III practitioner Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Battle of Geonosis. This spiritually dangerous regimen cuts perilously close to the Sith intensity of focus on physical combat ability. Mace Windu is one of the only current practitioners of Form VII." {{Citation |
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| last = Reynolds |
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| first = David West |
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| title = Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat |
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| journal = ] |
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| issue = 62 |
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| pages = pgs 28-37 |
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| date = October 2002}} </ref> |
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Vaapad goes beyond being a fighting style as it becomes a state of mind and a power. The state of mind requires that a user of Vaapad be allowed to enjoy the fight and be given over to the thrill of battle and the thrill of victory. |
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In the novel '']'', Mace Windu indicated that part of Depa Billaba's Vaapad blade work has even surpassed Mace Windu himself and the Vaapad he created and used. |
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Vaapad is believed to have been lost with the death of Mace Windu, as no records exist of its instruction after the end of the Clone Wars and the start of The New Jedi Order. The entirety of the form itself is believed to have died with ]. |
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==Other forms of lightsaber combat== |
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===Sokan=== |
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Developed by the ancient ] Knights during the ] with the ancient ], the original form of Sokan consisted of tactics for extraordinary feats of evasion and mobility, intended to place the enemy in a poor location or to enhance one's own position.<ref name="sokan-heroes-guide0">"the style often led to lightsaber duels that spanned large amounts of terrain as they ran their course." pg 2 of the ''Hero's Guide'' Star Wars RPG source book, web supplement </ref> In later millennia, shortly before the ], it was combined with the kinetic motions of ] combat. Sokan involves swift strokes of the lightsaber aimed towards the opponent's vital areas in addition to quick tumbles and movements<ref name=sokan-heroes-guide1>"The style encompasses everything from quick, darting movements to smooth tumbles and strikes that arc towards the vital areas of an opponent's body." pg 2 of the ''Hero's Guide'' Star Wars RPG source book, web supplement </ref> |
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===Jar'Kai=== |
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The dual saber style of Jar'Kai permits a Jedi to fight with two lightsabers, one in each hand, as seen in '']'' when ] dueled Makashi-user Count Dooku. One of the blades in the wielder's hands is used for attacking while the other one is used for defending, such as parrying, or for more offensive power. Often, the Jedi wields a short lightsaber (also referred to as a "short saber", or a "shoto") in a similar fashion as the Japanese ] or fencing with a parrying dagger, as a ] instead of a normal lightsaber to gain more balance.<ref name=lightdagger>Lightdaggers appear multiple times, independently. In the Expanded Universe, the first appearance was an invention by Luke Skywalker which countered ]'s ], as depicted in the comic book series ''Marvel Star Wars'', issue 96: "]". When ] fell to the Dark side, he augmented his mastery of Vaapad with a lightdagger, as seen in '']'' and '']''. ] ] that Yoda's lightsaber may be small enough to be a lightdagger in its own right. See also which mentions that "A popular variant of Jar'Kai involves the combination of one lightsaber and one short saber. This method was employed by the Weequay Jedi Master Sora Bulq in combat against Mace Windu, as well as by Luke Skywalker when faced with the Sith lightwhip of the Dark Lady Lumiya."</ref> In the book '']'', Master Maruk says those who practice dual sword wield have a tendency to rely too deeply on their swords. ], one of the greatest swordsmen in the history of the Jedi order, was known to have great disdain for dual-sword fighting. |
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Jar'Kai was first used by ] and the Legions of Lettow for the obvious reason that two blades would be more aggressive (the same rationale later adopted by Sith like ] for using ]'s invention, the dual-bladed lightsaber). The related Form VI Niman took its name from the triumvirate of Kashi gods of Xendor's old human planet Kashi.<ref name="jar-kai">"Jar'Kai is the style's oldest name, going back to the Yovshin Swordsmen of the Atrisian Empire, who wielded a dueling sword in each hand, dubbing the weapons "Jar'Kai" after the Kitel Phard city where they were first crafted. A similar style was practiced by the Royale Macheteros, the elite guard of the Kashi Mer monarchy. When the technique was then co-opted by soldiers of the Legions of Lettow, they called the style Niman after the dual triumvirate of Kashi gods." </ref> Many Jedi train to use the Niman style in the hopes of gaining a basic knowledge of the dual-bladed attack, but very few Jedi ever totally master Jar'Kai. Niman is the stepping stone to dual saber mastery, and no one has ever fully learned Jar'kai without first mastering Form VI.<ref name="no-niman"/> |
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Known masters of the style include the ancient Sith blademaster ], ], and ]. |
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Apparently, Jar'Kai is not the only combat form to allow a dual-bladed attack. ], while on the mission to ] Depa Billaba from ], repeatedly wielded both his and Depa's lightsabers while using his signature form Vaapad.<ref name="Shatterpoint">{{Citation |
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| last = Stover |
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| first = Matthew |
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| title = ] |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = Del Rey |
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| year = 2003 |
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| edition = Hardcover |
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| isbn = 0345455738}}</ref> |
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==="Form Zero"=== |
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Form Zero is the basis for instruction of lightsaber combat originally defined by Jedi Master ]. The art of Form Zero lies in a lightsaber that has not been ignited. A Jedi cannot protect and serve the galaxy in the Jedi way if he/she does not know when to draw his/her sword and when to resort to different means of solving a problem. Form Zero, unlike most other forms, does not teach a Jedi ''how'' to use a lightsaber, but ''when'' to use one. The knowledge, understanding, and wisdom behind the idea of ] encompasses the idea that a Jedi who feels the necessity to use Form Zero, the absence of violence, is truly gifted in the ways of the ]. It is often used when a Jedi like ] or ] achieves his aims by finesse, rather than force (such instances of use of Form Zero are identified as being in '']'' and '']''). Luke Skywalker himself demonstrates Form Zero when he allows himself (and his entire team) to be captured by the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi, seeing that responding in violence would bring more harm than good, and instead choosing to passively wait for the situation to play itself out, and in doing so, gaining an essential ally in achieving their victory in ].<ref name="form-zero"> "I would describe myself as having been an average pupil. I did not excel at the combat forms. Master Yoda once joked that I was a master of Form Zero -- of wielding the lightsaber without igniting it. Please, feel free to laugh, because there was some small laughter when the Master said this. But you must remember -- he told us all this, and I tell it to you now -- that Form Zero is the truest form of wielding a lightsaber. If you cannot wield a lightsaber without igniting it, then you should consider whether you are worthy to wield it at all. I do not doubt that there are many present -- some Padawans included -- who could easily best me, were we to spar with lightsabers. Being able to defeat another being is insignificant, though, unless you can understand that being, and accept that if the situation were different, he might be as completely justified in killing you as you feel in killing him. You must understand when to ignite and when to ignore. That is Form Zero" ''''</ref> |
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===Dun möch=== |
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<!-- We don't need to make a list of examples for each time this was used; the two examples we have are sufficient to illustrate the style.--> |
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Dun möch is the Sith style of combat that aims to defeat an opponent by wearing down his/her spirit by whatever means possible, rather than solely relying on saber skills. Dun möch commonly involves spoken taunts, jeers, comments, and jests that expose the opponent's hidden, inner weaknesses and/or doubts. Other variations of dun möch involve usage of the ] to throw large, weighty objects at the Sith's opponent during combat, which both distracts the opponent from the battle and could potentially cause damage, such as when Darth Vader fought Luke Skywalker in ] in '']''. It also involves physical attacks such as kicks and punches. Darth Maul used physical attacks extensively in '']''. Both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were frequently caught off-guard by kicking attacks during the final lightsaber duel in Episode I. Such attacks display the obvious risk of the user having their limbs removed, so their psychological impact is great. |
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===Saber throw=== |
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The Jedi or Sith employ an attack in rare instances to use the cutting power of their lightsabers for an object at an unreachable location called the saber throw, or a throwing of his or her lightsaber. The lightsaber is thrown; usually the blade tip spins in a circular motion about the hilt; and the saber hits its target, usually to cut it. Skilled practitioners will use the Force to manipulate the trajectory of the lightsaber and then redirect it back to their hand; this technique was demonstrated in '']'' by ] when he fought ]; when Skywalker jumped onto a catwalk, Vader threw his lightsaber to bring the catwalk crashing to the ground, and the technique was demonstrated again in '']'' when Yoda, fighting his way into the ], killed an attacking ] by throwing his lightsaber into the man's chest. |
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This technique has become a staple in multiple ] and ]s featuring lightsabers such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' as well as '']'' |
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<!-- We don't need to list every game where one can throw the saber, just a few will give readers a very good idea that this is a common enough feature--> |
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===New Jedi Order forms=== |
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In addition to the above-mentioned forms developed and used by the Jedi of the ], there are three pace-based styles which were developed by the "battle masters" (such as ] or ]) of the ] which sprang up under ] after the ]. These three styles were taught to the students at ]'s ] around the time of the crises of ]'s ] and the ]. Two members of the ] who mastered all three styles were ] and his student ]. Katarn, who might well have conceived the three styles, lectured Korr and fellow student ] on them already at their first training session.<ref name="NJO-forms">'']'', '']''</ref> |
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The three styles, along with most lightsaber combat skills taught in the New Jedi Order, were based on the principle of the Three Rings of Defense which were introduced very early on in the history of the Order by one of the first students, Kam Solusar.<ref name="i-jedi-NJO">"Kam's instruction can't be faulted at all in this regard because he taught us well the three rings of defense. The outermost ring consisted of four guard positions: upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. The lightsaber's hilt would end up wide of the body, with the hip coming back toward the middle to pick up the grand sweeping blows that are very powerful, but also take longer to deliver. The middle ring also involved four guard positions.....The inner ring involved parries instead of blocks and was proof against lunging attacks...The inner ring was the last line of defense, dangerous to be defending from, and dangerous to be attacking from." {{Citation |
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| last = Stackpole |
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| first = Michael |
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| title = ] |
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| place=Halmstad |
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| publisher = Spectra |
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| year = 1999 |
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| edition = Paperback |
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| isbn = 0553578731}}, pgs 98-99</ref> |
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===Other=== |
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Several techniques fall outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. Characters, such as ] in '']'', can employ more varied movements. His attacks are intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous is exceptionally capable at this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. For example, Grievous can hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands (and in one of his claw-like feet as seen in the Clone Wars miniseries), spinning two of them very rapidly in front or around him, acting as a shield. There are also more exotic forms, like telekinetic lightsaber combat or Trispzest, a form of aerial lightsaber combat.<ref name="Trispzest">Lightsaber Combat: Trispzest and Jar'Kai </ref> |
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==Basics of lightsaber combat== |
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Unlike most martial arts involving a weapon, lightsaber combat is an art that is utilized before the weapon is ever drawn and ignited. This is due to the philosophy that a Jedi must draw his weapon only as a final recourse. A Jedi must decide on what situations require the application of ], since the lightsaber is one of the deadliest weapons ever constructed.<ref name="basics">This entire section is derived from ] The Visual Dictionary, "Lightsaber Combat" (page 62-63) and ] The Visual Dictionary, which elaborated on the Seven Forms and Marks of Contact introduced in "Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat", a 10 pg article in Star Wars Insider 62.</ref> |
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===Training=== |
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All Jedi are expected to be practitioners of lightsaber combat. Jedi Younglings who have Force potential train in Shii-Cho as it is simple and easy to learn. When they advance and get an idea of lightsaber combat, they are taken on by a Jedi Knight as a Padawan. They usually train under the Jedi Knight's form, or of a style that suits them, which is why Padawans are usually similar to their masters. Having completed the Jedi expectancy, and in lightsaber combat, the knight becomes a Jedi Master, and the Padawan takes the trials to be a Jedi Knight. |
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Lightsaber training begins very young, generally before a Padawan has been taken by a Knight or Master as an apprentice. The master swordsmen at the Jedi Temple teach classes of Padawans the basics of lightsabers, such as basic moves and safety. |
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Training continues after a Padawan has been taken by a Knight. All Jedi Knights are required to be practitioners of lightsaber combat and they pass on this knowledge and experience to their apprentices. When the Master feels his apprentice is ready, he teaches his apprentice how to construct his first lightsaber as well as oversees the construction process, however, the ] does have a say in when a ] may build a lightsaber (this is briefly mentioned in the '']'' series by ]). Once the apprentice has finished constructing his lightsaber, the Master teaches the Padawan about ''velocities'', a staple of Jedi lightsaber training. |
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====Velocities==== |
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Jedi run endless drills called '''velocities''' to practice lightning reflexes and tight control. Velocities are similar in form to fencing, almost always performed with a partner, albeit much faster and trying to ''create'' an opening, rather than attack it. During velocities, Jedi learn how to give control over to the Force, as well as use it to extend their perceptions to other degrees of the encounter not allowed by their sensorium. |
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====Kai-kan==== |
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Great lightsaber duels - those of ], ], etc. - have been studied throughout the ages by Jedi masters. The '''''kai-kan''''' is a re-enactment of a famous, usually ancient, very dangerous, lightsaber or even sword battle, which only very well trained Jedi attempt to perform. These were mostly enacted in the days of the ]. |
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===Marks of contact=== |
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The forms of lightsaber combat utilize these ancient terms used by the ] for describing the objectives, maneuvers to use, and the various outcomes that could arise out of a fight involving ]s as ]s. |
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====Cho mai==== |
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The term '''''cho mai''''' is used to describe the action of cutting off an opponent's weapon ]. This move shows that the ] using it has the honor to cause the opponent minimal physical damage; it also shows the skill and mastery of the ] performing the move to the opponent. This is exemplified in such cases as when ] cut off both ]'s hands (before decapitating him) in '']''; ] also cut off ]'s hand to prevent him from killing ]/] in '']''; ] cut off ]'s hand in '']''; and Luke returned the favor in '']''. ] also employs this technique in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones when he counters Zam Wesell's attempt to ambush him with a blaster pistol in a cantina on Coruscant. He employs it again when fighting ], removing the hands on his lower arms in ''].'' |
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====Cho mak==== |
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A '''''cho mak''''' is the act of cutting off an opponent's ], such as a humanoid's ]. This is done several times by ]. First when he slashes Anakin's remaining biological arm and both of his legs during their epic duel in ]. Again when ] slashes the legs off of the ] in the Execution Arena on ] during ]. As well as in episode IV when he cuts off the ] Ponda Baba's arm in the cantina scene. This is also shown when ] slices off Anakin's arm during their duel in the hangar bay. |
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====Cho sun==== |
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The term '''''cho sun''''' is used to describe the move used to cut off an opponent's weapon ], such as when Count Dooku defeated Anakin Skywalker in '']'' or when ] cuts off Ponda Baba's arm in the ] in '']''. Most combatants prefer the more efficient and precise cho mai, but cho sun is sometimes used when the opponent is too strong or fast to allow such a precise cut. |
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====Sai cha==== |
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The term '''''sai cha''''' is used to describe the rare instance when a Jedi beheads his or her opponent. This is often reserved for the most dangerous of enemies—ones whom a Jedi cannot afford to let live. This is an example of what ] did to ] in '']'' (although Dooku was sufficiently incapacitated), what Mace Windu did to ] in '']'', what Mace Windu again tried to do to Chancellor Palpatine in '']'', and what happened to most of the standard ]s that had the misfortune to face a Jedi. Darth Vader uses this move frequently in the novel '']''; it describes that he did this to many of the Padawans and Jedi Masters including Cin Drallig during the siege at the Jedi Temple, as well as to some of the remaining exiled Jedi he was hunting and found on Kashyyyk in the novel. |
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====Sai tok==== |
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A '''''sai tok''''', frowned upon by the Jedi because of its ]-like nature, is the act of cutting an opponent in half, usually separating his or her legs from their ] at the ]. It was performed by ] against ] in '']''. This move is used only in the most extreme of circumstances. ] performs a bilateral form of Sai tok on a ] during the droid factory battle in '']''. It is also attempted by Darth Vader during his duel against Obi-Wan Kenobi in "A New Hope," though Kenobi's body disappears just before contact. Sai Tok is widely considered by traditional Jedi teachings to be an act of barbarism or butchery when employed against a sentient being, and is typically only utilized by a Jedi against a non-organic opponent, or against an extremely dangerous opponent in a situation where the Jedi's life is in imminent danger. Dark Jedi, however, typically have no qualms about performing sai tok in any situation. |
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====Shiak==== |
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The term '''''shiak''''' is used to describe the action of stabbing an opponent. This technique is often used by Sith, such as when ] stabbed ] in '']'', and ]'s stabbing of Agen Kolar in ]. ] can also be seen using a variation of this technique in '']'', when he throws his lightsaber at a ], impaling him, then clambers up the still-standing body to retrieve his weapon. ] also used this when they were fighting ]. ] surprises the clone jedi ] with this ]. ] does the same when he slaughters the ] on the volcanic planet of ]. |
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====Shiim==== |
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A '''''shiim''''' is a more minute, considered inferior, ] to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber's blade. It is also considered a sign of desperation or struggle against a potent enemy, such as when Luke grazed Darth Vader's shoulder during their duel at Bespin in '']''. It is also seen in '']'' in the instance where Count Dooku grazes Obi-Wan's right arm and leg (although it is implied that Dooku deliberately injured Obi-Wan in this fashion in order to inflict pain while simultaneously neutralizing him as a threat, as opposed to an attack out of desperation). |
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====Sun djem==== |
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A '''''sun djem''''' is an attack used by Jedi that disarms the weapon of an opponent, the objective usually being not to physically harm the opponent, such as when Master ] kicked ]' lightsaber away during their duel in ''Revenge of the Sith'' and when ] disarmed one of ]'s lightsabers in ''Attack of the Clones'' (although the lightsaber was destroyed in the process). Unlike other moves, this move does not require the user to be using a weapon, as seen when in ''The Empire Strikes Back'', ] used the force to pull ]'s blaster from his hands. ] applied this attack to one half of ]'s double-lightsaber in ''The Phantom Menace''. Luke also used this attack to disarm ] by slicing his blaster in half in Return of the Jedi. Destroying the opponent's weapon, especially against a Jedi, can be considered reasonable, since Jedi can use ] to regain a weapon that has been merely kicked away. |
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==Lightsaber combat in the ''Star Wars'' movies== |
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In writing the prequel trilogy, ] said that he wanted the lightsaber combat in the prequels to be of a more "energized" form than of that in the original trilogy. In the original movies, the only people who fought with lightsabers were Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker who learned from Obi-Wan. However, this form of fighting was smooth and graceful, and that was exactly what George Lucas wanted to carry forward.<ref name="fighting">"I was looking for a kind of sword fighting that was reminiscent of what had been done in the previous films but also something that was more energized. We'd seen old men, young boys, and characters who were half-droid, but we'd never seen a Jedi in his prime. I wanted to do that with a fight that was faster and more dynamic-and we were able to pull that off." {{Citation |
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| last = Bouzereau |
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| first = Laurent |
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| last2 = Duncan |
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| first2 = Jody |
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| title = Star Wars: The Making of Episode I: The Phantom Menace |
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| place=New York |
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| publisher = Ballantine Publ. Group |
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| year = 1999 |
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| edition = Hardcover |
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| isbn =0345431111}}, page 99</ref> |
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The movies' stunt coordinator, ], said that: "they chose a short-range weapon, and so they would have to be very good at it... They would have to study every great sword fighting style: kendo, iaido even including stuff like "tennis and even some tree-chopping, everything you could swing at."<ref name=tennis>"He explains that having chosen such a short-range weapon to use against blasters, the Jedi would have to be well skilled in all manners of fighting and defending themselves. Combining a variety of disciplines from various fencing styles to martial arts "with a touch of tennis and tree chopping," he created the distinctive 'Jedi Style' seen in the Episode I lightsaber battles." -(part of the "Making Episode I" series). </ref> |
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Another mention of lightsaber combat in general is in '']'', when ] tells ] "This is the weapon of a ], not as clumsy or as random as a ]... a more elegant weapon, for a more civilized age <nowiki>]<nowiki>]</nowiki>." |
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==References== |
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*''Star Wars: ''Attack of the Clones'' The Visual Dictionary'', "Lightsaber Combat" (page 62-63) |
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*''Star Wars: ''Revenge of the Sith'' The Visual Dictionary'' |
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{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*{{sww|Lightsaber combat}} |
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* – '']'', Issues 62 and 68 |
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*, by John Clements, criticizing the realism of the choreography |
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