Lightsaber Combat
The Lightsaber is a powerful symbol of discipline as well as a weapon. In the hands of the untrained, the lightsaber is worse than useless against modern blasters and may even injury its user. But in the hands of a Jedi, the lightsaber can become as powerful as any weapon turned against it, deflecting energy bolts back at attackers in a deadly hail and leaving the Jedi wielder untouched. In its highest form, lightsaber combat becomes a subtle and intricate art, but every Jedi begins by learning it first principles.
Ready Stances
In a ready stance, a Jedi is prepared for combat. Lightsaber forms include many ready stances, but the one called "Jedi ready" is the most common: dominant foot back, blade held in parry position on dominant side.
Body Zones
Attacks and parries are described in terms of the body zone they concern. "Attack 1" is a blow to the opponent's head, "parry 2" the block of an attack to your right arm or side, and so on. Attack zones are those you see on your opponent, while parry zones are those on your own body. So to go from attack 3 to parry 3, your blade must move from your right side to your left.
Slashing attacks to the neck are considered zone 2 or 3 attacks.
Foundations
Jedi in training run velocities endlessly to increase their key skills and physical stamina. Building on those basics, Jedi can go beyond what is physically possible, allowing the Force to flow through them.
A Padawan practices for the trials of passage using dulon: Solo sequences of moves in which the opponents are only envisioned. The patterns of velocities and dulon prepare a Jedi for the unpredictable realm of live combat.
Ideal Form
In ideal form attacks are horizontal side swipes and parries are made with the blade upright, pushing the point of the enemy's blade safely away. This rule is reversed for attack and defense of the head, where the attacker slashes down and the defender holds his blade parallel to the ground.
Live Combat Form
In live combat, contrasting ideal form, blade attitude for attack is often angled downward to minimize body movement and increase speed. But keeping in mind the ideal distinction between attack and defense improves precision.
I advanced lightsaber combat, the Force plays a role larger than physical strength alone. Combatants use Force powers for attack and defense, while Sith attempt to break a Jedi's inner spirit.
Kai-Kan
Great lightsaber duels have been studied throughout the ages by sword-masters. Kai-kan are dangerous re-enactments of these combats that only well-trained Jedi attempt.
The Seven Forms
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 or build their own fighting style with elements of multiple forms, although this takes special discipline.
Jedi Moves
Lightsabers
Most Padawans build their lightsabers to resemble those of their Masters as a gesture of respect.
Every hand-built lightsaber expresses th individuality of the builders, although there are few differences in function.
Blue lightsaber blades are generated via traditional Jedi crystals. They are more maneuverable but slightly less powerful than blades using synthetic Sith crystals.
The Sith use synthetic lightsaber crystals, which generate a stronger blade when energized by the dark side of the Force. The advantage is slim, but the very appearance of a red blade is a symbol of hateful power.