The lightsaber forms inStar Warswere developed to address the limitations of earlier techniques and adapt to ever-changing battlefield conditions. In the early days when lightsabers were rare,the first form, Shii-cho, granted a significant advantage to those who wielded these formidable weapons. However, as lightsabers became more commonplace and one-on-one dueling spread across the galaxy, the second form, Makashi, came into being, embodying the spirit of that era.
With the advent of blasters and other ranged weapons, lightsaber users faced new challenges. Neither Shii-cho nor Makashi were effective in countering attacks from a distance, leaving lightsaber wielders vulnerable. Despite this, the lightsaber held a crucial advantage: its plasma blade could deflect blaster fire. This led to the creation of Form III: Soresu, the most defensive lightsaber style. Mastering Soresu provided practitioners with a solid foundation to not only repel blaster fire, but also defend against a wide array of other attacks.
RELATED:Star Wars: Lightsaber Form I: Schii-cho, Explained
Origin of Form III: Soresu
Among the seven lightsaber forms featured inStar Wars, Form III: Soresu stood out as the pinnacle of defense. It employed precise and subtle movements, such as evasive maneuvers and efficient parries, to achieve maximum protection from ranged attacks. Its primary objective was to minimize exposure to enemy fire while providing comprehensive defensive coverage.
As time passed, the Soresu technique evolved beyond its pragmatic roots and became an embodiment of the non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. It prioritized self-defense, often at the cost of offensive capabilities. The essence of Soresu lay in waiting for the opponent’s frustration or weariness to lead to a lapse in their defense. Seizing this opportunity, a Soresu practitioner would launch a counterattack, displaying a more aggressive approach to gain the upper hand.
Soresu revolved aroundredirecting blaster boltsand deliberately prolonging a lightsaber duel, with the hope of wearing down the adversary’s stamina and resolve. It required unwavering focus, discipline, and the mastery of defensive tactics.
Beyond being a lightsaber form, Soresu embodied the core values of the Jedi Order. It emphasized restraint, patience, and a commitment to protect without resorting to aggression. It became a reflection of the Jedi’s commitment to peace and the preservation of life, even in the midst of conflict.
Famous Practitioners
The renowned Grand Master Yodaachieved mastery over all seven forms of lightsaber combat, including Soresu. His extensive knowledge and skill set made him a formidable and well-rounded Jedi.
Originally, Obi-Wan Kenobi specialized in Form IV, having been trained in this style by his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. However, a pivotal event reshaped his approach to lightsaber combat. Witnessing Qui-Gon’s demise, caused by Ataru’s vulnerability in defense, Kenobi recognized the need to address this weakness in his own technique. Consequently, he shifted his focus to Soresu, with its emphasis on defensive maneuvers.
Other notable Jedi masters, such as Ki-Adi-Mundi and Council member Coleman Trebor, also demonstrated proficiency in Soresu. Even Dooku, though known for hismastery of the Sith arts, possessed a remarkable understanding of Soresu. This enabled him to instruct General Grievous and the formidable IG-100 MagnaGuards in its techniques.
After Darth Vader’s defeat and disfigurement, he sought to enhance his abilities, delving into the study of Form III. Incorporating elements of Soresu’s defensive bladework, he adapted it into his personalized variant of Form V. Vader’s apprentice,Galen Marek, also known as Starkiller, displayed skill with Soresu. He employed this form against aggressive adversaries, blocking their assaults to wear them down gradually. Through his strategic use of Soresu, Starkiller could outlast his opponents, ultimately overwhelming them with superior stamina and precision.
Known Maneuvers
In the opening stance of Soresu, the duelist held their lightsaber with a one-handed grip, angling the blade forward. The other hand was raised in a challenging gesture. The dominant foot was positioned back, providing a stable foundation for defensive maneuvers. A brace-ready stance, resembling the “Ataru guard,” was also common, with the hilt held at waist height in a two-handed grip for enhanced control, extended upwards. In this variation, the dominant foot was positioned back, while the other foot was extended forward and to the side, creating a brace position. Another version involvedholding the blade highin a drop-parry position, maintaining the same foot positions.
The essence of Soresu lay in executing precise and tight motions, with the lightsaber in constant movement to achieve near-total protection while conserving energy. Form III emphasized quick reflexes and swift positional transitions to counter blaster fire. By minimizing the body’s exposure, a skilled practitioner could become nearly invulnerable. This made Soresu effective against both single adversaries and multiple opponents.
Facing individual shooters, Soresu duelists were encouraged to employ the “deflecting slash.” This technique served a dual purpose: redirecting the momentum from deflecting a projectile into a slashing attack at another target, whileallowing the Jedi toclose the distance before the attacker could fire again. In some cases, a careful application of this move even enabled a Jedi to redirect the shot back at the original attacker. However, such a skill was more commonly associated with practitioners of Form V, Shien.
Against multiple blaster-wielding attackers, Soresu practitioners relied on the “circle of shelter.” This advanced technique involved entering a moving meditation, drawing upon the Force to perceive attackers' positions and the precise movements needed to evade or deflect their shots. By mastering this technique, a skilled Soresu practitioner could hold off a significant number of adversaries.
Each lightsaber form has emerged in response to the challenges and circumstances of its era, leaving behind a legacy that mirrors the ebb and flow ofStar Wars. From the scarcity oflightsabers in ancient timesto the rise of blasters and other advanced weaponry, the evolution of these forms showcases the ingenuity and resilience of Jedi and Sith warriors throughout the ages.
