Why the 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat are Considered Imperfect

The Star Wars universe has captivated audiences for decades with its iconic lightsaber duels. However, the seven forms of lightsaber combat, as depicted in the films and expanded lore, have garnered significant debate. These forms are often criticized for their perceived imperfections, and the reasons behind these imperfections are multifaceted and intriguing.

Overlay of Fandom Expectations and Realism

When The Phantom Menace was released, fans were taken aback by the visual differences in lightsaber combat. The portrayal of lightsaber duels in subsequent movies and Rebels was largely attributed to fan frustration. Different characters and stunt teams weren't the issue; it was the concept of named forms that led to disappointment. This frustration led to the widespread acceptance of these forms in fan fiction, and even "Dave Filoni's nod to Form 3 in Rebels added to the narrative. However, the forms are not considered canon, reflecting the complexity of achieving fan satisfaction in storytelling.

Lightsaber Combat as Non-Martial Arts

Eric Lowe and I have both explored the idea that these forms may be more like fluff rather than proper martial arts techniques. The Fightsaber documentation provides a detailed explanation of these forms, but fundamentally, they are not derived from real martial arts principles.

Here are some key points to consider:

Intricate Moves vs. Realistic Combat: Lightsaber combat in Star Wars is portrayed with intricate and precise moves. However, real martial arts do not always adhere to such detailed choreography. The forms in Star Wars lack the practicality and adaptability that true martial arts provide. Limitations of Named Forms: In the real world, martial arts do not rely on named forms as much as Star Wars does. Stances, techniques, and practical combat strategies are more fluid and adaptable. Physical Space and Maneuverability: The forms in Star Wars are often set in tight spaces, restricting the range and maneuverability of the combatants. Real-world martial arts take full advantage of the available space to enhance effectiveness.

Imperfections in Every Fighting Style

The inherent flaws in conventional fighting styles apply equally to the 7 forms of lightsaber combat. Every form has its own advantages and liabilities, much like any other martial art.

For instance, in Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker learned multiple forms to overcome the limitations of any single form. This approach reflects the idea that no single technique is perfect, and adaptation is key to success in combat. Similarly, martial artists strive to perfect a range of techniques to counter different scenarios.

Conclusion

The 7 forms of lightsaber combat, though fascinating and integral to the Star Wars universe, are imperfect due to their non-martial arts origins and the strict confines of the Star Wars universe. The true essence of lightsaber combat lies in its representation of a unique form of dueling that portrays the ideology of the Jedi and Sith, rather than a reflection of real-world martial arts.