Steps into the training ground, a very common sight at this point as she bows to the Guards and Master Koll before making her way over to her normal practicing grounds. Taking ten minutes to slowly stretch, exercise and breath through her focus, flexing her fingers a moment as she notes the residual tension in them. Making some mental note of it though she takes a breath and sets the holopad on the ground, activating the new datadisk inside and stepping back with her foil pike in hand ready to start the new lessons
(Zabrakian Teacher) Welcome students to Djem So. Let us begin with the understanding and aspects of Djem So. Form V was developed by Jedi who preferred a more offensive angle to lightsaber combat. Djem So utilizes strong, powerful techniques, which to a well trained opponent can be quite easily predictable,
but the power is hoped to overwhelm the opponent. As opposed to Soresu which often results in long combats, Djem So often has short duels, as the user either overpowers the opponent or is fatigued. 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. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent. Also, it utilizes Form II’s parries,
allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it.
nods as she listens to the explanation. Attentive and curious as to th lesson
(Zabrakian Teacher) However, where Form II concentrated on precise and elegant parries, Djem So permits the user to
actually fully block and repel attacks since it calls for the use of more brute, Force-enhanced strength. Djem So is also different from Form III in the fact that practitioners of Form V believe that the best defense is a good offense. It has already been observed that Form III users simply parry lightsaber
attacks until the opponent makes a fatal mistake. Form V practitioners take the near impenetrable defenses of Form III and press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength. 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.
Hmm. I see, yes that is a strong concern. Though I can see the value in both.
(Zabrakian Teacher) With the offensive but refined movements of Form II and the highly defensive postures of Form III,
Djem So has been proven to be a highly effective style. A master of Djem So will be able to pull back from the abyss of the dark side. Djem So stylists are often moving towards their opponents, striking with each forward step. Since
Djem So utilizes strength and power into each of its strikes, it requires the user to generate that power with their entire body, footwork, and forward motion. It also makes their movements predictable and fairly rigid, as they would constantly charge ahead towards their opponents. Another weakness in this
form is that its aggressive style can also lead to carelessness or even recklessness, as they’re so caught up in the attack that a user undermines their own defenses. Despite its controversies, Djem So has proven to be an effective combat style, utilizing the parries and defensive techniques of Form II & III, but with a ferocious style all its own.
Hmm, I see, that’s very interesting. Sounds like it will be a more difficult form. Pressing the button to continue
(Zabrakian Teacher) Moving on now we will discuss the mental aspect of Djem So. Djem So is a very powerful form when mastered. However, there are several common mistakes made
while using Djem So that can lead to your downfall. They are as follows with their explanation.
Head tilts at that curiously
(Zabrakian Teacher) Fatigue - it is easy to tire yourself out very quickly doing Djem So. The strong attacks can make you tired very quickly. Don’t start off with the most powerful attacks. Starting off too strong leaves you tired if the duel lasts longer than expected. Learn to judge how much power is needed behind each attack.
(Zabrakian Teacher) Defense! - It is very easy to forget all about defense during Djem So. You can get so caught up in attack that you forget you need to defend yourself. Always focus on the combat and where your opponents lightsaber
is going. Chances are that during your attacks your opponent will try and sneak in an attack somewhere. Don’t keep to the same zones all the time. This makes you predictable. Don’t attack zone 2, 3, 2, 3 - add more variety such as 2, 3, 2, 5, 1 etc. This keeps your opponent on their toes and makes you less predictable and open to attack. If you focus on the same area for a long time you leave your opposite area open to attack - if you attack your opponents arms your legs are left open to attack.
(Zabrakian Teacher) Power - Getting some strength behind attacks is important. To gain more strength in your attacks, imagine that what you are trying to hit is 6 inches away from the target. You must believe this is true as well. When
the weapon is nearing the target you naturally slow down slightly, so by imagining the target being slightly further on, when you make contact you haven’t slowed down and have more strength in the attack.
Hmm, definitely a much more demanding form. Will likely take a few sessions to get this down taking a breath before continuing
(Zabrakian Teacher) Djem So focuses a lot on attack, so the attack techniques are often very simple yet powerful. Let us begin. Form one. Putting the lightsaber over your head, in line with your spine, bring the saber down, slicing vertically
and end with your hands at waist height with the blade in front of your face. drawing out their vibrant orange lightsaber they begin showing the form with calm and practiced ease
Nods slowly, impressed by the color but goes through the motion of the form
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form two. This is a rushing attack where the lightsaber is swung from one shoulder to the opposite hip, brought back up behind the back, and swung down from the opposite shoulder to hip. This X-shaped attack is useful for keeping an enemy busy blocking and unable to counterattack. another simple demonstration. Movements near flawless
Follows through with his movement, nodding to his words as she completes the steps with him
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form three. Bring the saber behind your back, keeping the blade horizontal. The handle should be just below shoulder height. Bring the saber round quickly slashing at your opponents right arm. The display powerful and without hesitations.
Nods as she goes through the form. More happy that these ones seem more simple
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form four. With the handle at chin height and the blade vertical in front of your face, bring the blade down at your opponents right arm. A swift display
Completes the form as well, nodding calmly
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form five. Bring the saber behind your back, keeping the blade horizontal. The handle should be just below shoulder height. Bring the saber round quickly slashing at your opponents arm. the simple movements
nods and goes through the motion, ensuring the handle is in the correct position
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form six. With the handle at chin height and the blade vertical in front of your face, bring the blade down at your opponents left arm. The casual display comes easily
goes through the form, nodding as it is nearly as casual as his
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form seven. Bring the saber up over your right shoulder. Bring the saber vertically down, following through past the right leg. Follow through until the saber is near your right shoulder and vertical. Bring the saber across your body, until the blade is behind your left shoulder. Bring the saber back across your front and then begin the repeat of bringing the saber up over your right shoulder, and when your ready, Instead of bringing the saber back down, bring around your back to the right side, placing your second hand on the handle when it is going over your head. Then arc the blade round diagonally, finally executing a horizontal slash at your opponents arm. he goes through the motions, repeating the motion several times before completing the final move of the attack
blinks several times having to rewatch it a few times before moving through it, taking three times to get the movement comfortable enough to do without mistake I will have to practice that one.
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form eight. Spin round from right to left, bringing the saber up low on the left hand side. This is a possible chance to strike your opponents right leg, but it isn’t necessary. Bring the saber up behind your head like in the picture below. Strike at your opponents left arm. Bring the saber back round behind your head, only when it gets there, begin to turn from right to left again. Bring the lightsaber up behind your head again, only over your left shoulder. Strike at your opponents right arm. going through the movement more slowly to give a more clear example
Okay, these got a lot harder! copying and having to repeat it several times to get down comfortably
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form nine. Spin around and bring the saber slashing round horizontally aiming for the higher torso. a more easy form he displays with ease
Sighs in some relief at the more easy form as she copies it
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form ten. Holding the saber in both hands, push it directly forward in a jabbing motion, aiming for your opponents chest. A simple and calm display
Nods and copies the form, managing it easily
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form eleven. With your back to your opponent, bring your lightsaber round to the reverse grip, then place your weak hand firmly on the end of the saber handle. Then push the saber behind you into your opponents chest. Giving a display with an invisible opponent
Yikes, that one is brutal! says though copies the form, not enjoying this one but does complete it
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form twelve. Holding the saber in your strong hand, push it directly forward in a jabbing motion, aiming for your opponents chest. Again a simple display
nods and does the form with him with relative ease
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form thirteen. With the saber pointing down bring the blade from the bottom to the top, slicing vertically upwards. Can be done with one or two hands. Shows both forms using one hand, then two
Hmm given she uses her pike, she uses the two handed method and nods in approval
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form fourteen. Starting in the defensive neutral stance as described in Shii Cho, swing the blade back, round your arm swiping upwards across your body at your opponent. The blade should end up on the opposite side from which you started. A more simple display
Nods following through, content as she completes the form
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form fifteen. Holding the saber with one hand, bring the lightsaber slashing downwards from over your right shoulder. The blade should swing from the top right to bottom left. Bring the saber back round from left to right. Bring the lightsaber over your right shoulder. Your arm should be at a right angle to your body with he elbow bent. Bring the blade slicing vertically downwards. Bring the blade vertical with the blade arcing from right to left near the back of your legs to end with the blade vertical, pointing upwards, with the handle near the base of the spine. Bring the blade horizontally across your front from right to left, with the handle leading the blade. Bring the blade around your head, keeping the blade vertical. Grab the handle with both hands and do a horizontal attack. This attack can be focused at any part of your opponents body. Goes through the motions as he explains it, before going through the form in one fluid motion
Oh geez…takes to watching the explanation and examples several times before slowly going through it with them another several, taking a breath before moving on
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form sixteen. Bring the saber down low behind your back, and bring powerfully slicing upwards at your opponent. Follow through, bringing the lightsaber behind the right side of your head. Then quickly bring the lightsaber round behind your back, whilst rotating your body round. Now bring the saber slicing round, attacking your opponents right side. Your back will be to your opponent at this point. moving through the form with the explanation then again through swiftly
takes a breath again going through the clip a few times, before copying it in several attempts to get it right before finally managing it
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form seventeen. Swipe the blade low from left to right attacking the shins. a more simple example
sighs as again the lesson gets easier, easily managing
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form eighteen. Bring the saber behind your back, keeping the blade horizontal. The handle should be just below shoulder height. Bring the saber round quickly slashing at your opponents leg. calmly going through the motions again
Nods as she does so, following through with ease
(Zabrakian Teacher) Form nineteen. Bring the saber behind your back, keeping the blade horizontal. The handle should be just below shoulder height. Bring the saber round quickly slashing at your opponents leg. goes through the motion calmly
Follows through easily
(Zabrakian Teacher) Now the last two moves are more disarming techniques designed to be used with specific forms. So pay attention closely. Start off with form one. Then push your opponents lightsaber down to the ground getting your lightsaber behind their lightsaber blade. Then bring your lightsaber up, making contact with your opponents hands. A visual display of how to do so
grimaces but follows through calmly, doing as he does
(Zabrakian Teacher) Last one for today. Begin with form four but keep contact with your opponents blade. push their blade down, then push your saber so the tip goes behind their blade then pull the saber up. If done right it should make contact with your opponents hands. Again giving the display
Nods and completes the form grimly
(Zabrakian Teacher) That concludes todays lesson. In the next lesson we will discuss defense abilities. Though for now, practice these forms and get to know the attacks and commit them to memory. As always be careful and remember not to tire yourself out. May the force be with you.
The holopad shuts of leaving her standing there for several minutes considering the last two moves, slowly she sighs picking up the holopad and slowly begins practicing the forms over and over again, till she starts to feel tired and moves to rest. Meditating on the lesson and the final two forms