JKC.04 >> Lightsaber Combat >> Introduction

While it is true that a Jedi should use their knowledge and skill only for defence, it is also true that one must prepare for circumstances that require an attack. The focus that can be attained from intense training with a lightsaber is beneficial in both the physical and mental aspects of your training. True competence comes from not only training the reflexes, but from developing the mind as well. All too often adolescents carry with them superior physical skills, yet their ability to relax, then concentrate and focus their minds, is lacking. The amount of physical training required to achieve skill in both timing and strength is staggering, yet it is well known that a saber is lethal in skilled hands. It is our hope that you will take these words and instructions to heart, and use them as a starting point for your combat training. We will begin with some basics to remember, then move into how you should be gripping your elegant weapon... a good initial strategy using the lightsaber is to run at your opponent while attacking hitting straight on may result with a block in his favour, but most likely a hit in yours always remember to face your opponent so you can block his attack a true Jedi should need no other weapon than his lightsaber

JKC.04 >> Lightsaber Combat >> Gripping Your Lightsaber

The classic grip which is used by most Jedi during battle is to have the left hand at the bottom of the hilt, and the right at the top. This grip has origins with two-handed Japanese weapons. The left hand actually does all of the work moving the weapon in a verticle direction, while the right hand steers it's swing. With both hands creating a 'V' shape between the thumb and fore finger, the strongest force is applied by the ring and little fingers, not the fore and index fingers.

JKC.04 >> Lightsaber Combat >> Stance (Footwork)

As your feet pass each other during battle, they should be moving in small arcs, coming first in toward the other foot before arcing out to their final position. However, more often your feet will NOT pass each other, as the leading foot needs to stay in front for the combat system to remain effective (especially against an opponent, not just in personal training). Shift the foot closest to your opponent into position first, then shift the other foot into position as quickly as possible to avoid being off balance for too long (it can be either foot depending on your preference). Your feet should slide or skim the floor so that you are never really 'off balance'. When the foot is lifted the toe should remain to skim, making your movements toe-to-heel, rather than heel-to-toe. This is why you will find most Jedi wear long, flowing robes: to concealing their footwork will hide their next move.

JKC.04 >> Lightsaber Combat >> Swinging Your Lightsaber

The last vital component in establishing your style of combat is the way in which you swing your lightsaber. Because the 'blade' of the saber is made entirely of energy matter, the lightsaber has no weight other than that of the handle itself. This should be taken into consideration, so that you do not place too much force behind your attack and end up with undesirable results.