Form 1: As the weapons technology of the lightsabre was developed, the need for a form of combat arose. Thus Form 1, also called Way of the Sarlacc, was born. Ancient sword-fighting traditions held key principles of blade combat that were implemented by early jedi Masters in the rather basic technical tactics of Form 1.
Form 2:After Form 1's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form 2, or Way of the Ysalamiri, came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his opponent tires himself out. The form relies on parries, thrusts, and small, precise cuts - as opposed to the blocking and slashing of the other forms. The blade manipulation required for this form is very refined and requires much focus, but the results are extremely potent. However, as ranged weapons such as blasters come into play, or more than one opponent is present, the advantages of this form become obsolete.
Form 3: the Way of the Mynock, was originally developed to counteract the advancing blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Those to whom the Jedi were mainly opposed usually wielded blasters now; the Jedi needed to find a method to defend that could not be replicated or be counteracted by the Jedi's blaster-wielding enemies.
Form 4: In dire situations, Form 4 practitioners usethe Force to aid in their acrobatics. Spinning, jumping and running very fast and very high, masters of Form IV are sometimes only seen as a blur. In order to achieve the acrobatic prowess, amazing reflexes and physical punch of this form, a Jedi Master would focus on the Force, letting it flow deeply throughout his entire physicality, even allowing him to overcome the limitations of old age. Due to it's aggressive nature, it is an effective form to use against single enemies.
Form 5: maintains its existence through having sufficient defensive skills, as derived from Form 3, but channeling defense into offense. The example is commonly used that while Form 3 combatants effortlessly deflect laser bolts, Form 5 practitioners excel at redirecting the laser bolt toward the opponent. This simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the opponent. As well, it employs a basic form of Form 2's parries, allowing the user to parry the attempted attack, and counter it. It is different from Form 3 in the fact that practictioners of form 5 will press the assault, using wide, sweeping blows in an attempt to overwhelm the opponent with brute strength. The aggressive philosophy of Form 5 is the source of many a Jedi's disapproval.
Form 6: Form 6 attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate, making Form 6 well suited for diplomats, as they can spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.
Form 7: Dubbed the Way of the Vornskr, Form 7 was an incomplete form for millennia. It was further developed by Jedi Master Mace Windu, who could complete it with his Vaapad fighting style. The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form 7 requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms. Only three Jedi have ever mastered Vaapad fully: Mace Windu, Deba Billaba, and Sora Bulq.
Form 8: Developed by the ancient Jedi Knights during the Great Sith War, Sokan combined tactics that allowed for evasion and mobility with the kinetic motions of Form 4 combat. Sokan involved swift strokes of the lightsaber, which were aimed towards the opponent's vital areas in addition to quick tumbles and movements. Combatants made use of large amounts of terrain, trying to maneuver their opponents into vulnerable areas during the course of battles that involved Sokan techniques.
Form 9: Shien uniquely involves a Jedi holding the lightsaber horizontally. The Jedi pointed the end of the blade at the opponent; it was swung in a fast arc while the Jedi punched his or her saber-hand at his or her opposing combatant, in a stabbing motion. In the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, Master Zez-Kai Ell teaches the Exile this form if the Exile is either a Jedi Guardian or a Jedi Sentienel. (This is not to be confused with Form 5: Shien / Djem So.)
Form 10: The dual saber Niman permitted a Jedi to fight with two lightsabers, one in each hand, as seen in Attack of the clones by Anakin Skywalker. One of the blades in the wielder's hands was used for attacking while the other one was used for defending, such as parrying, or for more offensive power. Many Jedi trained to use the Niman style in the hopes of gaining a basic knowledge of the dual-bladed attack, but very few Jedi ever totally mastered Niman
Form 'Zero': Not an actual form of lightsaber combat per se, Form Zero is the idea that a Jedi should know when to use their lightsaber and when to find another means to solve a problem. This was defined by Master Yoda to address the need of the Jedi to restrain themselves when tempted to use "Aggressive Negotiations," and instead use another well-developed Jedi skill, such as the Jedi mind trick.
Dun möch:The Sith aimed to completely dominate an opponent's spirit through whatever means possible by employing their own lightsaber combat doctrine. Dun möch commonly involved spoken taunts, jeers, and jests that exposed the opponent's hidden, inner weaknesses and/or doubts. Other variations on dun möch involved usage of the Force to throw large, weighty objects at the Sith's opponent during combat, which both distracts the opponent from the battle and could potentially cause damage
