Do you want to learn to fight like a Jedi? Then clear your mind and concentrate. In this article, we're going to go through some of the best Jedi fight tips you can keep in mind when duelling - all based on things we've seen in the movies and TV shows.
Considering that we'll soon be launching something very special for fans of lightsaber combat and duelling sabers, this article couldn't come at a better time...
Jedi Fight Tip 1: Know The Forms
Jedi fighting forms were developed to give Jedi options in combat and to address certain threats, like blasters. Some forms are better for saber-on-saber duelling, whilst others are designed to take on groups.
For real-life Jedi fights with a saber, Shii-cho (form I) is the best thing to learn first. Once you have a good understanding of how it works, you'll be able to safely duel without risking injuries.
We've written a pretty comprehensive guide to lightsaber forms in the past. Click here to read it.
Jedi Fight Tip 2: Learn Basic Fencing Techniques
In the Star Wars universe, lightsabers are a strange weapon for any non-force sensitive person to wield. With a blade made of weightless energy, they lack the balance of traditional bladed weapons.
Luckily, there's a real-life similarity here. Fencing sabers, whilst not quite as exciting as an energy weapon, also have lightweight blades. Better still, fencing as an artform is all about 'touching' your opponent with the blade, which if it was a real lightsaber could be a fatal shot.
For that reason alone, fencing is a useful sport for lightsaber duelling fans. While we don't recommend downing your saber and going to train fencing (we're here for Jedi fighting, not renaissance poking!), there are some fundamentals you could benefit from.
Take a look at the techniques in the video below (specifically advancing, retreating and lunging.
Jedi Fight Tip 3: Supplement Your Training
All Jedi are athletic - as they're training not only their minds, but their bodies. While they may be enhanced by the force, in a real life lightsaber duel you'll have to rely on physicality.
Supplement your saber training with some basic fitness. You want to be able to last through a duel without running out of steam, so add some cardio training such as jogging and resistance exercises such as press-ups, sit-ups and squats into your regime.
Lower body strength is very important in any combat-orientated sport as it directly impacts your power, speed and explosiveness. Focus on your legs and you'll find your saber skills naturally increasing.
Jedi Fight Tip 4: Don't Do An 'Obi-Wan'
Remember that moment in A New Hope when Obi-Wan lifts his saber up and allows Darth Vader to strike him down? While he might have come back as a force ghost, you'll find yourself winded and with a sore stomach if you try the same thing.
Joking about Obi-Wan aside, the tip is really that you can't ever ignore defence for the sake of looking cool. It'll only end in tears (not Luke's - yours).
Jedi Fight Tip 5: Have A Lot Of Fun
Lightsaber combat is all about having fun. After all, we're playing around with our sabers because we love the series and all of us grew up dreaming of being Jedi (or Sith, maybe).
While saber duelling has become an official sport under some organisations, it's still a pretty light-hearted activity. Never try and genuinely hurt your opponent and take care of your saber. While our duelling sabers are made of extra-strong riot grade polycarbonate, you should still duel in a controlled manner to avoid hurting people and to refine your technique.
If you've read this far, you're already someone interested in saber duelling. Keep your eyes peeled on our site for something VERY big coming soon.