In the expansive galaxy ofStar Wars, lightsaber forms play a significant role in the combat repertoire of Jedi and Sith alike. Among the earliest forms to emerge was Shii-cho, which originated in a time when lightsabers were scarce and primarily used against adversaries armed with primitive weaponry. However, as the reputation of lightsabers as potent tools of combat spread far and wide, one-on-one confrontations between skilled saber wielders became more prevalent. It became evident thatShii-cho was not suitedfor this new era of lightsaber duels.
This realization prompted the creation of Form II: Makashi, tailored for intense and intricate duels between two individuals wielding lightsabers. Among all the lightsaber combat forms, Makashi stands out as the most adept style for such head-to-head confrontations. Its development arose from the necessity to adapt to the changing dynamics of lightsaber combat, where mastery of the elegant and precise techniques of Makashi became essential for those seeking supremacy in the art of lightsaber dueling inStar Wars.
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Origin of Form II: Makashi
The core purpose of Form II: Makashi was to act as a countermeasure to Shii-Cho’s sweeping and aggressive movements. While Form I aimed to disarm the opponent, Makashi sought to neutralize this strategy through precision swordplay and refined techniques. In its early stages, Makashi focused on providing a strong defensive foundation, enabling practitioners to protect themselvesagainst an adversary’s blade. However, to secure a victory, an adept in this style needed to complement their defensive skills with a more offensive form, allowing them to seize opportunities and deliver decisive strikes.
Interestingly, Makashi was initially introduced in the novelization ofAttack of the Clones. Although the novel provided extensive details about the form and its history, it wasn’t explicitly referred to by name. Later, in theStar Wars Insider 62article “Fightsaber: Jedi Lightsaber Combat,” authored by David West Reynolds and fencer Jack “Stelen” Bobo, the form was officially identified as Form II lightsaber combat. The comprehensive details and historical background of the form were elaborated upon, and its distinct title “Makashi,” as well as alternative designations such as the “Way of the Ysalamiri” and “Contention Form,” were officially recognized in subsequent sources.
Famous Practitioners
During the tumultuous era of the Great Jedi Purge, Form II found prominent practitioners amongboth Sith and Jedi. Notably, the formidable Sith Lord Darth Vader delved into the intricacies of Form II and integrated various elements of Makashi into his personalized variant of Djem So. His apprentice, Starkiller, also possessed enough knowledge of Makashi to recognize its influence in Vader’s techniques during their duel.
Among the Sith, Count Dooku, who adopted the name Darth Tyranus, stood as one of the most skilled and refined practitioners of Makashi. He attained mastery of the form, emphasizing emotional control and tactical acumen over the frenzied aggression commonly seen in his opponents, including some of his own students such as Asajj Ventress and General Grievous. Dooku’s practical application of Makashi set a standard few could match, with only Yoda surpassing his prowess, and Mace Windu being considered his equal in combat skill.
However, Makashi was not limited to the Sith, as the Jedi also embraced its teachings. Jedi swordmasters like Skarch Vaunk praised the mental discipline instilled by the form. The Jedi even included classical Makashi duels during their Mid-Year Fete, fostering its continued survival and practice. Other notable Jedi practitioners of Makashi includedDooku’s former Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn; esteemed Jedi Council Master Shaak Ti; renowned Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig; and the accomplished Master Jerec, who was believed to have perfected the form.
Notable Jedi Knights also incorporated elements of Makashi into their fighting styles, to varying extents. Kento Marek utilized some aspects of the form, though his understanding remained limited. Similarly, Jax Pavan received Form II training at some point and successfully applied basic Makashi moves and tactics during his confrontation with Aurra Sing.
Known Maneuvers
Form II: Makashi stood out for its emphasis on precision and efficiency over raw power. Practitioners of this elegant style favored jabs, parries, and light cuts, eschewing the more forceful slashes, blocks, and chops seen in other forms. The mastery of Makashi demanded a calculated approach, requiring unwavering focus and expert timing. Its movements were described as graceful and precise, relying on well-executed feints to confound and ensnare adversaries. This finesse allowed Makashi users to attack and defend with remarkable efficiency, conserving their energy during combat.
Central to Makashi was the importance of footwork inboth offense and defense. Practitioners followed a single line, advancing and retreating with meticulous shifts of their feet to maintain perfect balance. The style incorporated back-and-forth charges, thrusts, and sudden retreats, showcasing its emphasis on balance and maneuverability. Remarkably, Makashi practitioners also demonstrated exceptional skill in warding off Force-based attacks, further highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of this form against individual opponents.
The opening stance of Form II featured a single-handed low guard, with the saber held in the strong hand at the practitioner’s side, pointing downward. Some adopted a side-on stance, directing the blade toward their opponent. Holding the hilt with the thumb pointed along the length of the blade allowed for precise, agile movements. The other fingers wrapped around the hilt firmly yet fluidly, facilitating seamless maneuvers. The characteristic Makashi flourish involved rapidly moving the tip of the lightsaber in an X-shaped pattern through the air, often accompanying the Makashi salute — a challenging gesture directed at the opponent. This salute, performed with one hand, entailedraising the saber verticallyin front of the practitioner’s face before executing the flourish with finesse.
The uniqueness of Makashi lay in its specialized focus on head-to-head lightsaber duels, making it a formidable combat form in one-on-one engagements. However, as blasters became more prevalent and widely used in the galaxy, Makashi faced a challenge. It was not designed to effectively defend against ranged weaponry, making it a weakness whenconfronted with blaster fire. Moreover, Makashi’s emphasis on precision and finesse made it less effective when contending with multiple adversaries simultaneously. The form’s calculated movements and reliance on one-on-one encounters meant that it struggled to cope with the chaos and unpredictability of facing multiple opponents at once.
Despite these limitations, Makashi remained far from obsolete in theStar Warslore. It continued to hold great value and effectiveness in situations where a lightsaber duel involved a single, skilled saber-wielding opponent. In such scenarios, Makashi’s refined techniques and strategic elegance still proved extremely useful and capable of securing victory.
