Form V: Shien / Djem So

"I prefer more straightforward methods."

— Anakin Skywalker to Obi-Wan Kenobi

Darth Vader and his style of Djem So.

Form V: Shien / Djem So, the Way of the Krayt Dragon, or the Perseverance Form, is the fifth of the seven classic forms of lightsaber combat. Form V is a powerful style developed by Form III practitioners that preferred a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III often led to dangerously prolonged combat. Djem So evolved into a combat style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Soresu with the more aggressive philosophy/tactics of Makashi. Bold, powerful, fearless, and confident are traits often used to describe practitioners of Djem So.

Shien also falls under this style since it shares many similarities with Djem So. Shien is better at dealing with blaster bolts while Djem So is better at lightsaber dueling, as it needs a higher level of physical strength and aggressive moves. True masters of Form V learn Shien and Djem So.

Form V came into existence by taking the defensive skills derived from Form III and quickly channeling it into offense. A common example used to illustrate the difference is that that while Form III combatants can effortlessly deflect blaster bolts, Form V practitioners excel at redirecting the blaster fire back towards their opponent. This action simultaneously defends the user and efficiently injures the enemy. Form V emphasizes strength and power over opponents. Many Jedi disapproved of this philosophy. Some in the Order felt that this lightsaber form led too quickly to violence instead of to diplomacy when dealing with disputes because it appears to call for the physical domination of an opponent, which is counter to Jedi beliefs.

Using a combination of blocks and parries derived from Soresu and Makashi, a Djem So user has a proper foundation in terms of defense against both blaster and melee attacks. However, while a Soresu user stays on the defensive and only counterattacks when necessary or when an opening appears in their opponent’s defense, a Djem So practitioner is not so measured or patient. After defending against an attack by an opponent, a Djem So stylist usually follows up with an attack of their own. While Makashi relies on precise and small cuts of the blade, Djem So utilizes a series of flourishes and attacks that included wide two-handed swings and powerful overhead/over-shoulder slashes. Unlike Soresu, Djem So requires the user to not only counterattack, but press the assault, combining Force-enhanced strength with powerful blade combinations, to overpower and overwhelm an opponent's defenses.

Djem So practitioners use their entire body including their arms, shoulders, legs and forward momentum to overwhelm an opponent. The sheer kinetic power generated by these attacks can be enough to force the opponent’s lightsaber back on its master. It is also common for Djem So users to lock their swords and use their strength to drive their opponents back and corner them into a more vulnerable position.

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 users are so caught up in the attack that they undermine their own defenses.

Luke Skywalker using the classical, two-handed, style of Form V.

The philosophy of Djem So not only emphasizes strength and power in defeating an opponent, but more importantly on action. This makes it a more favorable combat form for Jedi who want quick resolutions and favor "aggressive negotiations."

Lightsabers belonging to Form V practitioners generally have a solid casing either as a whole or in multiple sections for maximum protection against power surge deterioration, and a heavily shrouded blade emitter to designate separate facets of the blade for either offensive or defensive purposes.

Darth Vader created his own variant of Form V, where he would use only one hand to strike and defend, and hold the other casually by his side. This was the case during his duel with his son on Bespin.

Despite its controversies, Djem So has proven to be an effective combat style, utilizing the parries and defensive techniques of Form II and III, but with a ferocious style all its own.

Known Exodus Masters of Shien / Djem So

• Aldar Melron
• Azian Secura
• Beliel
• Burx Ludo
• Caius Wyn
• Cazzik Wyn
• Cecil Tellyn
• Daer'Gunn
• Darth Kabal
• Darth Obscurus
• Darth Vheil
• Dorset Konig
• Ilan Garuda
• Jerik Blackthorne
• Kaycen Varrus
• Kaleel
• Katra Kos
• Kishkumen
• Korr-El
• Matthew Donovan
• Nero Biim
• Parek Vuusen
• Qidak Aaia
• Quinis Asanis
• Rath Nir
• Rayatryn Jeib
• Renalla Starrider
• Ryo Kasyk
• Sariv-Cren
• Sivter
• Srissk
• Trec Thul
• Tulsar Leidias
• Zan Fyar

Sources

• Wookieepedia