Swordsmanship,+Niman

Form VI Niman "Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form" (By Sam)(ael) (Return to Swordsmanship)

―Kavar ||
 * **Quote:** ||
 * "For superior balance, use the Niman form. This form has no specific strengths, but no weaknesses either."

Noteable Practitioners : Cin Drallig



Philosophy : Form VI was the standard style at and around the time period of the Clone Wars and the Great Jedi Purge. This combat discipline was often called the "Diplomat's Form." Unfortunately, all of the Form VI practitioners at the Battle of Geonosis were killed. As a result, full masters of other lightsaber forms sometimes considered Form VI to be insufficiently demanding.

Form VI attempted to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the techniques from Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. In practice, Form VI was a combination of older forms (Forms I, III, IV, and V), and all of them in moderation. In the blending, much of the individuality was lost, but the strengths were spread evenly, and there was little weakness in it. Due to its "jack-of-all-trades" nature, the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner's intuition, improvisation, and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms. This broad generalization made Form VI well suited for diplomats, as they could spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.

Niman was not, however, a weak form. While many other lightsaber forms bolstered the wielder's abilities in one area, while leaving him vulnerable in others, Niman was capable in all situations but had no dramatic strengths. It provided no edge in battle, but achieved its worth in not leaving its wielder as exposed as some of the more aggressive forms. Its strength was its balance. The form was also considered a basis for more 'unorthodox' fighting, as Jedi who used it were less frequently using automatic reflex than constantly thinking and often had time to invent unusual strategies for combat. It also provided a decent defense versus enemy Force powers and blaster fire.

Sometimes, sparring with another one could achieve a state of meditation, and the Niman form was one of the best such techniques. Its great strength was the way it allowed the Force to flow through its practitioner, revitalizing him even in the middle of combat. The philosophy of Form VI was "the leaf swept in the winds of the Force." Users of this lightsaber form achieved a mindset of one who was not troubled by their surroundings, but simply rode the current of the surrounding turmoil, being well-balanced within.

Some added History : The form was named after Niman, the twin trinities of Kashi gods. Its forerunners were both two-bladed styles, one developed by the Royale Machetero of Kashi Mer, and the other the original Jar'Kai, develped by the Yovshin Swordsmen. It was adapted by the Legions of Lettow after the Great Schism into current Jar'Kai form of combat. Form VI was adapted from Jar'Kai.

Posture : Because of it's rounded nature Niman has given birth to many, many opening postures. These tend to correspond to unique tactics of the practitioners, therefore the most commonly used stance is a centered and grounded stance though any other might serve.

Tactics :

With Ataru, or Makashi you practice a what to do when this or that happens. With Niman you perfect each of many moves and rely upon your intuition to overcome. With trust in the force intuition never fails ." -Sam)(ael- || Niman is truely unique in that it is free to use any tactics the practicing Jedi prefers. Usually the Jedi will create their tactics to set off their opponent's weaknesses and so it differs each time.
 * **Quote:** ||
 * " Niman is less a formula than an art.

A Jedi will commonly test an opponent's form with some practicing attacks and defences until they can see their weaknesses.

Unique movements : Niman practitioners learn most movements and some even go to great lengths to find unique ones to add.

Practice :

Step 1: Attack A niman practitioner will practice their movements 1000 times each to be sure they fully grasp them. In order to do this they practice each movement in many situations. -Aim The Jedi practices one attack to the high right, middle, and left. Then the mid right, center, and left. Then the low right, middle, and left. Then they will practice ground sweeps to the right, left, and middle, and then jumping attacks in all directions. -Position The Jedi will also preactice performing all of the aiming practice from each stance applicable. (practice each attack until all are smooth and feel perfect and easy to you.)

Step 2: Defence The Jedi will practice each defence in four ways, dodging the attack, Blocking it, Parrying it, and using the 'soresu minimal'. These blocks will be practiced from all stances and at all quarters. (Practice each defense until all are smooth and feel perfect and easy to you.)

Step 3: Varying opponents you should practice sparring with varied opponents using varied forms, so you can practice adapting to them.

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