Swordsmanship,+Zero

=Form Zero= (Various writers accredited below) (Return to Swordsmanship)

Created by Grandmaster Yoda, Form Zero teaches a very ethical aspect of when to use a lightsaber. Though Form Zero is not a form of lightsaber combat, it should still be taught and should be learned before a sword (or lightsaber) is ever picked up. It is important to learn Form Zero before any other form. You could have the sword, but if you do not have the knowledge of when, not how, to use the lightsaber, it is useless.. You can learn the "flashiest" moves, but if you do not have the wisdom as to when to use those moves, your sword is useless. Grandmaster Yoda used the word Zero for a reason; it is symbolic that it should be learned even before Shii-Cho.

Jedi are pacific people and should not draw the sword as soon as you get mad. It is better to have a verbal discussion to try to calm a situation or even the Force. The sword is symbolic of fighting, that is something that can not be changed; if a sword is drawn, it can be (and normally is) understood that a fight is on the brink, thus, a Jedi should want to draw the sword as a last resort.

Knight Ki-Lan Ray

Form Zero is the basis for instruction of lightsaber combat originally defined by Jedi Master Yoda. The art of Form Zero lies in a lightsaber that has not been ignited. A Jedi cannot protect and serve the galaxy in the Jedi way if he/she does not know when to draw his/her sword and when to resort to different means of solving a problem. Form Zero, unlike most other forms, does not teach a Jedi how to use a lightsaber, but when to use one. The knowledge, understanding, and wisdom behind the idea of right and wrong encompasses the idea that a Jedi who feels the necessity to use Form Zero, the absence of violence, is truly gifted in the ways of the Force. It is often used when a Jedi like Kyle Katarn or Jaden Korr achieves his aims by finesse, rather than force (such instances of use of Form Zero are identified as being in Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy). Luke Skywalker himself demonstrates Form Zero when he allows himself (and his entire team) to be captured by the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi, seeing that responding in violence would bring more harm than good, and instead choosing to passively wait for the situation to play itself out, and in doing so, gaining an essential ally in achieving their victory in the Battle of Endor. (Wikipedia)

This is the quote that relates Luke’s choice of Form Zero in Endor:

“Luke reached for his lightsaber, but just then a third Ewok ran forward, pushing the more aggressive ones out of the way, and shrieked a long string of seeming invective at them, in a decidedly scolding tone. At this, Luke decided to hold off on his lightsaber. Han was wounded and angry, though. He started to draw his pistol. Luke stopped him before he cleared his holster, with a look. “Don’t- it’ll be all right.” He added. Never confuse ability with appearance, Ben used to tell him- or actions with motivations. Luke was uncertain of these little furries, but he had a feeling. Han held his arm, and held his peace, as the Ewoks swarmed around, confiscating all their weapons. Luke even relinquished his lightsaber.” “Return of the Jedi” J.Kahn

A Jedi should always try to solve a situation in a peaceful way, and igniting his/her lightsaber should be the last resort when any other thing has failed.

Luke teaches us also that a Jedi should stop the others from using violence. When we feel threatened by someone or something, it is natural to feel the need to defend oneself, and a Jedi has many possibilities to do it, but this knowledge is also a huge responsibility. It is always good to remember Obi-Wan’s words and to try to understand the real motivations hidden under the actions, as well as the real ability under the appearance. It is essential to be able to control our fear and think with clarity in order to find the words or the actions that may allow us to avoid igniting our lightsaber or to recognize the moment when it is impossible not to ignite it.

Master Silmerion Skywalker

In Japanese culture, there is a coming of age ritual called "Genpuku" that was passed down in Samurai families for generations. When a young man turned 15, his father gave him a wakizashi (short sword.) This wakizashi was to be placed on a stand and never to be used. It is said that the father would also give his son a poem stating "When you have won a battle and this sword remains on it's stand, untouched and undisturbed, only then are you a true Samurai.'

Brandon Waite

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