Shii-Cho was the first lightsaber combat form that involved basic lightsaber techniques. This form was the best lightsaber form against primitive metal weapons like swords or axes. As the enemy got their hands on lightsabers, the first form turned insufficient.
When the opponent brandished a lightsaber as well, the original form’s erratic and imprecise slurries proved ineffective. Due to this form’s shortcomings, the opponent was gaining the upper hand when using lightsabers. Something had to be done to contain the Sith lords since they were becoming unmanageable.
Jedi Order began to modify the first lightsaber form to cover their weaknesses. They came up with a second lightsaber combat form. Let’s deal with the questions like what is 2nd lightsaber combat form? Is it the Anakin lightsaber form or Obi-Wan lightsaber form? Is it the best lightsaber form? Also, learn how to duel in a lightsaber fighting using the best lightsaber form, the 2nd form.
Lightsaber Form II – Makashi
The second lightsaber combat form is called Makashi, or the contention form. This form is also famous as the way of Ysalamiri. This form was the modification of the first lightsaber form. The first lightsaber fighting form has a big weakness in the defense and accuracy. So, Jedis heavily focused on defense, precision, and swiftness while creating Makashi. The Makashi user relies heavily on its defense.
The Makashi fighting style requires concentration, calmness, and discipline during lightsaber fighting. This form is based on perfect footwork that needs years to master. It is a great deal to master it without any Makshi weakness. The Makashi users keep their movement to a minimum while focusing on the enemy’s attacks. The second form is intended to dodge or block the series of attacks of Shii-Cho users.
The first form consumes a great deal of energy and stamina. On the other hand, the Makashi fighting style saves your energy because of proper footwork in lightsaber fighting. It allows Makashi users to dodge the slurries of your enemy, ultimately tiring them off. So, the energy economy during the battle is an important part of the 2nd lightsaber form.
The major focus of Makashi was to create an opening for an attack during the fight. Since the 2nd lightsaber form relies on few openings, its core ability was the precision of its attacks during lightsaber fighting. After the Makashi user finds an opening, his strike must be precise and quick to finish his opponent off in mere seconds.
In simpler words, the Makashi fighting style depended on three things: precision, economy, and fluidity. Lacking even one of these things could become a Makashi weakness. These qualities make 2nd lightsaber the most combat-centric of all the seven lightsaber combat forms. The Makashi form user stays close to his opponent and forces him to keep attacking in lightsaber fighting, tiring him off, and then swift and unpredictably attacks. This approach made it one of the best lightsaber forms.
Why is 2nd form called the Way of Ysalamiri?
Like Jedis are Force-sensitive people, other creatures are also sensitives to Force in that galaxy. Many creatures used Force for hunting. Others used Force to defend themselves from these Force hunters.
Ysalamiri is a lizard-like creature who could use Force. They created bubbles made out of Force to protect them from the Force attacks of predators by repelling the Force. Inside the bubbles, they minimized the presence of Force. They could minimize it so much that even Jedis could not use the Force under the bubble. This bubble could reach a length of 10 meters. The Ysalamiris could also join their Force bubbles and extend it further.
This tenacity of Ysalamiri lizards impressed the Jedi Order. They named Makashi after these creatures as the Way of Ysalamiri. Like these creatures could minimize the Force, a Makashi user can minimize his movement and energy. Plus, Makashi users also protect themselves from Force-based attacks with their unique Makashi fighting style.
Limitations of Second Lightsaber Form – Makashi Weakness
Makashi may look like the best lightsaber form, but time unveiled the Makashi weakness. People found out that it was not the best lightsaber form. Like Shii-Cho, 2nd lightsaber form worked fine for some time. As the more advanced modes of battles appeared, Makashi almost disappeared as well.
Makashi’s weakness was that it was the most practical of all the seven lightsaber combat forms. It was perfect for lightsaber vs. lightsaber duels, especially against the first lightsaber form. Makashi users kept them working on Makashi fighting styles. But, Sith lords and rogue Jedis did not restrict themselves to lightsabers only.
In the times of Hyperspace Wars and Old Sith lords, an unexpected mode of battles began and uncovered Makashi’s weakness. Sith Lords and Dark Jedis took advantage of the benefit of advancing technology. Instead of relying on lightsabers, they appeared with projectile weapons such as blaster guns. These guns could fire blasters from a great distance.
Jedi Order, who had just adapted to practical lightsaber combat forms, was not prepared for this. The second lightsaber form was very effective in lightsaber combats but failed completely against these blasters. Jedis could not catch the speed of blasters. Even if Makashi users did, they could not stop such a small incoming bullet at high speed with the Makashi fighting style.
Another Makashi’s weakness was its lack of enough kinetic energy during its usage. This form required great focus but lacked the strength to generate momentum. Makashi user was able to block easily, but a person with brute strength could easily break through the footwork and Makashi-users defense.
The invention of projectile weapons and lack of strength caused the Makashi fighting style to become lost into oblivious. Jedis stopped using this lightsaber form and developed the third lightsaber form, which provided defense against the blasters.
Who used Makashi?
Like Shii-Cho, 2nd lightsaber form also had very limited users. Still, the master of Makashi was unmatchable. It was neither the Anakin lightsaber form nor the Obi-Wan lightsaber form. We all know Darth Tyrannous, also known as Count Dooku. He was a visionary person who tried to change the corrupted Republic. Despite Makashi’s weaknesses, he was an expert Makashi user. Anyone who has watched the prequels and Clone Wars series can tell he had a unique Makashi fighting style.
Count Dooku always grabbed his lightsaber with one hand and let the enemy come to him. A prime example is his lightsaber fighting against the Nightsisters. He single-handedly tired them off without much movement using his footwork and made them run away.
Similarly, Count Dooku’s apprentice, Assajj Ventress, was also a Makashi user. Assajj Ventress was not as proficient as his master, but his two lightsabers not only complemented Makashi’s fighting style but covered Makashi’s weakness to its best potential.
FAQs
What is Form II Makashi primarily used for?
It’s primarily used for one-on-one lightsaber dueling.
Who is a notable practitioner of Makashi?
Count Dooku is a famous user of Makashi.
How does Makashi differ from other lightsaber forms?
Makashi focuses on elegance and precision, unlike other forms that might prioritize power or defense.
Is Makashi effective against multiple opponents?
Makashi is less effective in multi-opponent scenarios due to its focus on single duels.
What are the key characteristics of Makashi?
Grace, balance, and control define Makashi’s combat style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Form II, also known as Makashi, exemplifies precision and control in lightsaber combat. This style, favored by those seeking a dueling edge, emphasizes technique over brute strength. Makashi requires grace and balance, making it ideal for one-on-one battles. Practitioners like Count Dooku have demonstrated its effectiveness, particularly against single opponents. Mastery of Form II demands discipline and a deep understanding of an opponent’s vulnerabilities. Consequently, it remains a revered form among skilled duelists in the Star Wars universe.
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