Djem So Saber Form V Combat Training Lightsabers

Form III of the Lightsaber was a defense form. This form’s practitioners typically engaged in drawn-out battles. Additionally, it prohibited the practitioners from using aggressive techniques. Jedis were never outnumbered in combat, and their long, defensive fight styles did them no favors.

To overcome the weaknesses of form iii, Jedis developed two lightsaber forms at the same time, Form iv and form v. The lightsaber form iv was an offense-based form, and Jedis developed it from scratch. However, Jedi created form v to overcome the weaknesses of form III

Let’s find out about lightsaber form v, its weaknesses, and who used that in detail.

Lightsaber Form V – Shien & Djem So

The lightsaber form V is also known as Shien & Djem So, and the Perseverance form. Jedi Order also remembered this form as the way of the Krayt Dragon, named after a reptilian creature native to Tatooine. Form V has two varients, Shien and Djem So.

Although both variants have different purposes, both variants are a modified form of form iii. Form V is an aggressive lightsaber form. Although, It is less aggressive than the form iv as it balances out both the defense and offense aspects of combat. 

Shien Variant

Lightsaber form III was known for its ability to defend against blasters. They were unable to vanquish the enemy, nevertheless, despite their defense. Thus, they produced Shien, the traditional version of form v. Shien was useful against blasters and appeared before its counterpart.

Shien users may maintain a high level of protection without sacrificing offensive capabilities. Shien keeps all the blasters out of the way so that the practitioners can leap quickly toward their opponent.

They called this technique “Shien Deflection.” A master of Shien can easily deflect the blaster with his lightsaber back to it come from or redirect it to a desirable position, also known as “Barrier Blades.”

This form was also effective against the counterattacks of multiple opponents. Shien users keep in mind that they are outnumbered. They must keep their defense up while leaping for offensive maneuvers. 

The Shien opening stance is to hold your dominant leg back for a powerful forward stroke. The user holds the lightsaber with both hands and keeps the lightsaber above his head. The lightsaber blade angle goes behind the user’s head. 

Some Shien practitioners held the lightsaber in reverse style for better leaping strikes. This reverse style is called Reverse Shien.

Sith Shien

Sith lords have their own version of the fifth form’s Shien variant. The Shien stance was the same for Sith lords as Jedis. The lightsaber fighting and blaster deflecting styles were identical. We do not get enough details on how a Sith Shien differed from a normal Shien. 

Djem So, Variant

Soresu Jedi masters who wanted to address the weaknesses of form iii created the second variant of form v. This variant is known as Djem So. While Shien addressed the issues of blasters, Djem So enabled the Jedis to make offensive counterattacks from the defensive stances. 

It is an elegant form that balances out both aspects of combat during the lightsaber duel. Unlike Soresu users, A Djem So’s user does not wait for an opening to strike. He blocks an attack and makes an aggressive move of his own instantly.

The intention of Djem So’s user is not just to counterattack but to push forward and dominate the fight. A Series of Force-combined parries with no openings helped the Jedis to defeat even skilled enemies. 

Djem So is an aggressive form that is more effective against a single opponent than its counterpart variant, Shien. It relies on its brute strength like the Ataru form. However, Djem So is more focused, quick, and precise like the Makashi form. At the same time, the defense of this form is strong like the Soresu form.  

Shien & Djem So Weaknesses

Both variants of form v addressed the weaknesses of lightsaber form iii. But, even this form was not invincible. Both Shien and Djem So have their own shortcomings.

While Shien was effective against enemies with blaster guns and multiple opponents, it completely failed against a skilled solo enemy. Likewise, Djem So was an aggressive form but needed precision like Makashi. During the fights, it lacked mobility.

Quick movements were not possible with precise attacks. The user had to depend more on their footwork. So, Jedis went deeper into this knowledge to find a perfect lightsaber form. They developed the 6th lightsaber form, also known as Niman.

Who Used Shien and Djem So

The Jedi order created the first variant, Shien, about a Millenia ago. Since then, Jedis and Sith Lords have been using it. From the Great Sith Wars to the Jedi Civil War and then the Clone Wars, form v had been one of the major lightsaber forms used by Jedis. 

Vrook Lamar and Kavar are the notable Jedis during the era of the Jedi civil war who practiced Shien and Djem So. 

The Clone Wars series features many Jedis using Shien & Djem So form. Some famous names are Cin Dralling, Plo-Kloon, Garth Ezzar, Luminara Unduli, and Kaazdan Paratus. But what about the famous characters of the Star Wars Saga?

Anakin Skywalker was an expert Shien & Djem So user. He also knew Ataru, but he preferred to use Form V during the Clone Wars. Even after becoming Darth Vader, we watched him using this form. He mostly crushed his enemy with his Force-combined brute strength. 

Anakin’s padawan, Ahsoka Tano, also used the Shien form. She was the only Jedi who appeared on screen and used a reverse Shien fighting style. She wielded two lightsabers and held both in reverse grip style. 

Master Yoda is also a famous name who mastered Shien & Djem So. He preferred to use Ataru, but he mastered all the seven lightsaber forms, including Shien and Djem So. 

Count Dooku was a master of Makashi form, but he learn both Ataru and Shien & Djem So, like Yoda. He even trained General Grievous and IG-100 guards in Shien & Djem So form. 

FAQs

What is Form V lightsaber combat known for?

Form V is known for its aggressive counterattacks and strong defensive techniques.

Who are some notable practitioners of Form V?

Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker are famous users of Form V.

Does Form V focus more on offense or defense?

Form V balances both, turning defensive moves into offensive strikes.

Is Form V suitable for beginners in lightsaber training?

Form V is complex and physically demanding, making it better suited for more advanced practitioners.

How does Form V handle multiple opponents?

Its techniques allow for effective management of multiple attackers, using sweeping, powerful strikes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shien/Djem So Form V of lightsaber combat blends power and counterattacks, offering flexibility in both defense and offense. This style reflects a Jedi’s ability to turn defense into an offensive opportunity, making it ideal in combat against blasters and other lightsabers. It requires strong physical abilities, emphasizing aggressive tactics while still upholding a Jedi’s defensive responsibilities. Practitioners like Anakin Skywalker have demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous battles, highlighting its strategic depth. As a result, Form V remains a popular choice among Jedi, balancing the moral aspects of their code with practical combat needs.