A Deeper Look: Lightsaber Combat Forms—Form V: Shien & Djem So

It is possible to see the evolution of the first four lightsaber combat styles as a logical progression in which each succeeding style aims to make up for perceived shortcomings in the one before it. That gradual progression is interrupted in Form V. It is basically another attempt to remedy the problems of the highly defense-oriented Form III Soresu rather than being developed as a reaction to Form IV Ataru. Form V chooses a middle-way strategy that depends on counterattacks to win lightsaber battles, while Ataru complements Soresu by similarly emphasizing offense to how the earlier form promotes defense.

The division of Form V into two separate but connected disciplines—Shien and Djem So stance—is another peculiarity. Before understanding Shien and Djem So's differences, it is necessary to understand their shared theoretical underpinnings.

The Basics of Form V Shien and Djem So

Form V practitioners frequently use Soresu's preferred blocks, parries, and other defensive techniques. However, the Form V practitioner actively seeks to create an opportunity, employing a range of strategies to place their opponent in a vulnerable position, while the Soresu specialist waits for a chance to strike back. It is a counterattack. This implies that the Form V specialist needs to be able to quickly and skillfully switch between defense and offense. Form V puts a great deal of physical strain on the lightsaber user because it calls for both strength and speed. However, practitioners frequently employ the Force to enhance their skills.

The acrobatic virtuosity of Ataru is absent from Form V, and its practitioners stay mostly motionless in combat.

Form V is sometimes referred to as the Perseverance Form or the Way of the Krayt Dragon in Legends. Anakin Skywalker, Adi Gallia, and Ahsoka Tano are well-known practitioners of this style.

Differences Between Shien and Djem So

The first of the two Form V variations created was Shien. It was primarily developed as an anti-blaster form, providing the practitioner with a variety of strategies to counter several opponents using this unorthodox armament.

But Shien is about more than just fending off blaster fire. Form V's ability to switch from defense to offensive is best demonstrated by the way its skills let the user defect these bolts directly back at their attacker. (This kind of precise blaster bolt rerouting is also conceivable with Soresu, though it is rarely used in reality and is not stressed by that form.) A range of lightsaber strikes are also available to the Shien practitioner.

In a reverse grip, the thumb and index finger are the parts of the hand closest to the pommel, which is preferred by many Shien experts. However, this grip is not a must for the form.

Developed after Shien, Djem So was primarily designed for melee combat with opponents brandishing lightsabers. In contrast to Shien, the Djem So posture is more focused on head-to-head combat and stresses the employment of strong lightsaber attacks to overpower the opponent wherever feasible. Strength is used by practitioners far more often than agility.

The master of Form V compiles an exceptionally effective battlefield repertoire, having ready access to a wide variety of attacking and defense techniques.