“An aggressive technique - but it is powerful, effective. It can counter blaster weapons, and add to the damage of your strikes.”

The Way of the Krayt Dragon. Otherwise known as the Perseverance Form. Based on Form III, as some Jedi practitioners felt the form was too passive to be used successfully in combat. It transitions away from the ‘turtling’ strategy of Soresu, which is bunkering down and holding out until your opponent runs out of patience; and instead focuses on the idea of counterattacking your enemies strikes. As opposed to Soresu, you create your openings, rather than waiting for destiny to provide you with one. And because of this emphasis on counterattacks, there are two variations of the form.

Shien, the variation that focuses on blaster deflection. Transitioning away from just guarding against blasters to purposely re-directing them back at the person firing with the intent to wound or kill. To use your opponent's attacks against them is the mindset that must be embodied to make Shien succeed. Shien works best against multiple opponents, or rapid blaster fire, so having an open mindset and being willing to adapt and change strategy is paramount.

Djem So. More focused on close combat, where parrying is essential to success. After one parries, they follow up with counterattacks of disproportionately higher force, with the intent of breaking one’s defence open. Enhancing one’s strength with the force is a prerequisite for optimal use of the form, and its potency because it allows the breaking of the defence of all but the most steadfast Jedi. A fit and strong body is essential for correct Djem So use, so it is vital one trains regularly for continued successful use of the form.

However, its strength presents dangerous aggression. Cin once noted: "One must question any discipline that has lethal potential. However, if it serves to suppress violent opposition and preserve peace, I believe it is a discipline worth knowing." The mindset when using Form V is vital, as a lack of desire for peace and justice means usage of the form carries something far darker for the user.

There are numerous weaknesses to both variations of the Form, the consequence for a form of such strength and skill. It is extremely physically demanding, and extending use could make one very well collapse. A smart opponent could bait a user to overextend themselves, with needless parries and counterattacks. Shien is extremely unsuited against single opponents in lightsaber combat, and they will likely be swiftly defeated.

Djem-So’s one weakness is mobility. Djem-So demands the wielder plant their feet on the ground and perform heavy overhead swings with all their strength. Without the physicality, the form falls apart. A smart opponent would utilise a form like Ataru or Juyo, forcing the Djem-So user to be unable to track and move to counter the fast-paced hits. The only one I have ever seen work around this was Skywalker. He managed to craft a Form IV and V variant which allowed movement and strength in combination. A true masterstroke of lightsaber combat. Now if only he could be more humble about it...

To Summarise:

• Being physically strong and fit is key. Otherwise, the form’s greatest asset falls apart quickly.

• Shien is used for blaster deflection and multiple opponents, while Djem-So is used for one-on-one.

• Both Shien and Djem So focus on parrying and then counter-attacking. Read the text to see the specifics on how to counter-attack.

• Shien falls apart in a one-on-one, Djem-So has little mobility.

• The form is physically demanding. A smart opponent can bait a Form V user to waste their energy.