Star Warspulses with the blood of Jedi and Sith, and their survival is dependent on their mastery of lightsaber combat. The first of the seven combat forms, known as Shii-Cho, emerged during a pivotal period in the Jedi Order’s history when the transition from metal swords to contemporary lightsabers was underway. Shii-Cho arose to cater to this new era of weapons.
Shii-Cho laid the foundation for lightsaber combat, defining the essential motions and target zones for wielding these deadly beams of energy. However, it became evident that Shii-Cho didn’t adequately address lightsaber combat asthe Dark Side seeped into the galaxy, introducing sinister foes that challenged the form’s effectiveness. This forced the Jedi to evolve and seek new ways to confront their adversaries.
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Despite its limitations, Shii-Cho found its place in Jedi history. Nearly every Jedi receives instruction in this form, integrating its essence into their own combat styles. It became a reliable backup option, serving them when no other form or style would suffice.
Origin of Form I: Shii-Cho
Shii-Cho, the most ancient style of lightsaber combat, was developed during the transition from swords to lightsabers. With lightsaber technology advancing in theStar Warslore, a combat form tailored to leverage the advantages and compensate for the weaknesses of lightsabers became necessary. This resulted in the creation of the first form of lightsaber combat.
Since lightsabers were wielded similarly to swords, many maneuvers remained unchanged. As an extension of traditional sword-fighting, this style preserved the basics of attacks, parries, and body zones established by ancient methods. The principles of old sword-fighting methods were applied to a new form of weaponry. This simplicity and persistence earned the form nicknames such as the Way of the Sarlacc and the Determination Form.
Shii-Cho tempted practitioners to engage in combat with lethal intent, and those who used it had to exercise great restraint to execute the form without going too far. Despite this pull to kill, the style was designed to disarm opponents without causing serious injury.
Aslightsaber duels between Force usersbecame more common, Form I was deemed inadequate for these fights. This eventually led to the development of the second form of lightsaber combat, Makashi. This did not mean, however, that Shii-Cho fell out of use completely. Its simplicity made it ideal for training, and served as an early introduction to lightsaber combat. Throughout thousands of years, Shii-Cho remained popular among lightsaber users, becoming a dependable option when no other form would suffice.
Famous Practitioners
Renowned for his dueling prowess, Kit Fisto mastered Form I, leaving opponents in awe during battles and duels, often accompanied by his signature grin — a playful challenge to any who dared face him. Obi-Wan Kenobi also possessed a connection to Form I, incorporating its elements into his own swordplay, as evidenced in his rematch with Count Dooku. Dooku, too, boasted knowledge of Form I, but it wasKenobi’s master, Qui-Gon Jinn, whose mastery left a lasting impact on his young apprentice.
The allure of Shii-Cho extended beyond the Jedi, infiltrating the ranks of the Sith. Darth Vader, once a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker, infused elements of the form into his devastating technique, blending grace and power in a lethal dance. Even Luke Skywalker delved into the basics of Form I under the guidance of Kenobi during his early training.
Shii-Cho also found its way into the histories of others. Lucien Draay, a disciple of the Jedi, was trained by a failed Jedi named Haazen, who exploited Draay’s mother’s neglectful behavior to claim control. Additionally, Meetra Surik,once a Jedi who exiled herselfafter the Mandalorian Wars, had Shii-Cho as part of her training but erased all memory of it, including her proficiency in Form I, when she turned her back on the Force.
In more recent years, a Jedi swordmaster named Cin Drallig achieved mastery in all seven forms, including Shii-Cho. Grand Master Yoda and Swordmaster Mace Windu stood alongside him as exemplars of lightsaber combat, with their mastery encompassing the entire spectrum. Master Kirlocca of the Almas Academy also earned credit for his adeptness in Form I.
The legacy of Shii-Cho continued through generations. Kento Marek, a practitioner of Form I, passed his knowledge to his son, Galen Marek,also known as the fearsome Starkiller. Even in the darkest of times, the light of Form I persisted, connecting warriors across generations in the ancient art of lightsaber combat.
Known Maneuvers
At the heart of Shii-Cho combat lay the basic principles governing attacks, parries, and precise targeting of body zones, each carefully numbered to provide combatants with a clear focus during battle. These zones included the head, right arm and side, left arm and side, back, right leg, and left leg, enabling Jedi and Sith to execute strikes with deadly accuracy.
Among the techniques employed by Shii-Cho practitioners, the infamous Sarlacc Sweep stood out — an attack of devastating width designed to engage and neutralize multiple foes in a single fluid motion. It showcased raw power and adaptability, testifying to the form’s versatility.
Shii-Cho also offered two distinct methods of combat: Ideal Form and Live Combat Form. Ideal Form focused on sparring, where precision was paramount, with every move executed with perfection adhering to strict horizontal and vertical angles. Attacks and parries interlocked in perpendicular harmony, forming a dance of finesse and control. On the other hand, Live Combat Form took a more pragmatic approach, employing diagonal strikes to target various body zones with swift efficiency. The aim was to enhance speed while minimizing unnecessary movements, granting the practitioner anedge in real combat situations.
At the core of Shii-Cho’s philosophy was an emphasis on achieving victory without causing undue harm. The sun djem mark of contact became a hallmark of Form I practitioners, demonstrating their respect for life as it allowed them to make contact without inflicting grievous injury, showcasing their mastery over the form’s controlled aggression.
The Disarming Slash, one of the form’s signature attacks, exemplified this philosophy. With calculated precision, the practitioner would strike at their opponent’s weapon, attempting to disarm them without causing lasting harm. It showcased theJedi’s commitment to resolving conflictswith minimal violence, a principle deeply ingrained within Shii-Cho’s teachings.
In lightsaber combat, Shii-Cho stood firm as the foundational form that birthed the others. It not only instilled the art of fighting, but also cultivated values of restraint and compassion. With each strike and parry, the legacy of Shii-Cho lived on, passed down through generations of Jedi and Sith, leaving an indelible mark on the history ofStar Wars.
