If you’ve ever seen Starkiller standing in that iconic reverse grip lightsaber stance, you’ve probably thought, “What exactly is this stance, and is it even practical?”
Well, Star Wars fans have had plenty of fun coming up with names for it, and they’ve definitely hit the mark with their creative takes.
One of the best (and probably most accurate) names floating around is “Impracti-cool.” It’s exactly what it sounds like – impractical, but undeniably cool.
The reverse grip might not give you the best reach or control in combat, but let’s be honest, it makes Starkiller look like he’s ready to take on the galaxy in style.
Another fan-favorite is “Edgelord Breathing, 1st form.” This stance has such a rebellious vibe, it practically radiates angst.
It’s like Starkiller is channeling his inner Kylo Ren, ready to drop some dark and brooding one-liner. There’s even a 2nd form for Kylo, complete with heavy stomps and side-igniting lightsabers.
Then there’s the “Superhero Landing of Lightsaber Stances.” You know exactly what this means – over-the-top, dramatic, and meant for that perfect moment just before a battle. It’s the kind of pose you’d see in a movie trailer, right before things get intense.
One of the funniest fan names is Mom said “It’s my turn on the Xbox.” It perfectly captures the almost pouty, impatient look Starkiller has going on. You can just imagine him waiting his turn to finally jump into the action.
But when it comes to actual Star Wars lore, the correct name for this stance is Form V Shien reverse grip.
Shien is one of the two variations of Form V, designed to deflect blaster bolts and deliver powerful counterattacks.
The reverse grip isn’t seen all that often, but when it is, it’s usually for dramatic effect, because let’s face it, Starkiller’s not standing like that for efficiency.
So, while we’ve got plenty of fun names like “Edgelord Breathing” and “Superhero Landing,” this stance is officially known as Form V Shien reverse grip. But hey, why not have some fun with it?
Table of Contents
A Breakdown of Star Wars Lightsaber Forms
Now that we’ve had some laughs with Starkiller’s stance, let’s get into the serious stuff, the seven classic lightsaber forms. Each form has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique history in the Star Wars universe.
Form I – Shii-Cho (The Way of the Sarlacc)
Shii-Cho is the foundation of all lightsaber combat, also known as “The Determination Form.”
Developed during the transition from traditional swords to lightsabers, it focuses on wide, sweeping strikes, making it effective against multiple opponents.
Every Jedi begins their training with Shii-Cho, learning the basics of attack, defense, and blast deflection.
While considered a “basic” form, Jedi like Kit Fisto elevated it into a deadly and fluid art.
Shii-Cho’s simplicity makes it adaptable, but against a single skilled opponent, its lack of precision can be a disadvantage.
Form II – Makashi (The Contention Form)
Makashi is the fencing of the Star Wars universe, designed for lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat.
It emphasizes elegance, precision, and economy of motion, which is why Count Dooku’s dueling style was so formidable.
With its focus on balance and footwork, Makashi practitioners can outmaneuver stronger opponents by relying on finesse rather than brute strength.
The curved hilt lightsaber often used in this form allows for better blade control, a subtle yet effective advantage in a duel.
Form III – Soresu (The Resilience Form)
Soresu is the ultimate defensive form, designed to deflect blaster fire and withstand prolonged engagements.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s mastery of Soresu allowed him to survive against some of the galaxy’s most powerful adversaries, including General Grievous and Darth Vader.
This form teaches Jedi to stay calm, conserve energy, and wait for the perfect moment to counter-attack.
However, its focus on defense means Soresu practitioners must develop other tactics for pressing the offensive, as it doesn’t lend itself to aggressive combat.
Form IV – Ataru (The Aggression Form)
Ataru is the acrobatic, high-energy form of lightsaber combat.
It emphasizes speed, agility, and powerful, sweeping attacks, often combined with acrobatic flips and spins to keep opponents off-balance.
Yoda’s use of Ataru in Attack of the Clones is the perfect example of how the form can transform a smaller Jedi into a whirling, unstoppable force.
While Ataru shines in one-on-one duels, its reliance on agility can be physically exhausting, making it less effective in drawn-out battles or against multiple opponents.
Form V – Shien / Djem So (The Perseverance Form)
Form V developed from the defensive principles of Soresu, but with a greater emphasis on counterattacks and raw power.
There are two variations of Form V: Shien, which focuses on deflecting blaster bolts back at enemies, and Djem So, which is more suited to lightsaber dueling with its overpowering strikes.
Anakin Skywalker (and later Darth Vader) was the master of Djem So, relying on their brute strength and aggressive tactics to overwhelm opponents.
The reverse grip, famously used by Starkiller, adds flair to the form, though it’s not necessarily practical for reach and control.
Form VI – Niman (The Moderation Form)
Niman is a balanced, jack-of-all-trades form that combines elements from Forms I, III, IV, and V. It allows Jedi to blend their lightsaber skills with Force powers, making them versatile in combat.
This form is especially useful for Jedi who prefer diplomacy or multitasking over pure combat, as it doesn’t demand the same intensity of training as other forms.
Darth Maul and Cal Kestis used Niman alongside their acrobatic and Force-based attacks, making it a flexible and adaptable style that can hold its own in a variety of situations.
Form VII – Juyo / Vaapad (The Ferocity Form)
Form VII is the most aggressive and dangerous of all the lightsaber forms. Juyo channels raw emotion into chaotic, unpredictable strikes, making it a difficult style to master.
It requires a Jedi to walk a fine line between control and fury, which is why it’s considered risky.
Vaapad, a variation created by Mace Windu, takes this a step further by using the opponent’s Dark Side energy against them, essentially turning the battle into a deadly loop of energy and aggression.
However, Vaapad brings a Jedi perilously close to the Dark Side, making it a dangerous form even for the most disciplined practitioners.
