As the Star Wars sequel trilogy unfolds, we’re introduced to new characters, villains, and lightsaber battles, with Kylo Ren standing out thanks to his unique crossguard lightsaber.
For those familiar with established lightsaber forms, Kylo’s stance raises a question: what exactly is he doing?
It doesn’t seem to follow the traditional Jedi or Sith combat techniques we’ve seen, from Form I to Form VII or even other variations like Jar’Kai.
His stance feels unpredictable and distinct. So, what’s the deal with this new approach to lightsaber combat? Let’s dive into what makes Kylo Ren’s stance unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber Stance, Real Life Adaption
To be honest, while there are some references to Kylo Ren’s lightsaber form in Star Wars lore, there isn’t a direct, detailed breakdown that fully explains his unique stance.
But if you have notice. Kylo Ren’s lightsaber stance, while not explicitly tied to one of the traditional lightsaber forms we know from the Star Wars universe, has a unique and aggressive style.
It draws inspiration from real-world medieval longsword fighting techniques, particularly those used with crossguard weapons.
In his duels, especially in The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren frequently uses a stance that involves holding his crossguard lightsaber with both hands, often raised high near his shoulder or head.
This stance mirrors a medieval sword fighting technique called The Ox or Ochs, where the sword is held up to deliver powerful overhead strikes.
Why Kylo Ren Using A Different Stance
As a matter of fact, Kylo Ren isn’t the first character in Star Wars to wield a crossguard lightsaber.
This design actually goes way back—it was popular with the users of Makashi, or Form II, a lightsaber combat style known for its elegance and finesse.
You might remember Count Dooku as the ultimate Form II master, right?
Well, here’s something fun: Dooku had a whole collection of lightsabers, and guess what? One of them was a crossguard lightsaber!
You can find this detail in Star Wars: Jango Fett: Open Seasons, Issue #3.
Now, fast forward to Kylo Ren. While training under Luke, it’s possible that Ben Solo discovered the crossguard design and Form II techniques in the Jedi archives.
But here’s the thing, if you compare Kylo’s fighting style to Dooku’s, it’s a completely different vibe. Dooku’s movements are smooth and controlled, but Kylo?
When Kylo swings his crossguard lightsaber, it feels heavy, slow, and deliberate.
It makes sense when you think about it: Kylo’s crossguard lightsaber is heavier than the standard single blade, so he swings it with so much force, often using both hands.
Another key detail that proves Kylo Ren had already trained in Form II, during his time as a Jedi Padawan under Luke Skywalker comes from The Rise of Kylo Ren comics.
These comics provide insight into Ben Solo’s early training before his fall to the dark side.
Under Luke’s guidance, Ben Solo was taught the traditional Jedi lightsaber forms, and he became particularly adept at Form II, which is known for its precision and elegance in dueling.
If you’ve seen the cover of The Rise of Kylo Ren issue #2, it’s clear that Ben Solo is adopting the stance and technique characteristic of Form II.