Duel-wielding is both cooler and a lot harder than using a single lightsaber, or any fighting style that involves using both hands. And though we’ve seen both Jedi and Sith use this style, (first appearance, Episode 2), not many seem to use it.
From a historical standpoint, your dominant hand is meant for striking while the lesser hand is for defense. Which is why so many people use shields that way.
But in Star Wars, we rarely see shields (the droids loved using them and there was a certain crystal that could make a shield impervious to a lightsaber). And we almost never see Jedi or Sith use them. The freehand is generally used for the Force or another weapon.
Which brings us back to the original question: why do some Jedi and Sith use two lightsabers? Let’s find out!
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Which Jedi and Sith Use Two Lightsabers?
Duel-wielding is also called Jar’kai and, though it’s not one of the seven lightsaber forms (stances and strikes one uses in order to learn how to use a weapon), both Jedi and Sith can use many forms with it.
Those who almost exclusively use Jar’kai are Ahsoka Tano, General Grievous, and Asajj Ventress. You can also add Darth Maul, as his lightsaber was two lightsabers fused into one, though he didn’t use it in the way of Jar’kai.
Anakin Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine have also used Jar’kai, however, the emperor proved his mastery of it against Darth Maul and his brother Savage Opress. Anakin Skywalker lost his arm and the duel against Count Dooku, Palpatine’s apprentice.
Why Do Some Jedi & Sith Use Two Lightsabers?
Using two weapons at once is a challenge and an art, especially when one of the blades is shorter as it can be used to distract the opponent while the larger is used for the killing blow.
It does have some weaknesses, as those who prioritize this fighting style can leave themselves open to attack from Force users. Also, one of the weapons being disarmed can lead to dangerous results, as Jar’kai has no techniques to cover for this.
Most beings have two arms and since most Force users don’t use shields, using two weapons at once can increase one’s chances for survival (especially since a lightsaber can deflect laser blasts if used correctly).
And some fight better using both hands. (It’s important to remember that the fighting forms in Star Wars are based on real techniques.)
There are a couple of styles adapted from Jar’kai called Neiman and Ateru. There’s only been one person who has mastered all three forms–Starkiller in The Force Unleashed 2.
Are Jedi Allowed To Have Two Lightsabers?
There are no rules saying a Jedi is forbidden from having two lightsabers at the same time. All Jedi may have two (or more) lightsabers. Ahsoka Tano likely received her second lightsaber from her master, Anakin Skywalker.
Once she got used to the new style, she was better able to defend herself against blasts and earned the title of “professional duelist.” (Though there are some fans and Count Dooku who dispute that claim).
Are Two Lightsabers Better Than One?
Having two lightsabers is impressive but it doesn’t mean the wielder is better or stronger. Count Dooku used one lightsaber and he defeated many Jedi (and his own apprentices General Grievous and Asajj Ventress), despite their being masters of using Jar’kai.
He also defeated Anakin Skywalker when he attempted to fight him using Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber as well as his own. This may be one of the reasons why Count Dooku cut off his hand, as he didn’t respect anyone who uses multiple lightsabers or a doubled lightsaber.
FAQs:
Can A Jedi Use Another Jedi’s Lightsaber?
Absolutely. It’s not uncommon to either pick up a fallen lightsaber, or toss one to an ally in need. Anyone can use a lightsaber.
In Episode 9, we see Rey and Ben Solo (formerly known as Kylo Ren) use each other’s lightsabers. The one that Rey uses for most of the movies was Luke Skywalker’s first lightsaber, which originally belonged to Anakin Skywalker.
In order to truly master a lightsaber, one must be strong and gifted in the Force. Though one doesn’t need to master their lightsaber if they have enough skill. The darksaber, for example, will never be mastered by its current wielder who is unable to use the Force.
And most important of all: one doesn’t need to rely on a lightsaber.
Yoda once defeated three Jedi Masters at once without using his lightsaber. Obi-Wan Kenobi defeated General Grievous using only one lightsaber.
Anakin Skywalker defeated Asajj Ventress and Barriss Offee while they each had two lightsabers and he only used one.
The number of lightsabers means nothing if you can’t use them properly. And both the Jedi and the Sith must learn how to use a single lightsaber before they can train with two.
Why Does Ahsoka Have Two Lightsabers?
There seems to be a debate about this but the two theories are:
- Anakin Skywalker gave Ahsoka her second lightsaber and began instructing her with it.
- Ahsoka went back to the crystal cave on the ice planet, Ilum, for a second crystal.
If the first is true, then this happened off-screen. but it also makes sense in the scene where Anakin Skywalker returns Ahsoka’s lightsabers to her and shows her their new blue hue.
What matters is that Anakin Skywalker isn’t known for fighting with two lightsabers, while Ahsoka Tano is.
This proves that Anakin Skywalker must be at least competent at using Jar’kai in order to teach her. She also received lessons from Yoda while using two lightsabers. (He taught her how to block using her shoto, or smaller, lightsaber.)
The other theory centers around the time Ahsoka Tano was hiding from the Empire.
She started hearing rumors about “shadows” and realized that the Empire had begun hunting Force-sensitive children. Fearing that she wouldn’t be able to hide for much longer, Ahsoka made her way back to Ilum.
But she saw that the Empire was stripping it of its minerals and resources. So, she used the Force to guide her path and it led her back to the planet she just fled from.
This would mark Ahsoka Tano’s first encounter with an Inquisitor as she fought and defeated the Sixth Brother. Sensing that his crystals were calling to her, she purified them into their original white color.
Ahsoka Tano made two lightsabers and would go on to fight more enemies, including her former master (now Darth Vader).
Other Points Of Interest
Darth Vader used one lightsaber and he only needed one. There’re a lot of details that we don’t know about Ahsoka’s life, but the upcoming live-action show promises to give fans answers… and more questions.
In Conclusion
Two are not always better than one, but using two lightsabers is a good way to unnerve your opponent.
Anyone can use two lightsabers, and Ahsoka Tano is one of the best with Jar’kai. Thank you for reading.