Lightsaber: Training #1

One important skill in Lightsaber combat that should be learnt is how to deal with multiple opponents. Situations like this may emerge when all else has failed, and people may be hesitant to fight you alone, so several of them attack at once. First things first, know your limits. It is okay to retreat or surrender rather than engage in a suicidal battle.

The only time fighting is the only option is when the well being of other is at stake. Just remember, no one person can defeat an attack from several hundred armed men. When the battle itself begins, face a direction which gives you sight of the most possible opponents. Remember usually they will surround you, not line up in front of you. Do not worry about the unsighted ones, use the Force to discover their locations, and to track their movements. Wait for them to attack you, but when they do you must not hesitate, use the Force to judge the closest attacker, strike a this one quickly, then the next closest.

Use long, sweeping, horizontal strikes, as they can take out more than one at a time. Avoid vertical strikes, thrusts, and other such "precision" strikes, they are restricted to hitting only small areas. Often a simple Force push can knock a row of attackers down, but do not strike them while they are down. Such a thing is cowardly, and not the conduct of a light Jedi. Often after the initial shock of being knocked over by an invisible presence, they will turn and run anyway.

Mastering a double-bladed sabre requires physical upper body strength, unlike other types of sabres. As when your blade makes contact with another you must be careful not to get butt-ended (have the other end strike you, chances are severing a leg). Your safest attacking moves are diagonal strikes, as they have the least chance of striking yourself. Horizontal strokes should always finish with the hilt against the side of your body. This way the blade won't end up in the side of your body. As for vertical strikes, don't even think about it, it is not worth the risk.

Josin Vedarim

Please note that this excersize is for training purposes only and should not be attempted with the intent to injure or harm any person or persons. A Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defence NEVER for attack.