Niman

For the character with the first name Niman, see Niman Visutor

The sixth form of classical Lightsaber Combat, Niman, focuses more on using the Force to coerce opponents to surrender.

Explanation

Form VI is a consolidation of many of the lessons taught by Forms I, III, IV and V. It was the most common style in use during the early days of the Clone Wars. Form VI does not require the intensity of many other forms but rather seeks to create harmony between all the other styles. It was sometimes referred to as the "diplomat's form" because its study allowed time for the pursuit of other fields such as politics, negotiation, and diplomacy.

The history of Niman is unusual given its origins in a dual wielded variant that continued to be practised remotely into the last days of the Jedi Order. With time the Jedi abandoned the aggressive practises of the older variant of Niman. During these old times, many years would be spent in study of the other forms, in an attempt to better round out the training of an individual Jedi.

After the conflicts ended, and combat became less of a focal point to a Jedi's training, the hard study of the various saber forms declined, and was codified into this very streamlined, and relatively easy to learn form. This freed up time to spend pursuing other studies as already said. In many ways modern Form VI is ideal for any situation because its diversity allows a master the freedom to adapt. In the recent past many Jedi chose Form VI because it did not require the rigorous training regime to master as many of the other forms, Instead relying upon their negotiation skills to avoid the actual violence of combat. This did not serve them well throughout the Clone Wars, as every single Jedi practitioner of Form VI present at the Battle of Geonosis was slain.

Today, those who prefer to avoid combat, and feel that their time is best spent in learning other aspects of the Force besides combat are encouraged to learn Niman.

Grip

Held in the middle of the hilt, this form alternates between several variations of handgrips, based upon the component styles.

Stance

The standard ready stance of Niman borrows from Soresu in that a turns sideways and lowers themselves slightly. Different from Soresu, Niman practitioners keep their weak arm angled toward their opponent, a slight modification in stance that Jedi Consulars believe makes a person more likely to surrender and listen to reason..

Striking

The saber of a Niman adherent moves only to defend, and to strike only when pressed in ways that would not kill, but nevertheless removes the opponent's threat.

Defence

Relying upon defensive strokes to defend themselves both from saber and blaster, this form sacrifices much of it's defensive ability when used as a secondary to the practitioner's negotiation skills.

Requirements

The student wishing to study Niman must first attain mastery of the third circles of both Soresu and Shii-Cho as well as have a combined score of 31 in constitution and charisma.

Adherents

• Coleman Trebor