Djem So is the fifth form of classical Lightsaber combat, and is regarded as an aggressive form albeit with a solid defense.
Explanation
File:Djem-So.jpgDjem-So
The Form known as Djem So was pieced together by Jedi wishing to utilize the advantages of increased defense of Soresu, yet maintain the edge in dueling situations through Shii-Cho techniques.
Form V stems from a desire for more power when dueling with a lightsaber but its origins can actually be traced to the Form III style rather than the physical strength of Form I. The style is based on a philosophy of peace through superior strength. Form V focuses on turning an enemy's own strength against him and then following with overwhelming force. It seeks to perfect the art of blaster bolt redirection and is thought of by some as the best defense against any threat.
Instead of merely learning to deflect an enemy's attacks at odd angles, Djem So students learn how to reflect an opponent's attacks back at them. It is especially effective when used against multiple opponents, particularly when they are using blaster weaponry. Djem So is an efficient all around form with few weaknesses.
Given its nature, it is no surprise an adherent of Djem So will nearly always have perfected the art of Soresu before learning how to redirect attacks. Djem So adherents often pursue their mastery of the form with great fervor, even among the ranks of the Jedi.
Grip
Held high on the hilt, this form alternates between tight and loose grips, sometimes even incorporating hand changes and reverse grips.
Stance
The standard ready stance of Djem So borrows from Ataru in that a ready stance is usually deemed unnecessary. Turning sideways is typically done to lower the target profile for their opponent.
Striking
The saber of a Djem So stylist is always in motion. Using the powerful attacks of Shii-cho, yet incorporating the stricter defense vectors of Soresu, this form is terribly demanding in its physicality.
Defense
Relying upon defensive strokes to defend themselves both from saber and blaster, this form sacrifices some of the overwhelming attacks of Form I to defend better. The Soresu components serve well. A typical Djem So adherent will try to bounce back an opponent's attack to take advantage of their incongruous motion.
Requirements
The student wishing to study Djem So must first attain mastery of the third circles of both Soresu and Shii-Cho as well as have a combined score of 31 in strength and intelligence.
The Dark Side and Djem So
The very aggressive nature of Djem So are the result of the times of it's invention. A war-time construct, this Form saved countless Jedi in combat. Unfortunately for the Jedi, the violent nature of the form places a strong need for emotional restraint on it's adherents if they are to avoid the Dark Side of the Force.
The most famous adherents of Djem So were both Jedi, and both fell to the Dark Side of the Force at times throughout their career. Anakin and his son, Luke, both exhibited the unfettered rage of the Dark Side, drawing upon it to win battles. Why the Jedi Council continued to teach this form in times of peace is not known, but it is known that it did not aid them much throughout the Jedi Purge.
In the hands of a Jedi of the Dark Brotherhood, one can only guess how well the style will perform.
Adherents
DJB Adherents