Vapaad, the seventh and final form of the Classic Lightsaber Forms, is often considered the most aggressive and violent of them all.
Explanation
Form VII, the chosen style of Mace Windu, is among the most difficult styles to master. It is one of unpredictable movements and direct assaults, constantly throwing opponents off guard thanks to continual and seemingly unconnected movements. Still being developed by the style's masters, Form VII is composed of many paradoxes and other difficult concepts for students to grasp, and as a result, it has many fewer students than other styles.
In the Old Republic there were only ever two known masters of Vapaad other than Mace Windu, who developed it, Depa Bilaba and Sora Bulq. Vapaad focuses almost exclusively on combat manoeuvres and wavers dangerously close to the dark side, for Jedi practitioners. It should be noted that both Depa Bilaba and Sora Bulq fell to the dark side soon after mastering Vapaad. The key to Form VII is speed and a true master can move so fast they virtually become a blur.
Vapaad has its roots in Juyo which filled the role of Form VII during the ancient Sith Wars. When peace was restored many deemed Juyo too violent to remain a part of the Jedi Arts permanently and it was forgotten. Vapaad was developed as the new Form VII by Mace Windu during the twilight of the Jedi Order to counter the increasing instability of the ailing Republic.
Form VII is a difficult path to tread for even the most powerful Force users, and has been regarded as a dangerous choice for many Jedi. For the Brotherhood, Vapaad is an old stand-by.
Grip
Held high on the hilt, this form alternates between tight and loose grips, sometimes even incorporating hand changes and reverse grips. The typical is to hold the first two fingers loosely, with the last two fingers and thumb held tight to facilitate the swirling strokes.
Stance
Vapaad, it is said, needs no stances, as the Force guides them to where they must be. A common thing among adherents is a slight bending at the knee, permitting the Form VII master the capacity to spring suddenly if need be.
Striking
One might expect that the saber of a Form VII adherent to be constantly moving. One would be wrong. The Vapaad stylist's saber only moves to strike or to block. The moves are very erratic and staccato, snapping to position almost instantly. This staccato rhythm adds to their strong defense as it is terribly difficult to read a Vapaad master's attacks.
Defense
Vapaad relies upon the speed of the adherent's responses, augmented as they may be by the Force, to block strikes. Less concerned with forcing an opponent's blade back and off balance than other forms, the Vapaad master prefers to stop the attack, then leave them hanging there and attack around their weapon in a wicked riposte.
Requirements
Those wishing to study Vapaad must first master the third circles of Makashi and Soresu, as well as have a combined score of 30 in dexterity and wisdom.
Adherents
- Mace Windu
- Depa Bilaba
- Sora Bulq
DJB Practitioners