Jar'Kai Niman is an esoteric form of combat using two lightsabers at once.
Explanation
Another uncommon form called Jar'Kai Niman is a style often taught in the Jedi Order but rarely mastered by more than a few Jedi each generation. Jar'Kai Niman teaches the use of two lightsabers simultaneously, which can be used as a pair of offensive weapons, or as an offensive weapon and a parrying blade. Many Jedi study the basics of Jar'Kai Niman, and such rudimentary training has often been the edge needed to prevail over a foe.
Mention should be given to the difference between this form of Niman and the modern version of Form VI by the same name. The modern form has its origins rooted in this version of Niman but, after obtaining widespread popularity, the form began to become customised to the particular interests of the Jedi training in it. Unlike the modern form of Niman, which was largely used by Jedi Knights during peacetime, the ancient form of Jar'Kai Niman detailed here was developed with memories of the Sith Wars in mind. "Jar'Kai" itself translates loosely to "two blades", and is used when discussing the elder Niman, for ease of discussion.
Jar'Kai Niman was mostly popular among the true swordsmen of the Jedi Order. In its heyday people like Master Kavar were renowned for their knowledge of Jar'Kai Niman and, in the last years of the Jedi Order, weapon masters such as Cin Drallig obtained fame from their proficiency with such specialist forms.
Grip
Held with the first two fingers loosely and the last two fingers and thumb tight to facilitate the swirling manner of the form. The hand is typically placed in the centre of the grip.
Stance
With the feet squared beneath the shoulders the body is turned at a slight angel from the enemy, with the dominant shoulder back, the saber held up with the arm parallel to the ground, and the elbow bent. The off hand saber is held out in front of the body, typically at an angle to help defend the adherent.
Striking
Almost universally using the strength of the dominant arm, Niman adherents strike forward after the off hand has typically parried away the opponent's defences, leaving the opponent open. In some cases the off hand attacks in tandem with the dominant hand, overbearing the opponent.
Defence
The off hand saber is typically used to block and push back an opponent's' strike, leaving a window of opportunity wide open for counter attack. Against the overhead strike it is commonly taught for the adherent to catch the blade in an 'X' block of their own sabers, locking the opponent's blade and allowing them to press down on their opponent.
Requirements
The study of Jar'Kai Niman requires a mastery of the fourth circle of Niman as well as a wisdom of 25 or greater.
Jar'Kai
The method of wielding two weapons at once carried over from more traditional swords to lightsabers and became what is now the variant style of Form VI called Niman. The term Jar'Kai is less an official definition of the form and more a nickname given to it by most historians of the Jedi Arts.
The use of two lightsabers at once is, for obvious reasons, far more difficult than the art of wielding a single blade. It requires a far greater level of dedication and commitment in order to master to avoid it being more a liability to the adherent than a benefit. However a fully trained master of Jar'Kai is able to make full use of one weapon for parrying and ripostes while the other remains fully on the attack. This technique can easily overpower most opponents only skilled in wielding a single blade.
Despite the popularity of Jar'Kai it was a technique rarely mastered by members of the Jedi Order. Most Jedi Knights received at least some training in order to cope with using two lightsabers simultaneously should the need ever arise but few went on to master the Niman form. Kavar and Cin Drallig are two known masters of Jar'Kai along with Anakin Skywalker who was a mild practitioner of the style. It was also used to some extent by Asajj Ventress, the disciple of Darth Tyrannus.
Adherents
- Nikkos Tyrus
- Adi Gallia
- Asajj Ventress
DJB Adherents