Form VI, also known as Niman, is a versatile and balanced combat style developed during the golden age of the Jedi Order. Its philosophy emphasizes adaptability, incorporating elements from various other forms to create a well-rounded approach to lightsaber combat. Niman practitioners blend elements of Form I's basic strikes, Form II's precise parries, Form III's defensive maneuvers, and Form V's power attacks. This amalgamation allows them to seamlessly transition between offense and defense, making it an excellent choice for Jedi who prefer a flexible fighting style. While Form VI lacks the specialization and depth of some other forms, it compensates with its ability to engage opponents in a wide range of situations. It is particularly effective against multiple adversaries, as the form's focus on balance and fluidity allows Jedi to swiftly dispatch foes with swift and coordinated strikes. Overall, Lightsaber Form VI, Niman, embodies the adaptable nature of the Jedi and serves as a testament to their commitment to maintaining harmony and peace in the galaxy.
Origin: The Niman fighting style was developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer Dynasty, and named by the Legions of Lettow - a group of Dark Siders that fought during the First Great Schism. It was named after a dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities. After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi, Niman was adopted by the Jedi Order, eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat, referred to by the same name. Due to the combat style with being one with little need for continuous and dedicated practice attributable to its basage on the Force, Niman found a niche amongst Jedi Consulars who preferred to focus on diplomacy and meditation on the Force rather than combat.
Strengths and Weaknesses: One of its key strengths lies in its versatility. Form VI allows Jedi practitioners to seamlessly transition between offensive and defensive techniques, making it highly adaptable to various combat situations. This versatility enables Jedi to quickly adjust their strategies and respond to unexpected threats. Additionally, Form VI incorporates elements from other forms, giving Jedi a well-rounded skill set that covers a wide range of fighting styles. However, this flexibility comes at a cost. Form VI lacks the specialization and focus of other forms, meaning that it may not excel in specific areas of combat. It may struggle against opponents who have mastered a particular style, as the form does not offer specific counters or defenses tailored to those techniques. Moreover, the balance between offense and defense in Form VI means that Jedi practitioners may not have the same level of mastery in either aspect compared to practitioners of more specialized forms. This can leave them vulnerable against opponents who specialize in aggressive or defensive techniques. Despite these weaknesses, Form VI remains a valuable and widely taught form within the Jedi Order, serving as a solid foundation for Jedi Knights to build upon with additional training and specialization in other forms.
Moves and Maneuvers: The opening stance of the Niman form was wide and open, with the blade held out from the body in a one-handed grip, the blade angled upwards and back, while the off-hand was folded across the chest. The feet were evenly spaced. Another Niman stance featured the blade held at head-height in a two-handed grip, angled upwards and slightly in, with the dominant foot placed forwards. A third position was a two-handed low guard, with the hilt held at waist height in both hands, blade held back and to the side, angled downwards, with the feet closely spaced. In keeping with the tactic of incorporating Force powers into combat, two primary Form VI manoeuvres, the "draw closer" and the "pushing slash", were conjunctions between lightsaber moves and telekinetic attacks. Effectively polar opposites of one another, the "draw closer" involved telekinetically seizing an opponent and pulling the enemy into the path of his blade, while the "pushing slash" slammed the opponent with a Force push after scoring an attack.