LIGHTSABER COMBAT TECHNIQUES
- Basics of lightsaber Duelling Techniques

Unlike most martial arts involving a weapon, lightsaber duel is an art that is utilized before the weapon is ever drawn and ignited. This is due to the philosophy that a Jedi must only draw his weapon as a final recourse. A Jedi must decide on what situations require the application of deadly force, since the lightsaber is one of the deadliest weapons ever constructed.

Training

Lightsaber training begins very young, generally before a Padawan has been taken by a Knight or Master as an apprentice. The master swordsmen at the Jedi Temple teach classes of Padawans the basics of lightsabers, such as basic moves and safety. Training continues after a Padawan becomes an apprentice.  

All Jedi Knights are required to be practitioners of lightsaber duel, and they pass on this knowledge and expertise  to their apprentices. When the Master feels his apprentice is ready, he teaches his apprentice how to construct his first lightsaber as well as oversees the construction process, however, the Jedi Council does have a say in when a Padawan may build a lightsaber,(this is briefly mentioned in the Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson). Once the apprentice has finished constructing his lightsaber, the Master teaches the Padawan about velocities, a staple of Jedi lightsaber training.

Velocities

Jedi run endless maneuvers called velocities to practice lightning reflexes and tight control. Velocities are similar in form to fencing, almost often performed with a partner, albeit much faster and trying to create an opening, rather than attack it.

During velocities, Jedi learn how to give control over to the Force, as well as use it to extend their perceptions to other degrees of the encounter not allowed by their sensorium.

Kai-kan

Great lightsaber duels - those of Ulic Qel-Droma, Exar Kun, etc. - have been studied throughout the ages by Jedi masters. The kai-kan is a re-enactment of a famous, usually ancient, very dangerous, lightsaber or even sword battle, which only very well trained Jedi attempt to perform.
 
Stances
All strength and propulsion in the martial arts starts in the feet. The stance is important in fighting, as it not only provides balance but also the energy to be placed into an attack. It is the basis upon which all lightsaber duel is placed.

It involves footwork, the alignment of the legs and torso, the straightening of the back, and the loosening of the arms so that they can snap into the desired position. Keys to good stances include: allowing the rear foot to be the main source of propulsion, keeping the knees bent, keeping the back straight, and constant, calm breathing. Stances in italics are extrapolations based upon the foundations of sword stances. Only those stances seen in the movies and television series are described here.

Jedi Ready

The most basic of all Jedi stances - also called "basic neutral" - this one employs stepping back with the dominant foot and drawing the lightsaber so that it is parrying on the dominant side. Weight is distributed evenly between the feet. It is natural that the dominant shoulder be rolled slightly back. The hilt of the lightsaber is held down level with the waist with the tip of the lightsaber pointed at or slightly over the head of the target.

This stance is similar to the chūdan-no-kamae in kendo, except in the kendo form you step forward with the dominant foot as you draw the blade. In Episode I, Obi-Wan Kenobi oftenused this stance when drawing his lightsaber, and hastily moved into it as well. This shows how undisciplined he was as a Padawan.

His feet shifted oddly so that his rear foot was not in a straight line pointing forward, his back was hunched forward (this reduces balance as well as the flow of energy to and from the internal organs), and he held the point of his lightsaber so high that it partially obscured his vision. It is possible he is attempting an aggressive forward stance. By Episode II, he has changed more so into his former master's style. Neutral Defense Position - Jedi Lightsaber Techniques >>