Description of Niman Lightsaber Combat

[@jparshall734]

This style is definatly underrated

[@Verbose_Mode]

I went and did a little extra research. Literally thousands of Niman Form VI practitioners died during the Clone Wars. Over a hundred in the first five hours. The only two acclaimed MASTERS of the form survived the entire war unscathed, and only fell during order 66: one to a self-destructed troop-transport she was aboard, the other after slaughtering nearly an entire garrison of clones and escaping into the outer perimeter, where an orbital turbolaser strike killed him. In recorded canon... NO NIMAN MASTER HAS FALLEN IN PERSONAL COMBAT. Food for thought.

[@justragequit7078]

What were their names?

[@Verbose_Mode]

Jedi Master Cin Dralig is one, if I am not mistaken. The female was never officially named.

[@veganminimalistpastor]

Well, is it really the niman form that caused those masters not to lose, or their mastery of it? No soresu master has ever lost a duel either (obi-wan threw in the towel, so that didn't count). You have Obi-wan, Zannah, etc. Just because no master of a particular form ever lost, doesn't mean it's the best. Those masters worked hard to develop their skill in their chosen form and compensating for its weaknesses.

[@martingamer5591]

A'Sharad Hett was also a Niman Master who survived the Clone Wars & Order 66, but he was killed by Cade Skywalker in 1 on 1 combat.

[@martingamer5591]

***** True enough

[@montanasalvador8808]

Exar Kun was a BEAST of a Sith lord, his only problem was he let madness completely take over.

[@danmarusan2878]

And he was extremely arrogant.

[@empyrean57]

Montana Salvador I agree plus if he fought with fury combined with him being a master of Niman and niman s unpredictability and how if you mastered Niman you mastered all forms he was a deadly warrior

[@thatlonewolfguy2878]

I would use Niman in all honesty, the idea of being able to fight for a while with either a single bladed lightsaber, dual blades or a saberstaff whilst using force powers seems attractive especially being able to alternate the grip on the lightsaber between one and 2 hands seems very versatile

[@smartalec2001]

Rancors have popped up all over the galaxy. There's swamp rancors, desert rancors, snow rancors, jungle rancors etc. They're not just big and tough, they're adaptable. They manage to find ways to find a niche in any ecosystem they end up in. Niman tries to emulate that adaptability.

[@captainkiwi77]

I think a soresu Makachi hybrid, with a niman base to fill in the gaps and incorporate force attacks would be my absolute favorite style in a user.

[@eric81757]

Why is the style favored by diplomats called "The Way of the Rancor"? Rancor means anger, and the alien monster Rancor doesn't seem very diplomatic. Is there any explanation given for this in the source material?

[@Verbose_Mode]

Rancor are startlingly intelligent, and much of their lethal reputation has sprung from underestimation. For the reason this is named so... see every other comment. What makes Niman so good is the ability to be a "competent" combatant, but a combatant with a deep connection to the Force, moreso than any other, combined with a very flexible tactical mindset. A negotiator would pick-and-choose battles, with this, even a "good" practitioner can control the flow and spacing of a fight. Rather like an Alpha rancor that is being hunted and decides to take it's hunters apart piece by piece.

[@anferneesuellcosplay5455]

very late to comment, but it was stated that rancor are found on many planets in different environments, so they adaptability is a trait associated with the lightsaber form

[@TheSecondVersion]

Yeah, if I were to undergo training in the Jedi Temple, I'd start out with Shii-Cho (everyone does, right?). My follow-up training as a Padawan would depend on what kind of Master they team me up with. If I get assigned to a Guardian (more combat-oriented) master, I'd pretty much have to adopt either Soresu or Shien/Djem-So because hey, I'd have to effectively fight in and survive those "aggressive negotiations." If I get a Jedi Consular teacher (preference for meditation/diplomacy), I'd definitely go straight to Niman due to its relatively easy learning curve and the time it frees up for me to study history, negotiation techniques, meditation, and even aerospace engineering (I dunno, I kinda like those *shrug*). Either way, I'd most likely pursue Niman eventually because I like the "jack of all trades" style that grants general versatility over specialization. If I don't know what situation I'll be getting myself into, I'd like a style that generally has no glaring flaws. Plus, I think a style that requires you to keep improvising creatively rather than train with a rigid moveset sounds rather fun ^_^ In any case, I'd still devote free time to studying the other forms, if only lightly. Doing so will likely help me familiarize myself with several fighting styles, and figure out ways to work them into my Niman training. I guess a few sessions a week spent sparring with fellow Jedi / hanging out with Cin Drallig at the local bar will pay off gradually. Oh yeah, and there's a real bonus in having Form 6 as a foundation for dual-blade fencing and telekinesis-assisted combat. Versatile, easy to learn, "customizable," and a doorway to a wide variety of other techniques? Yeah, I'd pretty much go for Niman ^_^

[@00Saybis]

you and me both brotha

[@drakegeer-timmins6780]

If you ask the me the best thing to do is to take any form out of I-V as you primary and then use Niman as a secondary to compensate for those weekness, diversive you options and get training in force intergration and jar kai And then if you're a sith get some training in form VII because I don't believe it should be used by the jedi unless you are able to make it vaapad and you are of the rank of master. So you know how to resist the dark side. Other wise finish of you're training by taking shii-cho which is for me as close as a jedi should get to juyo or soresu if you didnt take those already because soresu is so useful.

[@TheAllomen]

Drake Geer-Timmins that's basically the same concept obi wan used. He was first taught in Ataru by Qui-Gon then he saw the flaws in Ataru (very low defense and the high use of stamina) and started to dedicate himself to soresu even becoming its poster boy. so basically obi wan uses Soresu with Ataru counter attacks making it a very well balanced style. We all know he isn't very strong in what comes to force attacks (he is no pushover either but he's not really up there) but we all also know that he could keep up with the likes of yoda and Windu (not win but keep up). I'd go Niman even if I went guardian. If I dedicated myself to it and actually master it seems like the perfect technique considering Exar Kuns' history... plus... Niman in itself gives you knowledge of other styles.

[@empyrean57]

Vito C you must be a major star wars fan like me very good evaluation very detailed and to be honest I agree with you see my style of fight is to be be 50% defensive 40% offense with swift and powerful strikes 10% for the incorporation of hand-to-hand combat as I do Ta Kwon Do irl and i am a yellow belt so I think that would come in handy as a lightsaber duelist and I could replace the force powers with hand to hand

[@FallenOne669]

Vito C I agree. But even if I focused on a different from, in my case, probably Makashi, I would undoubtedly use Niman as a base, because of its unpredictability, and adaptability.

[@39Hundred]

I love your videos. By the way. I'm not sure exactly how "Niman" is pronounced but I think "Knee-Mon" is the real pronunciation. It sounds more "exotic" than "Nye-Man".

[@michaelkopriva4131]

I personally call it "knee-man"

[@Vossenator]

By far one of my favorite forms if I were a Jedi I would use Niman along with heavy focus in Soresu and Shien maybe a little Ataru while studying and observing all the forms so I know how to adapt better to the situation

[@BlackLegion12621]

Agreed. Rancor's are strong and fast as well as ferocious. Those words are more fitting to Juyo

[@TheFourSeraphim5]

Oh man, Kara Remember's! Love that song, made Exar Kun seem even more badass than he already is!

[@Jahanam9994]

Which is why I also asked for alternative lightsaber-resistant materials. The only thing that needs to be covered is the outer shell, since its the only part likely to be hit by a lightsaber. As for molding, I assume the hilt would be a simple cylindrical shape, so nothing too fancy, although variety could be achieved since cortorsis is regularly made into armor.

[@SovT20]

Thus when combined with offensive and defensive force powers this style can be the very best, but it does overall depend on the users power in the force, combat experience, willingness to practice and creativity in how one applies the force.

[@Azhrei2]

Quick question, what's the name of the music being played during the Exar Kun portion of this video?

[@DeathMetalThrasher]

Mastery in Soresu, Djem-So, and Niman would be a great mash up.

[@darthnox72]

xXDeathMetalThrasherXx niman masters usually are masters in all forms

[@quangtrungbui675]

happy new year Jen, and the worst thing of this video of yours plus the rants of other forms is that the short duration of them. With your voice and the style of speaking you put into them, this can be a great audiobook-type of video.

[@quangtrungbui675]

and I wonder if you can say that Dooku, Vader and Kenobi's abilities represent the role model of what a Niman specialist should be? Maintain highly technical fencing skills from day 0 until you die, whether a master of many forms like Vader or focused in a form or two like Kenobi and ol' Count, but on the other side, achieving a masterful, clever and fluid applications with the Force instead of solely relying on brute force and blunt usage to get things by like Anakin Skywalker or Darth Maul. After 12 years, I wonder whether your knowledge base has branched out so much to analyze this pattern.

[@liquiddrone650]

turn the volume of the music down next time, it's too loud over your voice

[@N7Normandy1]

4:30 WHOA!! The music just went EPIC!

[@meadofpoetry]

Using the Force in lightsaber combat is my favourite aspect of Niman. I'd say using the Force in combat is difficult to master, but hugely beneficial in overwhelming an opponent as they can always see your lightsaber, but cannot see a Force attack. I'd love to see a Jedi fight a battle entirely with Force combat and without a blade. That would be downright inspiring.

[@fancyshoes002]

The Battlestar galactica songs that i can identify are "Elegy" and "Kara Remembers" from season 4 and "One Year Later" from season 2.

[@deadlylaigrek]

And this is why Niman is my second favorite lightsaber form. The lack of weaknesses prevents you from ever needing to switch up forms. You just sort of keep on trucking.

[@SovT20]

Niman is without a doubt one of my favorite forms, mostly because of its jack of all trades nature. It takes the basic elements of all forms before it and weaves them together to create this awesome form. It truly is underrated, and I hate that. Yes its true the style provides no strengths, but it also has no real weakness. It DOES NOT have the weaknesses of the other forms. It is the perfect middle ground. But is does have one advantage, it allows easy and elegant use of the force.

[@FirebirdFreak87]

I'm not sure if you explained it but since Shii-Cho & Niman were designed to be easy to learn, & that Kit Fisto took Shii-Cho to the emph-degree, what is your theory if Niman was taken to the emph-degree? Or Exar Kun already did that? Just wondering.

[@h.g.433]

REally great information, shows your ressearch and knowledge is great! Helped me a lot on RP maters. If I do not push your patience, allow me to make a small complain: sometimes the music volume is a bit too loud and makes it a bit hard listen to what you say. Not a grave sin, but it would be good to watch it in your future videos. At any rate, thank you for your explanations!

[@deadlylaigrek]

Well, he was trained in every lightsaber form, and if I recall correctly, I believe the first novelization describes him as having learned a crapload of other, more obscure forms, as well.

[@iwanjones8196]

whilst I don't deny that kun is one of the greatest niman masters in history, the poster boy should have been darth krayt

[@DarkDeathMarine]

When niman is taken to its highest degree it is more powerful than all the other forms, ever, period.

[@2TCHOLMES]

4:21 Excellent timing for a change in music when it came to Exar Kun.

[@md20gm]

These videos prove undeniably to me that I was woefully underprepared for a role as a Star Wars D20 GM in a Jedi-based campaign. I'm lucky my players chose other concepts!

[@laucorn123]

Would you say Niman is the style to practice as a gateway to a more personalized style? Say you where trained in niman then used used its as the backbone to blend in other styles? Like say Soresu & Makashii?

[@archades115]

I think that would be the common mentality of the Jedi. Which is not a bad thing. But I believe that Niman is supposed to be a gateway to perfecting previous lightsaber forms, requiring an established level of aptitude before using this to achieve mastery.

[@GutsOfRivia]

revan was a master of niman and incorperated all forms so you can say you can cutomize it. but in niman you are ethier an average duelist or master of all forms

[@NavyDave219]

khalid bin ghaith Being a master of Niman does not make you a master of all forms. Think of Niman as MMA. In MMA the fighters take a little from various styles of fighting and roll them into one. The most skilled MMA fighter isn't a master of each style of which his mixture is derived from. Mastering Niman wouldn't make the master a master of all styles just a master of Niman. Why because Niman just takes the strong points of each form and combines them but lacks the precision, depth, and specialization that each form requires.

[@NavyDave219]

khalid bin ghaith Think of it this way a Niman master wouldn't be as skilled in Sorensu or Shien as would a master of Shien and or Sorensu. A Niman master wouldn't be a skilled in Makashi as Dooku or any other master who focuses on Makashi. etc etc etc.

[@GutsOfRivia]

I suppose you arent a master of all styles but I thin a master of niman can defeat any specialist. Some one who had taken niman to the endth degree can beat any duelist

[@moscanaveia]

Awesome tune on the Exar Kun description.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

I thought Jar-Kai was developed specifically for dual blades and it was later incorporated into Niman. In which case, I can now see why Niman would also have 2-handed grips. My bad. Thanks for the correction. Still, given it's particular preference for complementing the fencing with force attacks , I'd still expect to see more single-handed stances (leaving the other free for chokes/pushes etc.)

[@GurmanKlar]

Ataru and Niman are a pretty good combination backed up with advance training in Shii Cho.

[@deadponic117]

I have to ask but how do you make your videos with the slideshows?

[@saintwildfirerecords]

Lol, I love how you used the hero track from the season 3 finale of BSG as the music for the video. Seems somehow appropriate for Niman

[@MisschicaMochi]

Is Niman also good for blast deflection? Since it's derived from Soresu.

[@roberthake5349]

My lightsaber forms would be either Niman and Soresu, or Niman and Ataru, depending on what was required of me. I think Niman is a great form to integrate into other forms, it has strong bases, and keeps you from being too reckless, while also keeping the opponent off their feet.

[@Jakeythesnakey666]

Jensaarai I have a question in your vid you say that niman you need to be a master of everything what do you mean does it mean you need to know all styles what do you mean?

[@Jahanam9994]

Is it possible to build a double-bladed lightsaber hilt from cortorsis in order to eliminate the flaw of the double-bladed saber for getting cut in half?

[@N7Normandy1]

I love the Battlestar Galactica songs you play here.

[@keithasaur0]

Does anybody know the calm, serene music playing in the beginning, before the hardcore BSG theme later in the video starts playing?

[@vallettapetracyneran8587]

My last choice of form as i love using dual blades and a force abilities in one. it works very well when in solo combat and mixed with form 3

[@petroglyph79]

I would mix soresu for the defense and Niamin for the offensive skills to balance each other.

[@onn]

sounds like All Along the Watchtower from Battlestar Galactica, but this doesnt sound like the version from the series, Jensaarai1 can you name it?

[@AltHistoryX]

Jens, Lucas needs to send some loot your way!! Thanks again for the vids!

[@IvanKroloCroGeek0424]

How steep is the learning curve for Niman? And I mean for some one who wanted to completely master it to the level of Exar Kun.

[@LunaticReason]

I took a bunch of quizzes to see what form I would suit. Niman was my top followed by Makashi I hope to train in these.

[@cultofmalgus1310]

As a Niman practitioner I would see myself using Shii-Cho, Makashi, Soresu, and Djem-So exclusively with some Jar'kai mixed in as needed.

[@Davidhenry1210]

I think that it would be best to use this for as a base for your mastery. Become adept at this form (In the middle of skill) then go into mastery of some other forms. This way you would have all your bases down and have your hooks (Mastered Forms) also you would have force powers to back you up. That's how my training would go. Question: What forms would you guys use and why?

[@piercewise2232]

I would want to be trained as a jedi Guardian. I'd specialize and master Djem So for lightsaber combat while being an expert if not a master of the Shien variant of Form V. My I guess "secondary" style would be Niman and a bit of shii cho. Djem So for brute force strikes and power attacks and immediate counter attacks basically giving no chance for my opponent to gain any offensive advantage. Shien for blaster deflection and honestly training in the reverse grip for when I'm using one handed attacks and transitioning from standard grip and back to reverse grip. Then Niman for making up what my form V skills lack those being lack of mobility. Niman also to help better chain my force abilities,thus I would be able to attack my opponents with overwhelming power blows with both one and two handed attacks with an unorthodox method via shien reverse grip,mixing in force pushes and pulls. and my immediate counter attacks allow me to counter my opponents with blade or force attacks. My lightsaber would be a Dual Phase violet lightsaber to constantly extend my blade and back to standard size keeping my opponents on their toes,and I would have a sub form in Trakata using my saber as an extension of my mind deceiving my opponent

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Agree 100%. I think I'm the same. Also I get bored easily so would find specialising in one form too hard anyway. Niman ensures that you're at least competent enough for most situations - after that, how much you want to master it is up to you. BTW, Are you talking hypothetically here or referring to some gaming universe where these forms actually exist as described?

[@archades115]

Certainly one of my favorite lightsaber forms. Well rounded and easily flavored by any of the other forms while encouraging the use of force powers in combat. As a Sith assassin in KOTOR 2: the Sith Lords, I was able effectively engage any number of enemies and annihilate them with Force Storm if in danger, all with the use of Niman. It is a pity the Sith Lord class was unable to learn Niman or Juyo. That would have been near invincible...

[@2TCHOLMES]

You know, I was going to say that because Kun fought with vicious fury in his Niman form, that sounds like using either Juyo or Shien/Djem So. I must say that Terry has a point.

[@ariesstorm9577]

I read somewhere that it takes a decade to master Form VI (which is roughly how long it takes a Padawan to reach knighthood)

[@Tallman413]

I don't believe that you can truly be a master of Niman, that's just impossible. I theorise this b/c in what I've seen from many of the notable practitioners of the Form they seem to bank more on one aspect of their own technique to win; - Exar Kun/Primarily used archaic and obscure methods - Starkiller/Spammed his primal force abilities - Darth Sidious/Applied terror and shock tactics to off balance opponents I can only suspect that Kao Cen Darach and Darth Krayt could be considered true master (however in Krayt's consideration he does regularly incorporate Force Rage into his battles). In essence I believe that Niman is more of a Form that allows the practitioner freedom of application than a real discipline as seen from Soresu or Shien and in the cases listed they applied Niman from their own skills and grew accustomed to *their form* respectively so, I believe that most practitioners tend to be more masters of their technique/application then the Form itself. My primary example would be the most famous Niman practitioner: Exar Kun. He learned the Form for it's versatility and freedom for open learning even in exploring archaic practices. Once Kun had learned what he wished from Niman and fell to the Darkside he then turned from the practice of a balanced mind and moderation of form and applied more aggressive onslaught whilst mixing unusual tactics to off-balance his opponents. Where as in other practices where if you were to forget a form's philosophies their skills in the form would suffer and degrade such as Sora Bulq's application of Vaapad degraded to Juyo when he embraced his own passions then reflecting his opposition's back at them as intended. Kun's application of Niman shows that the philosophy of Niman can be ignored for the practitioner's individual development of application, indicating freedom of choice then discipline. In addition it is possible in that, like Vaapad, Niman is more an mentality towards combat then a set instructions on how to approach it: allowing moderation of multiple choices for the freedom of application and (in the case of focused applicants) advancement. In conclusion, I would suggest that no one can realistically master Niman due to the tenets of Niman itself.

[@lilslimejr1969]

I agree with you partially. While these people did use other tactics to defeat their enemies, that does not mean they are not masters. Masters of all forms are then true masters in niman. At least thats what I think. But mastering niman is already going above and beyond, going against what people say about niman as being used for people who don't have an interest in making a career out of dueling. Only duelists that have an interest in the lack of weaknesses, the use of the force, or the skill with two blades would only go so far as to mastering it. In my opinion, if you master it, you ignore everything people say about it as a relaxed form.

[@vaasmontenegro8303]

+Primarch 001 I can see your point here, but I would also like to point out that Form 6 is a mish mash of Forms 1-5, all 5 forms will reflect in your style in some way or another if you truly take Niman to it's absolute nth degree. Exar Kun was a fine example of this because of how skilled he was. Sure, he fought with vicious fury and kind of discarded the Jedi mindset of Niman, but he replaced it with a Sith mindset and only grew more powerful. Niman can easily be the strongest Form with a lot of dedication and practice, it's just rare to see it.

[@robrockstar9648]

+Primarch 001 its the style of options

[@inventorking9124]

Notable masters of Niman include Exar Kun, Ulic Qel-Droma, Galen Marek and his clone Starkiller, Luke Skywalker, Darth Wyyrlok, and Darth Krayt,

[@Dragonflyjones67]

Ullic was form 5 specialist! Not a practionier of niman

[@inventorking9124]

whoops

[@cadkls]

Darth maul?

[@Dragonflyjones67]

Darth Maul skills in niman is adaptable to his skills in tera kasi and juyo. They go great together! Exar kuns uses juyo mentality with a deceptive approach. Cao Shen Darach is base on battle nutrition. He controls the fight until a opening is exploited. Sidious is more proficient with it too. Much base on a juyo approach with the attitude of a form 4 combatant. Also, Dooku! He's a form 2 specialist that uses form 6 tactics. Every battle he's in he combines his light saber skills with force abilities.

[@cadkls]

Brett Jackson I suppose, I only really get my info from wookiepedia and it stated that Darth maul was a skilled practitioner. Unless it was another combat form I can't remember. I'll have to go over them again.

[@That0therG]

I'd have a mastery in Makashi, supplemented by Shii-Cho for advanced offense, and a defense in Shi-en and Ataru (in evasive movements and physical retaliation like kicking only), with an intermediate use of the force (mainly utility and support and more particularly in the healing arts) Would that make me more a practitioner of Ni-man or would this be possible?

[@FutureUSMC12]

That wouldn't make you a Niman practitioner. It simply makes you a practiced hand of multiple styles. The thing that separates forms (real and in universe) isn't the movements, but the approach to the fight and training. Niman's approach is to relax the training on bladework. Rather than teaching binding attacks and blade control/leverage, Niman's approach is to 1. Gain control of the fight using the Force. And 2. Use Jar'Kai to overwhelm the opponent in a flurry of strikes (again, foregoing a focus on using the bind/advanced blade control)

[@That0therG]

I thought Jar'Kai is more of an optional choice that a necessary component of the study. might be reading a bit too far into it but that's what it looks like to me from what you said.

[@FutureUSMC12]

+Shade's Archives Maybe Jar'Kai is an optional rather than forced course. I believe it is a forced one just to show the student as many ways to employ Niman as possible (in the same way Karate, a primarily striking art, would also take the time to teach grapples and throws). Further practicing and becoming proficient in its use would be an optional choice the student would make. I just mentioned it to show one of the ways Niman approaches combat with a relaxed training on bladework.

[@clownplayer7265]

Before a deep analysis of the lightsaber forms. 1.-Juyo/Vaapad (Apparently very powerful and supposedly the best one) 2.-Shien/Djem So (Balance between offense and defense is cool) 3.-Ataru (Acrobatic, but you become quite fragile) 4.-Makashi (Great fencing skills, but requires a lot of precision) 5.-Soresu (All defense and no offense is not my style) 6.-Niman (Jack-of-all-stats with the risk of being a Master of None) 7.-Shii Cho (I like all the styles, but Shii Cho is not my style due of being ) After a deep analysis and Jensaarai1's videos 1.- Draw between Ataru and Niman (I didn't expected that both styles were so versatile. Kudos specially for Niman, after learning about Exar Kun and the tendency of using force abilities in Niman, the style seems to be hard but awesome and unpredictable once mastered. Ataru's strong use of the force and philosophy was also very interesting) 2.-Shien/Djem So (Still an awesome style. Plus, the style is used for Vader, and he's awesome. If only the form could avoid the letdowns of the Mighty Glacier) 3.-Makashi (Awesome when mastered, but still, requires a lot of focus) 4.-Soresu (Same as above. All defense no defense is not my style) 5.-Juyo/Vaapad (Ultimatelly, the risks of the Juyo/Vaapad are quite high. Is awesome, but too dangerous to use for most beings) 6.-Shii Cho (Again, I actually like all the lightsaber forms, but Shii Cho, being the oldest of the forms, is very basic in my tastes. Thought the part about useful against multiple opponents is pretty cool) I never expected I would really like Niman at first, but yeah, the style is awesome.

[@silverfangmoonhunter]

I'd say that Niman's biggest upside is it's openness to force techniques. Allowing a Niman practitioner to become wildly strong in force concepts while remaining reasonably competent in blade to blade combat. It seems like Niman would be perfect for any force-sensitive who wants to really focus on connecting with the living force.

[@lilslimejr1969]

+Xj4277 It would if niman would be his CONFIRMED primary form. Many people think that its ataru because he uses agility and speed when battling, yet the intense use of the force, the use of 2 lightsabers, and unorthodox style of battling, it all leads to niman. although its not confirmed, its pretty clear.

[@SwagokuLion]

what about the music? at the 4 min mark

[@eziomofo7893]

Which is better Niman or Djem-So?

[@SamuriLemonX18]

Song towards the end?

[@cernstormrunner7263]

All Along the Watchtower from the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack. Part of it anyway

[@HoosierJedi]

What's the music in this? I know it from somewhere.

[@whitesmith3790]

Could anyone please tell me what Jedi is that at 3:12?

[@snow-so3qn]

I think it has 1 major advantage, due to being moderate at everything and not so aggressive Niman would allow a lot of stamina to be conserved

[@That0therG]

+Daniel Snow you could say the same for soresu....

[@snow-so3qn]

fair point

[@acdragonrider]

Could you discuss saber staffs please?

[@kirbyspencer]

In principle you are right the fight would be very much even on an open plane. The only point I would put across is that the specialized Soresu and Ataru fighters would only be able to fight competently using those forms unless they were a master of something else. This would put the Niman user on top because he can adapt to any situation. If the niman user was to push the ataru user into an enclosed space then that would be it for them because he has nothing to fall back on.

[@emporer15]

Can Niman form be possible to preform when wielding a light pike or saber staff? And when I say light pike, I don't mean a body length one. I find those a bit unwieldy. I mean one maybe arm's length or so.

[@veganminimalistpastor]

Maul did it. Why not?

[@emporer15]

Alex Perry Wasn't he using his saberstaff with Juyo?

[@veganminimalistpastor]

He did both. He preferred Juyo, but he used niman in Ep. 1 to lead The Jedi into a location of his choosing (knowing Qui-Gon's affinity for strong yet blind offense)

[@emporer15]

Alex Perry Ok, thank you.

[@veganminimalistpastor]

:)

[@Jahanam9994]

Disregarding rarity, since Jedi Masters make their hilts out of electrum, a rare cosmetic metal, what other metals would serve as a better alternative? Mandalorian iron? And how much of the metal would be enough to resist lightsaber strikes?

[@daric_]

Are you a battlestar galactica fan? Or am I just a Cylon in disguise? Pretty sure the music in the background is what the four secret cylons heard on the ship....am I wrong?

[@lovefunbeer]

are you ever going to talk about the forms of the new jedi order. if im not mistaken there there is the rings and fast speed etc/

[@SuperAllelujah]

Hell yeah be a walking Swiss Army Knife, :D

[@MasterrangerABR]

why is this called the way of the rancor, those are not peaceful or moderate?

[@Jedidune]

Is it a master or high-level master of niman that is unstoppable and is there a difference?

[@thefailedgamerchannel5835]

Can you use Niman with just a single bladed lightsaber

[@IvanKroloCroGeek0424]

How can it suffer from all of their weakness if it combines them all (except Juyo)? How can it have the weaknesses of Ataru (blast deflection, multiple opponents, lack of defense,..) when it has Soresu in it which perfectly compensates for all of Atarus weaknesses? I think if you want to cover most of your bases you're better of learning Soresu/Ataru then combining the two ala Obi-Wan, but Niman is the style of complete mastery. Also Starkiller overcame its many problems easily.

[@MrAmericanMapper]

Isn't sidious a niman specialist?

[@99thJediWarrior]

MrAmericanMapper I don't know. He is a very combative Force-user and I don't think Moderation would be one of Sidious's strong suits. Then again, he was masquerading as a politician for several years before revealing himself to be a Sith Lord.

[@MrAmericanMapper]

99thJediWarrior Well sidious is like a battlemaster niman. He took all the styles but instead of moderation, he amplified them to the nth degree. Antoine bandele made a really good case on why he might specialize in niman

[@archades115]

It is believed so. You can see elements of Forms 1 through 5 in his techniques, without specializing in any one area. Like precision, strength, or speed. I would daresay he also incorporates Juyo with Niman, for a greater offense while retaining respectable defense and keeping any number of tactics and options available for himself. Furthermore, I believe this to be the case because Sidious' master, Darth Plagueis, seems to have been a Niman practitioner; and Plagueis noted Darth Maul, who was trained by Sidious, incorporated Niman into his Juyo for a better balanced fighting style. And lastly, Sidious preferred relying on the Force over lightsabers and while quite skilled, he was not as masterful in techniques as he appeared. It was his sheer strength in the Force that helped him compensate for whatever lack of refinement being a publicly watched politician and art collector of 30+yrs it may have brought on.

[@MrAmericanMapper]

Kyle Towe He essentially made Niman go to it's nth degree. Also while he mastered all forms it's essentially confirmed what sidious used as the back bone of his method. He used Makashi, Ataru, and Juyo with Niman.

[@myentropy4163]

MrAmericanMapper Remember that Niman isn't the combination of all previous combat forms but instead the hybridinatization of them. In other words, it's a unique style that stands on its own despite it incorporating the same basic methods of the previous styles. BTW, I might be wrong but I think Sidious is a master of all forms of lightsaber combat.

[@Emperordmb]

I know it's a continuous effort you must work on constantly, but the question is how long it takes to take vaapad to a state of mastery.

[@S4disticJ0k3r]

what is the song at 4:20?

[@Kalo9496]

Who is the Jedi at 3:15 please ?

[@cyrusttoille]

Love the All along the watch towers from BSG.

[@tatsenuko]

Hmmm the niman style huh,i'll have to look into this one and make a video of the styles btw i like the explenation but could you mix down the music so it will be less annoying during the explenation sometimes it peaks which renders your voice to be hardly heard other then that good job !

[@bluelick7578]

Oh yea, was wondering, anyone know a link to an audiobook for Exar Kun's story? (audiobook pls not audio drama) His story sound pretty good, and after hearing the audiobooks of darth bane, darth plaigues and rise of lord vader, I've been kinda addicted to those. I'm not only interrested in sith lords, but lets face it, I only ever saw 1 story where the sith lords were not a prime focus and was interresting. (star wars Into the void)

[@xRKiRx]

That was awesome

[@whollyhandgrenade13]

Does anyone think that Naiman would be a useful stepping stone to use on one's way to learning Juyo?

[@rideroffire]

It could be... But i would personally think ataru Form IV and some endurance training would be bettter for the stepping stones to juyo

[@spencersteele5140]

Thanx dude that was brilliant....

[@Jeffko78]

Just for your personal edification, it's not "emph-degree", but rather "nth degree" (pronounced "enth"), as in the last letters used in a numeral adjective (i.e. seventh, eight, ninth...).

[@Bouldergaming123]

Whats the name of the poster boy for this style?

[@johnowen9349]

+rocky farrow Exar Kun

[@Jedidune]

is a niman user unstoppable when they achieve mastery or high level mastery master or high-level master of niman

[@onn]

thanks for the list!

[@InfernityZ3r0]

Mine would be Vaapad + Soresu with Makashi. While vaapad would put me on a lot of emotional stress i can use soresu to regain inner peace and force the opponent to make a mistake, then switch again to either vaapad or makashi. If i chose vaapad my strike would be deadly and would be meant to finish the opponent for good, while makashi or even soresu itself would make a more precise attack to a certain area and would serve to disarm or incapacitate.

[@FutureUSMC12]

After looking into the styles more (and also my created in universe character), I would change my initial choices in styles. I (as a Jedi focused on being scholar and healer) would initially learn Niman, so I can focus on my healing training. Out of necessity, and personal unwillingness to be over aggressive, I would learn Soresu (which I take a more practical interpretation of it rather than the lore "zero attack" description, which is a stupid approach even in a made up universe). I would become a more capable duelist over time, even using Jar'Kai to great effect on occasion, and from personal taste would learn Makashi.

[@dillanmccants4642]

dearth Sidious used this form against maul and oppress on mandalore. using the force pull and push aspect of the form to its fullest. not to mention using the force to evade oppresses wild shi cho swings before pulling him onto his blades

[@pcity15pheenom]

This sounds like it is more of a balanced style. Something I can get used to if I were a Jedi. It's nothing fancy and would probably surprise most opponents

[@funnyhispanic]

its a form that has a bad rep its an easy form to learn only if you do the bare minimum if you go above the expected and dedicate yourself to this form and in the hands of one whos embroiled in combat it is deadly you r=can reap the benefits of each style if you work hard to learn

[@Vex595]

Exar Kun may havve practiced Niman/Jar-kai but after he fell to the dark side and ignored the idea of moderation wouldn't you say that his form became more of a hybrid of other forms because of his ideas. From what I would see and Im probably very wrong but it sounds like his extreme rage would combine Niman/Jar-kai with a Juyo mentality.

[@lazarusrex9545]

who's the jedi in the beginning of the video

[@IvanKroloCroGeek0424]

Sidious used Phrik for his primary lightsaber which he lost during his bout with Windu in ROTS and its a lightsaber resistant metal that didn't hamper the user in any way. Thats the best alternative.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

So where do I go to actually practice it? :) SWG or SWTOR maybe?

[@rideroffire]

Ive heard that vader uses Form V as the basis for his fighting style but incorporates moves and ideals from other forms... So i was wondering how using Form IV NIMAN as a basis while incorporating some moves and ideals from other styles and a little bit of modification for dual weilding lightsabers

[@rideroffire]

Oops! I meant form 6 not form 4 stupid Roman numerals i always get mixed up