Form I: Shii-Cho - Description & Analysis

[@danmarusan2878]

A good demonstration of Shii Cho: Zett Jukassa, the youngling/padawan in episode 3, who did a better job in fighting clones than Ki Adi Mundi.

[@ironinquisitor3656]

Well Ki Adi Mundi was caught off guard.

[@anferneesuellcosplay5455]

Being shot from both sides unprepared would get anyone

[@kasen338]

yeah that seems about right which means shii cho is better against blasters then form 2

[@iceomistar4302]

Well Shii cho did have a blast deflection component.

[@nick0875]

The kid had surprise on their side, Ki Adi Mundi was the one being surprised by the clones while he was in a battle against droids.

[@jonas1015119]

Id say Shii-Cho is one of the most underrated lightsaber combat forms, together with Niman ( thanks Cloeman Trebor). Many think of it only as the most basic form that gets leared by younglings until they move on to learn something "better", even though Kit Fisto shows how effective it can be when mastered.

[@Arthion]

Yes, it's one of the coolest forms imo, it's all about speed and unpredictability. It's like a wolf, it's not overly sophisticated but it'll overwhelm you by tiring you out and never letting you get a moment of rest with it's persistence.

[@fearthepiggaming2998]

I can't remember if it was Jensaarai or I or someone else who said this what does description I'd like to use is that it's a shotgun blast difficult to aim but great when you got to take out a lot of people or do a lot of damage

[@crazyscotsman9327]

I would argue that Lucien Draay is the better master to point to for a Master of Shii-Cho lightsaber dueling. As Lucien created his personal skillset to deal with other lightsaber duelists. Specifically with offensive power houses just like Kit Fisto, and Anakin.

[@ghosty918]

Basic Shii-Cho and Advanced Shii-Cho are as different as any other Form and basic Shii-Cho

[@gfggism]

So what is your take on niman? I to think it's underrated and can be a very effective fighting style if used right and fully mastered. Exar Kun and Darth Kryat were both Niman users and both some of the best dualists of their eras.

[@ldarksong]

Oh this is a beautiful upgrade to the Lightsaber Series, Jensaari.

[@ariesstorm9577]

I agree, the original was really enjoyable and full of fun facts about the lightsaber forms but this is a whole new level. Everything has greatly improved both visually and descriptively, I'm looking forward to all future lightsaber videos from Jensaarai1

[@Mister-Thirteen]

Most marital arts fall back on their basics, and the skill of the practitioner is often measured by how well they have mastered those basics. Shii-Cho seems to be an effective example of this.

[@Phoenix_254]

Brilliant in the basics was the mantra my dojo used when students got frustrated with practicing the same thing over and over. They were right, I'm aware of elaborate techniques, but at the end of the day, my first response is simple stuff.

[@flameconvoy7424]

Mr.13 so true,when I fence even though I'm taught more advanced blocks and strikes, when actually fencing I always use the basics with great effectiveness

[@dracofalconis7865]

A solid foundation is the key to long standing house.

[@TheSecondVersion]

Man, I wish someone would cover other fictional martial arts with the same level of detail as your analyses -CQC (Metal gear) -Gun Kata (Equilibrium, Ultraviolet) -Naked/Kill (Shibumi) -The real-life martial arts and philosophies that the Bending arts from Avatar are based on -The fighting styles used in hack-n-slash (Devil May Cry) and beat-em-up (Arkham games) -Fighting games like Tekken

[@mickey11211ca]

Tekken, Street Fighter, Soul Calibur, Killer Instinct, Avatar, Equilibrium, Dynasty Warriors, Mortal Kombat just to name a few more..............

[@deadponic117]

i am actually looking into doing a video specifically analyzing CQC and the techniques employed by Batman in the Arkham games.

[@KamenRider1]

Throw in the various fictional fighting styles in KOF as well like Heidern's "Assassination arts" that resembles a more acrobatic take on Sambo and/or Systema, the Yagami/Yamazaki and Kusanagi clan styles that resemble traditional Kenpo, and the Kagura/Yata style that resembles Aikido in some ways. I'm a Karate and Kali-Arnis practitioner myself and I find much joy looking into the lightsaber forms. I think Forms 7,5, and 2 are the ones that fit my personal approach to combat based on the way I train in the 2 aforementioned Martial Arts.

[@EndLess009]

Shii Cho mixed with Shien and Djem So together would be truly devastating. Able to easily go from single to multiple opponents with lightsabers and effectively counter attack them as well. Imagine mastering the jedi flow of Shii Cho with the added defense and counter strength from form 5... Crazy. Add all of this with Makashi and you would have a real badass on your hands.

[@quewhyes7605]

"Jedi wear no armour". And then I think back to the whole Old Republic era

[@joroa7151]

Well it is most likeley that the ability to use the force as an armor is not perfected at that point in time as well as most padawans are sent to war when their training is not complete.

[@AkosKovacs.Author.Musician]

Well even masters like Cao wore armor,so I don't think only student wore that.Plus not wearing armor is a stupid decision.Jedi or not.

[@quewhyes7605]

+Joro Andreev I agree, and I also think that the ideas expressed about armour were mostly metaphorical since the extract quoted talks about how the emotions of ordinary people are suppressed. These emotions then twist the people and make them warped and act like armour, this is when he says "Jedi have no armour" meaning that they have a different way of life in which they don't suppress their emotions. I think it was more about their way of life than physical armour.

[@conallkingshott4597]

it was entirely metaphoric obi wan one of the main characters wore armor

[@P326Star]

+StarWarsGuru I think it was more a reference to the fact that Jedi in more recent times chose to forego the use of armour since they were no longer (at least up until the Clone Wars) battlefield generals and the fact that they generally did not need much in the way of armour in combat due to having access to the Force to protect them.

[@seanrea550]

you could say that shii-cho is the root of all other light saber forms. the fundamentals being worked in diffrent ways to have diffrent focuses.

[@nicholaspeterman9111]

That is precisely correct. Makashi tried to become the opposite of SHii-Cho and address its faults. Soresu tried to refine it's defense at the expense of offense when blasters became widespread and Makashi proved obsolete. Ataru took all that was aggressive and unpredictable about Shii Cho and became faster and even more unpredictable. Shien and Djem So were based on Shien and Makashi (both of which were, in turn, based on Shii-Cho) and sought to use their principles more proactively in all theaters of combat (Creating openings to exploit rather than waiting for them to present themselves like Soresu while stripping away the convention of Makash ithat made it unsuited to combat on the battlefield and against multiple adversaries). Niman sought to create a more passive and utilitarian form than the aggressive Form V using principles of each form preceding it including Shii-Cho. Juyo took the aggressive unpredictability of Shii-Cho and Ataru and took them to the nth degree. That's why Shii-cho is the perfect training form.

[@seanrea550]

this would suggest that all classically trained force wielders would have atleast a competent level of skill with shii-cho. not sure how Luke applied the classical form in the reformed jedi order. those without the oppertunity for formal training would likely learn form doing and piecing things together.

[@nicholaspeterman9111]

Sean Rea Indeed. All were trained in Shii-Cho before they moved on to specialize or (rarely) stayed with Shii-Cho itself like Kit Fisto. As for the NJO, they replaced the classic forms with a creation of Kyle Katarn's The 3 rings of defense. They later rediscovered the classic forms.

[@ech0six]

No one ever mentions how cumbersome traditional Jedi robes would be for lightsaber combat. The sleeves would tangle something fierce.

[@nicholaspeterman9111]

So that's why everyone dramatically sheds their robes before dueling. It's practical too.

[@ech0six]

Nicholas Peterman Some do. A lot don't. Depending on how dramatic the prequels are feeling at the time, plenty of them keep their robes on.

[@tellurianamystic9424]

Not to mention how many would chop off their own hands, ears and possibly even heads.

[@TheSecondVersion]

Seems like Old Ben Kenobi set the "classic look" that most subsequent Jedi designs had to follow, even though his outfit really only made sense because he was a hermit on a desert planet

[@AbsurdFalcon]

I mean to be fair the robes don’t go all the way down there’s not much of a risk of stepping on them since it cuts off just below the knee

[@RotaFury]

Really enjoyed this video, it went into a great amount of detail and highlighted what the form is about. It didn't over praise it or underpraise it. Just information on some of the risks and benefits of it which is fantastic.

[@wolfgod6443]

2:00 Dang, shame Trials of the Darksaber didn't come out yet to show this. Then again I don't think anyone expected that show to talk about the intricacies of lightsaber combat (most prominent imo was Kanan's explanation on why duelists don't just slide their sabers down and cut the other guy's arm off during blade locks).

[@robrockstar9648]

This is one of the styles I would want focus on though it wouldn't be my primary form. I have found during sparing matches that I often do my best when I am able to "let go" and fall into a state of instinctive flow. I was able to handle a 3 way sparing match in a karate class in such a manner. My mentality and one of biggest weakness as a fighter is that I will overthink things if I feel of balance, so knowing how and when to "let go" would be rather useful for me in a life or death situation.

[@Phoenix_254]

I'm very similar. While I can think through a fight. It's simply not me at my best. My method of combat is to be instinctual during combat and when there's a break or a pause in combat (from a lock, break off, or psychological combat from myself and my opponent changing stances repeatedly to get the upper hand). It's been especially helpful for me at lightsaber events when it gets dark so that the only things I can see are our blades, I can't read my opponents body language due to our bright blades, so I just have to go with it.

[@bw5020]

That's natural. It can be bypassed by just being. You know it. Your body knows it. Just do.

[@lomoholga]

😂

[@charlesratcliff2016]

to get an idea of Shii-Cho is to look at The Hobbit The Five Armies. As the Elves leaped over the formation of dwarfs using their swords cutting through the orcs.

[@Venneroth]

This was such a treat. Now I'm pumped for the others, especially III, V and VI!

[@ariesstorm9577]

Also, I never realised until just now how smoothly “Jedi Ready”, “Defensive Neutral”, “Shii-Cho Basic Stance” and “Offensive Neutral” stances all smoothly transition into one another, to the point where they can all flow into one singular movement. Start in Jedi Ready with dominant foot back; slide that foot forward so both are level and keep the saber unmoving (it naturally gets into position) for Defensive Neutral; bring the lightsaber across to your centre with the tip still pointing up for the Shii-Cho Basic Stance; finally dip the tip of the blade forward as if pointing at the opponent’s face for Offensive Neutral.

[@SS4Xani]

Anyone else find it funny/interesting that he's talking about Star Wars while having Halo music in the background? XD

[@adrieldavidson5929]

yeah i noticed that

[@ariesstorm9577]

An excellent updated analysis of Shii-Cho, I really liked how you included it's use with other types of lightsabers apart from the standard single blade :-)

[@dulio3240]

Raw, simplistic, innovative but clumsy. Form I/Shii Cho even taken to the highest degree is still at risk of death/defeat by a single opponent due to the simple clumsy bladework. Form I, a good back-up form but a risky base form

[@psychotime5023]

Dulio Gesualdo it also says it’s unpredictable which means you could probably make up for the sloppy ness of it if you give your self to the force completely but then it becomes more like form 7 and then that’s wen you become a true monster

[@baconlover7747]

i can't wait for the analysis of form 2. good work dude

[@frozenprince6602]

yeah definitely 2,3, and 5

[@baconlover7747]

+Tha Best24 actually if I'm being completely honest I'm dying for him to get to niman.....easily my favorite form

[@SamuraiJedi7]

Same here, love Niman

[@baconlover7747]

But screw moderation. Train like a beast and gear your force abilities to survival and defense. You'd be lethal

[@SamuraiJedi7]

brandon roman Well I think it starts of with a balanced knowledge of the forms and you kind of go from there into what you want. Durach, Kun, and Krayt, are good examples of this as they each come off as very different, at least to me.

[@lovefunbeer]

OG still the best break down on the Forms. Everyone else is an imitation. I love how you break it down. As a Martial Artist it makes me rethink each one of my forms or Katas so it could be better explained.

[@kaimijo]

Glad to have you revisiting and revisiting these videos, highly enjoyed the originals and lead to me going out to get as many books as i could to do my own studies. Keep up the good work ^^

[@robgeorge4581]

This is an incredible upgrade to your old videos. The usage of logical reasoning and high amounts of sourcing are incredible and this video is very well done. I look forward to your future videos.

[@raghuvarv]

Outstanding video good sir. Can't wait for the Makashi, Soresu and Niman videos (my facourite forms these are). And as a massive Halo fan, excellent choice in music I say.

[@Itiswhatitis90]

Thanks for the update, I really enjoy shii-chi with my bo staff.

[@jondysnach]

Jenn spoke favourably of savage oppress :O

[@willsword8100]

Keep it simple, heck its really the only form that we see being trained/practiced in the movies (A New Hope and Attack of the Clones) and it's creates the baseline that everything else comes into place.

[@GAdmThrawn]

Great start to the series. I would be interested to see the rest.

[@Daldi564]

Luke: But with the blast shield down I can't even see. How am I supposed to fight? Obi Wan: Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them. I believe that is a Form 1 exercise.

[@psychotime5023]

Daldi it is actually a first form practitioner could probably be stronger if they were blind

[@jordanreed3675]

What you said about giving one completely over to the force and bagging through any obstacles sounds like what Rey did during her duel against Kylo Ren on star killer base

[@justinwallace269]

Have you ever thought about making videos comparing styles with similar characteristics? Shii Cho and Juyo/Vaapad seem to share many similar traits in terms of randomized and fast paced combat. The only real difference I see is that Juyo seems more internal, while Shii Cho seems to let go into the force more. Also that Shii Cho maintains good defence, while Juyo throws it all to the wind for greater offence. I’d be curious to get your take on it.

[@kasen338]

Call me strange but i feel drawn to this form for some reason maybe is the improvisation that make it fun

[@marsuvesblack9645]

Love it!!! No complaints at all I'm excited for the others

[@benadryl3172]

Overall it is a very underrated. I think it's very deadly and a great form. Some people might disagree, but hey...Kit Fisto. amirite

[@295Phoenix]

Nah, dawg, Shii-Cho sucks.

[@benadryl3172]

295Phoenix Bet

[@Mrshadowman460]

great job this is much better than it was before (not thag it was bad before). Great job

[@darknova7863]

I think it is my favorite form because of what it stands for. I respect Kit Fitso so much for specializing in it

[@Charles36.]

Love the simplicity in this form. The basic work for reason keep that up and it's hard to lose your way.

[@ProfessorGamez]

Very well done. A good teacher you would make, yes.

[@Carblesnarky]

Great anlysis. A couple of interesting bits from video games and tabletop rpgs, in Star Wars The Old Republic Shii-Cho does a bit more damage and reduces incoming a small amount. I think this plays into the form as the basis of the other forms. In Star Wars Saga, it improves Ranged Deflection and Melee Blocks vs multiple attacks or opponents. This obviously highlights the strength of the form against multiple opponents.

[@noahweathers4408]

I believe Shii-Cho is a form that I would perform at an average level. A good fall back option, but nothing for me to excel at or struggle with. All in all, perfectly decent.

[@crazyscotsman9327]

Form V is where it is at!

[@tathagatasaurus36]

I wish I could like this more than once. I'm so happy to see a new light saber combat series. May the force be with you Jensaarai1.

[@Hypercat0]

he is back finally. welcome back jensarai

[@Keeginator117]

Just wanted to say i was a big fan of your're original lightsaber tutorial videos. This update was even better than i expected, can't wait for the form 2 and 5 video's!!

[@JacatackLP]

Love it!

[@honeybunch2222]

I cant wait to see vaapad!!!

[@kronos48221]

Really hoping Niman gets its due! It's an awesome form, i dig the added info in this vid compared to the older ones.

[@dangerouslydubiousdoubleda9821]

No its really not it has no strength or weaknesses just a little bit of everything but Palp was on some pimp shit

[@Harumidomori]

Nice video, much more detailed than the previous version, which I know is what you were going for. You're an excellent analyst and I very much enjoy hearing and learning about the Star Wars universe from you. Great Job.

[@tab9856]

Cool Halo music

[@DarthWill3]

Shii-Cho, the Form that started it all.

[@5TailFox]

We no longer call it the Sarlacc Sweep. Now, we simply refer to it as the Dynasty Warrior.

[@finalesaint1006]

Minus the music, I very much enjoyed this. Thank you

[@michaelkarimian7538]

Words cannot describe the magic of this video. Really excited for the other forms. :)

[@matthewsands1572]

Top quality video, great description of this massively underrated form.

[@jaridb86]

Excellent video! Is there any chance that you will iterate on The Three Rings of Defense? Just curious. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@caos1925]

not that the older one of this wasn't good but this was still a massive improvement. And did you actually complement Savage Oppress!? Where did that come from?

[@wmen48]

Jensaarai1 plz leave this style of analysis in next vids. Say how a fighter feels, looks and barebone what fighting style is about(weaknesses and strenghts).

[@loyalcompanion2104]

i guess you were pleased when sidious killed him

[@kieranholmes8086]

+Jensaarai1 visually the micro series was a treat yes but in terms of storytelling? You can't seriously think it's superior to the clone wars. Also, if you knew the origins of the micro series it wasn't even supposed to be an in depth series originally it was just supposed to be little promos/advertisements for Star Wars.

[@YousufKhanPR]

Criminally overrated? Are you saying Savage Opress has a big fanbase? I have never met any actual Savage fans, either you've seen some rare types of Star Wars fans, or I have been living under a rock.

[@Daldi564]

Luke: But with the Blast Shield down I can't even see. How am I supposed to fight? Obi Wan: Your eyes can deceive you don't trust them.

[@ariesstorm9577]

I know that we see lightsaber combat typically labelled as “lightsaber combat” but from a Jedi perspective should it not be known as “Lightsaber Defence”? Using Form I as an example, the manoeuvre known as the “Sarlacc Sweep” appears to be depicted as an offensive move, literally sweeping the blade horizontally with the aim to take out multiple opponents, which is ok for a Jedi facing non-sentient enemies like battle droids. But what about groups of thugs? Because despite their hostility surely it is the Jedi way to at least first disarm them rather than slice them open at the waist? What if the Sarlacc Sweep is actually meant as a defensive manoeuvre, initially designed to drive a group of opponents back and spread out so that the Jedi can then apply whichever means of disarming them he or she sees fit, whether that’s through the use of Sun Djem or perhaps even Shiim to deliver a non-lethal cut to the weapon hand/arm. The idea of driving opponents back and spreading them out harkens back to Kit Fisto comparing Form I to water, with the Sarlacc Sweep causing a ripple effect and the opponents are the ripples that begin close but spread out as they move further backwards from the swinging lightsaber blade.

[@charlesratcliff2016]

You are outstanding

[@lyconxero457]

Been waiting to start seeing these. It's always nice to brush up on my saber form knowledge.

[@2awsommee4U]

Well done needed a refresher on the my lightsaber forms knowledge

[@matthewmann8969]

A great form for basics and multiple opponents and targets.

[@anonymousperson2156]

Dude your videos are awesome

[@direraven7735]

Great video man. I love form 1 and you always give excellent discretions of all of the forms, and this just another example of it.

[@akeiltheseal]

I cant wait until ataru, shien, soresu, and niman. This has to be my favorite series in this channel.

[@eason86]

Wow. This was great and you should do more!

[@ThaKingGoat7]

shii- cho is my favorite lightsaber combat form because of it's simplisity

[@roc5291]

Outstanding video! My only critique would be that, along with a detailed analysis of the pros of each form, I would like your analysis on what are its cons as well. Keep up the great work!!!

[@TheBrunarr]

I'm so happy you're redoing these, I loved the originals

[@yourfacejec3336]

Very well done! I really liked how Jensaarai1 used Savage as an example!

[@Account-lu9ej]

Nice vid. Can you do some character Profiles? I'd like to see one on Kit Fisto or Dooku

[@huey7437]

Great job, luv the updated video. Looking forward to Juyo!

[@GothamStatePolice]

Luke Skywalker used Shii-cho as his primary form in the OGT . Due to his lack of proper training, he was unable to learn more advanced forms at the time. It wasn't until he scoured the galaxy for jedi holocrons that he learned more advanced lightsaber forms. I would say he's in the process of doing this during mando season 2 and the book of boba fett.

[@ItsArrzee]

This is great! Especially with the epic halo music

[@jseyes]

I find this series highly enjoyable on all counts.

[@thewizdoctor6926]

Very well done but wouldn't expect anything less from jensaari he has always released great content

[@johnbarker2507]

Question, could you do an analysis of the duel between palpatine, windu, fisto, kolar, and tiin please?

[@jorvoyte6042]

That was very well done and look forward to the next form.

[@itsJoshuaSkyy]

Love love lovvvve the concept of this series.

[@joshuahicks7798]

Well done sir. can't wait for more.

[@thewanderer7307]

Very in-depth and informative. Well done mate, keep up the good work!

[@SWNerd]

My friend recommended the lightsaber forms, they are really cool

[@ricancira]

Great video. Looking forward to more in the future.

[@VTheMighty]

Your voice is very kind and informative. well done.

[@erickpuma1202]

Great work! Can't wait for the next one... Specially the fifth form! 👍

[@davidthould8281]

Good well done. It had more detail than your lightsaber combat video. Thank you. Put new perspective on Form 1 on me.

[@cameronmiller6514]

keep up the good work really enjoyed this episode and can't wait for more

[@plutoreturns9630]

I would imagine that the long-handled saber staffs/lightsaber pikes would complement many Shii Cho moves well, such as the Sarlacc sweep (as they provide good range), however lack the surface area necessary for Shii Cho's style of delivering blows and parrying the blows of opponents.

[@francoistoense8166]

Better than the first one... It's a big addition - thank you...!

[@lewisalexander7075]

Very well done. Informative as well as entertaining.

[@uliades]

A Halo music on a Star Wars video?Heresy!

[@Druid_Ignacy]

Fun fact: In real life there are ,,velocities" in kenjutsu, aiki ken, HEMA and olympic fencing, but they are not to develop reflex, but so called ,,operative memory" - an ability to stay focused even if the duel is extending.

[@SFArasTMToomuchslays]

I like seeing this back because the fights are lets be honest, the best part.

[@HisShadow]

Very well put together!

[@cicilys6944]

I have a Jedi OC in the making who will use a combination of Shii-Cho and Soresu in order to attack forcefully when needed and fall back on defense when his strength starts going.

[@thespacecowboy8254]

Cicily S interesting.... Can you make a fanfiction for this character please😃😃😃😃

[@lapplandkun9273]

nice

[@ariesstorm9577]

In your opinion what’s the best way to choose a suitable lightsaber form: one that complements your strengths or one that compensates for your weaknesses? Mace Windu says he uses Vaapad to compensate for his own inner darkness and Yoda uses Ataru for his lack of reach but the Sith Blademaster Kas’im advises Bane to pursue study of Djem So owing to Bane’s natural physique and great physical strength.

[@hart7668]

My favorite form

[@PatersonFinest]

Love your analyses!

[@geraldreyes335]

MORE PLS this is awesome

[@edwaiwood2416]

Now this is a video I will be coming back to watch. Thank you for being more detailed with move sets. Although why didn't you mention the weakness against other dueling oriented or elaborate forms, as you did originally? Cant wait for Makashi.

[@omnitool1586]

Or you know . . . you could just reference the original text. _Star Wars Insider Fightsaber_, _The Essential Guide to the Force_, _The Jedi Path_.

[@conallkingshott4597]

a great video connor keep it up