Form II: Makashi - Lightsaber Forms Explained (The Way of Dooku)

[@ATATChat]

Welcome to the next installment of the LIGHTSABER FORMS series! Today we cover Makashi, AKA The Way of Dooku. If you are just checking out the channel for the first time, consider subscribing, turning on notifications, and leaving a like! Also, in regards to one specific point made in this video (Makashi falls apart against multiple lightsaber duelists), Dooku is shown to have no issues for the most part, however, he is dueling people less skilled than he is which could make up for that inconsistency in canon. Ps, discord sounds made it into the vo 😂 -ATAT

[@ATATChat]

@@jo3we I'll consider it! It's not on my current list of videos but could be cool soon.

[@ariesstorm9577]

Being regarded as one of the top three duellists in the Order prior to his departure (the other two being Yoda with his centuries of experience and Mace Windu with his creation and mastery of Vaapad) is an amazing feat and no doubt a serious blow to the morale of the Jedi Order. Form III: In episode 2 we see him toy with Obi-Wan and slip through his Form III defences. While not *the* master of Form III at this point Kenobi was still an advanced practitioner of the style. By episode 3 however Kenobi was able to parry everyone of the Count’s Makashi attacks with relative ease, forcing Dooku to resort to using the Force to take Kenobi out of the fight. Form IV: Against Yoda we get a little taste of what to expect from the Mustafar duel in episode 3: here we have a former student who has turned to the dark side fighting his former Jedi Master. Dooku, by his own admission in the revenge of the Sith novelisation, is said to understand the weaknesses of Ataru with its “ridiculous acrobatics”. However against Yoda we see Dooku forced primarily on the defensive, occasionally throwing in the odd counter only to find Yoda has somersaulted or spun wide of the crimson blade. Dooku was already exhausted from his rounds with Obi-Wan and Anakin, and as such chose a tactical retreat against Yoda. Had both combatants entered the fight fresh, I believe that Dooku may have lasted long enough for Yoda to exhaust himself and allow a split second for Dooku to land a hit on the old Jedi. Form V: Against Anakin Skywalker we get to see Dooku use Makashi against both variants of Form V (I have my own theory in regards to why physical strength is necessary for this form). According to the original Fightsaber article published in Star Wars Insider, Anakin begins a dedicated study of Form V as the clone wars begin in his search for more power. Later sources describe Anakin using the Shien variant in episode 2, a style geared towards multiple opponents and redirecting blaster bolts back at shooters. Against Dooku however we see him keep up a guard at all times and launching immediate counters and, for a Padawan, he holds up pretty well. Over the next three years Anakin develops his skill in Djem So, the other variant of Form V that is primarily focused on lightsaber duelling. Going by the episode 3 novel, it appears that Dooku’s weakness (or perhaps it was Makashi’s weakness) was an inability to cope with strength oriented attacks that can break through his own defences. Like in his fight with Yoda, Dooku is forced on the defensive against Skywalker’s rage fuelled Djem So attacks. Also at this point Skywalker is probably at his most powerful prior to falling to the dark side. Form VI: We don’t really get to see Dooku fight against a user of Form VI. But I imagine Dooku would have an easy time against a typical Niman user. Form VII: In one of the Republic comic issues between the releases of episodes 2 and 3, we get to see Dooku and Mace Windu cross blades if only for a couple of panels. It is hard to tell from the fight who would win because Dooku was actually retreating and did not have time to engage in a lengthy duel, so he had two MagnaGuards sneak up and grab Mace from behind allowing the Count to escape. Jar’Kai: A style despised by Dooku, we have seen him face opponents armed with two lightsabers on several occasions. In episode 2 we see become briefly overwhelmed by Anakin’s use of the Form IV variant as he pinwheels both sabers in a constant attack flurry. Dooku recovers and is able to skilfully destroy one of the lightsabers. In TCW we see him face off against both Asajj Ventress and Savage Opress simultaneously. Opress is more of a hindrance to Ventress in this fight but even when facing the Count alone she is disarmed. And that’s not the first time. During the original micro series we see Dooku test Ventress and subdue her telekinetically disarming her and destroying both of her Jedi lightsabers. In the same series we see Dooku training General Grievous and he is able to parry the cyborg’s attacks or simply side step them with minimal effort. Dun Moch: “You must break them before you engage them.” Count Dooku was a skilled user of the Dun Moch tactic, the use of verbal taunts to unfocus an opponent prior to crossing blades with them. This backfires in episode 3 when all it does is force Anakin to give in to his rage and make him more powerful during their final fight. tl;dr: Dooku can hold his own against the top masters of other forms reasonably well and was finally defeated by someone “far younger and more powerful.” In later years we see Darth Vader use elements of Makashi in his personalised version of Form V, no doubt thanks to his past experiences against Count Dooku.

[@ATATChat]

@@ariesstorm9577 your knowledge is legend

[@ariesstorm9577]

@@ATATChat knowledge gained from years of being a Star Wars fan and watching amazing KZbinrs such as yourself. This is a great series and not too many people go over the seven forms in this level of detail that you are doing. I’ve got pages and pages of notes written up to try and make my own Star Wars videos but I never get round to doing them lol. Looking forward to the rest of the forms being analysed. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@ATATChat]

Do you obsessively read the essential guide to the force? I do, haha

[@dereklopez9060]

I've always been fascinated by Count Dooku and his lightsaber skills, being played by a legendary actor Christopher Lee, he has this cool, old school, swashbuckling villain vibe. His lightsaber skills are basically like fencing style. Fun Fact: Christopher Lee was actually a fencer.

[@ATATChat]

I believe it. He also told Peter Jackson how to properly stage the stabbing in Return of the King (since he was in war/special ops and most likely has had to stab a man). Guys wild.

[@JP-kp6xv]

The best part of the video is how much respect he puts on Dooku, very much deserved, the legend himself

[@ivokroon977]

I teach fencing to kids and fun fact: The ''mikashi salute'' is the exact same salute real-life fencers use. Also, Dooku's lightsabre reminds me of the so-called ''pistol grip''. Some nice attention to detail here.

[@ATATChat]

Yeah, hes a trained fencer I believe? I have always loved his way of handling the blade. I honestly would love to try fencing, but I fear im too old to begin haha.

[@krszam4112]

@@ATATChat @Ivo Kroon said wrong, Fooku’s lightsaber handle in fencing we call it “french grip” the pistol grip is veri different… I say that as an epeè fencer that use french grip

[@goldensunflower]

I love Duku’s technique, very polished yet unforgiving. I’m enjoying this videos a lot.

[@ariesstorm9577]

Ah yes, The Gentleman’s Form. Another awesome video going over the most elegant and classy of lightsaber forms.

[@spudgebeethoven6495]

I can't quite remember where I heard this but Dooku apparently had one other downside to this form. Even though he was considered to be one of the best duelist in the jedi order, and he very well perfected the form, the one downside he had was trouble with blocking blaster bolts. I can't remember why, but I know that it might have had something to do with the curvature of his lightsaber. If anyone knows why please let me know.

[@ATATChat]

Hmm, I didnt read that! But I bet I can ask a few deep lore guys about that. Sounds reasonable enough.

[@omegasupersaiyan8712]

Your not wrong, although not for the right reason, the form isn’t the only thing that’s not suited for blaster bolt deflection, it’s also the hilt of the weapon, due to the curved hilt, the blade appears at a 30 degree angle compared to a standard hilt, however, the use of the reverse hand grip of shien (form V) can nullify any drawbacks the curved lightsaber has with blaster bolt deflection

[@couthlazer]

Well he did over come this set back as shown in the clone wars

[@JP-kp6xv]

@@couthlazer He's just that good I guess

[@sinistrality7883]

you're right, Fomr II's main purpose is one on one lightsaber dueling, it was developed long before blasters were invented so they didn't really had any need to block blaster bolts, but when Blasters became a thing they had to invent a new form to combat it, hence Form 3, Soresu, which is literally just a defensive form.

[@HufflinPuffs]

I love this form. Even Obi-Wan would call it very civilized.

[@ATATChat]

He thinks about Dooku in that scene with Luke.

[@HufflinPuffs]

@@ATATChat Should have and rubbed his arm or leg where Dooku love tapped him 🤣

[@ScubaShark--8964]

@@HufflinPuffs xD

[@gipsnadel6418]

Great video again! Count Dooku is for me the most elegant duelist in the whole saga! Form II dueling is art.

[@Fi_Sci_]

I’ve been looking forward to this. Easily one of the most recognizable forms in my opinion, and wielded by one of my favorite prequel villains as well.

[@ATATChat]

I wish we had more dooku in live action

[@SamaritanPrime]

Makashi, to me, comes off as akin to fencing. Dooku carries himself like the gentleman that he is, and he routinely goes one-on-one against opponents and carries out a lot of one-handed moves. Many Jedi and Sith may be swordsmen, but people like Dooku are masters of the craft; their blade will go exactly where they mean it to, so any opponent had best be on their guard.

[@colemantrebor4944]

Most beatiful form. Dookus style is so elegant and should I say most civilized way

[@molliethomas2585]

I'm not surprised that Dooku was a master of Makashi. It's a precise, elegant form, and it very much fits a man like him.

[@Rey20171]

Did you like that last bit from last nights story with Ahsokas monologue

[@molliethomas2585]

@@Rey20171 Yeah, I thought it was good😊

[@Rey20171]

@@molliethomas2585 Would you like another story soon

[@molliethomas2585]

@@Rey20171 Of course

[@Rey20171]

@@molliethomas2585 Ben meets with Poe and Finn for dinner (This will get you nostalgic for going out ah the good old days) Ben arrives and he sees where Finn and Poe are waiting inside. Ben: Sorry if I kept you waiting long. Poe: No it's fine, that's all right. (Gets up and shakes his hand) How are you doing? Ben:(Shakes hand) I'm ok. Poe: Good. Ben: (Shakes Finn's hand) How are you doing? Finn: Good. (They all sit down and order some drinks and finger food) Ben: So it's been a while in fact it's been a long time since either of us have seen each other. So I want to begin by asking how have you been coping with all of this with these movies. Do you feel like life has been a little different for either of you? Finn: I feel like I've been put in a situation where I kind of had to grow up and change a lot. It all kind of felt like a dream to be honest with you. Poe: Felt like we were always in need to put our "A" game on and be ready for whatever is upon us.Ben: Ok. So I guess we could all agree that it was a life changing experience for all of us. One that we'll probably never forget for as long as we live. Poe: Obviously no one has forgotten you. Ben: No.(Takes a sip of a drink) Now look I just want to be clear about something, I don't want to come here tonight to ask for approval and have you like me or welcome me to your circle if you still... (Take a deep breath) I know that we have had our differences in the past. I'm pretty sure you might still have the same opinions about me. And I will be fair and say that we don't really know each other well. (At Finn) Obviously I've known you as a...storm trooper...and uh...getting into a light saber duel. (At Poe) And I know that we've encountered each other when I met you at Jakuu in fact I've met both of you there ironically. (Nervous laugh and clears his throat) We didn't get along either and over the course of two more films that was still the case. Poe: Honestly I just thought you were some loud mouth asshole that had this high and mighty ego flipping his shit when things went wrong and yet you wanted to put your big boy pants on and show everyone that you want to take charge. However I started to realize that the more I was judging you in my head the more I began to notice that I was actually no different. I was just as big as an asshole as you. I had the same ego, I had a horrible temper and I wanted really badly to do things my way and when I did want to do things my way and didn't care I faced some serious consequences at one point your mom even slapped me across the face and another time she shot me. Ben: She did that? Whoa my mother was more of a badass than I thought. All: (Laughing) Poe: Uh-huh. Yeah I wasn't any better who am I to say shit about you if I acted the same way you know. What's the difference? Finn: Well let's think of it this way. We were all dealing with a lot of change. Everything was changing the world was changing and we all had to force ourselves to mature a lot because it was literally life and death out there. It was war, lives were at stake and everyone was rightfully scared. Everyone was in a position of wanting to survive and bring peace whatever it took. It was pretty serious and we all just had to hang in there and do what we could. It wasn't just the Resistance it was the First Order too from what I remember being there. There were intentions to be in a position of wanting to survive and defeat who we were fighting. Right? Ben: Yeah. Finn: You got to understand everybody was trying to survive and get through with it and win this war thing was everyone was having a war with themselves and even within ...among each other. Poe: In fighting? Definitely. (Clearing throat) It wasn't just Resistance vs The First Order it was all of us fighting. But then we've learned how to be a unit, I had to stand up and take over for Leia, Finn found an allegiance with Jaina and then you....Ben: I tossed my saber into the river after my father came to me in his spirit sent by my mother and he told me that I had the strength to let go and free myself from being the bad guy. And then I...I found Rey I went to Exegol and fought with her against Palpatine who was her grandfather. He tossed me over a cliff after draining out our life forces. Then I came back. I survived my fall off the cliff, I saw Rey lying dead and I had to...I brought her back to life. She saw me when she woke up and then we kissed. After that I disappeared. The reason why she came back to you two was because I saved her and brought her back to life after her standoff with Palpatine. Finn: You did that? Poe: Wait a minute that's what happened. Ben: Yeah. Finn: You saved her life? Ben: Yeah. (They both stay silent) Poe: Oh...I...I....uh... I didn't....I didn't know that you did that. Ben: I did. (They all stay silent for a few moments.) Finn: You really care for her do you? Ben: I do. Finn: Do you...do you love her? Ben: I....I...(Nods softly) Poe: Have you told her? Ben: Well uh..not exactly....you're not mad at me right? Finn: Surprised maybe but....you know if you do care for her um...just let her know.Ben: Finn aren't you... Finn: If you went all the way to Exegol, helped her fight and then saved her life by reviving her back to life and you did all of that because you care. If you really cared enough to really go completely out of your way to do all that after talking to your father and apologizing to him and put away your old weapon for good. You did that because in the end you actually care you care enough that you...maybe you really do love her. If that's the case why would I get in the way of that. In that case maybe you don't have to be my enemy anymore. I don't know if you want to be friends but...I was wrong about you. I was wrong, can you ever forgive me? Ben: Yeah. (Reaches hand over) Finn: (Shakes his hand) Poe: I'll forgive you too. Every horrible thing and horrible thought I've ever said to you, thought of what you attempted to do because you hurted me and us or tried to.... (Sighs and has tears in his eyes.) I'm sorry. Ben: (Gets up and goes over to him and actually gives him a hug and pats him on the back and then pats the side of right arm.) Thank you. Poe: No...thank you. (Sniffs) You just...(Wipes his eyes) you changed my mind so much just now. (Puts a hand on top of his.) You're a good man. Ben: Thank you. Finn: Is there anything else maybe we don't know about you? Maybe it was in the movies somewhere but we haven't paid attention? Poe: Yeah and like um.. what were those comics about "Rise of Kylo Ren"? Ben: Sure... I can tell you. Do you want more drinks first? Finn: Yeah we can do that. Ben: It's on me lads lets get right to it.

[@jaylensuarez9760]

I've been looking forward to this

[@FabianEllis]

I love the continuity of seeing Vader use one hand in Empire Strikes Back and then in the prequels we get a whole new form of lightsaber combat, with one hand, by Dooku. The world building efficiency of the prequel era is probably unmatched in any other film series.

[@ATATChat]

Yeah its wild how they mined some old stuff to then go onto making real forms.

[@mahmoudalberrey9507]

Just out side the context of this video, count dooku is one of my top favorites characters and he's so underrated, and there must be something to be done about it.

[@jacobprawdzik3823]

This is the video playlist I’ve been looking for

[@jasonoakton7379]

count dooku is my fav lightsaber user his unique style and duels are very elegant brilliant in clone wars series what a truly beautiful style of fighting

[@jackherr4376]

Great video! Never knew there were actual lightsaber combat forms so this is super informative and interesting.

[@ATATChat]

7! Lots of stuff. I think after this series I might jump into the constructions of famous lightsabers we know etc.

[@jackherr4376]

@@ATATChat that would be even cooler imo.

[@JRF1004]

Can we all agree Dooku is the most underrated Star Wars character?

[@ATATChat]

After Jedi Lost, absolutely. One of my favorite books/dramas in a long time.

[@Generalphoenix8438]

I've done a test and I'm proud to know that I am form 2 which I do believe suites my style of sword combat. Plus I tend to use certain skills that imply me to be precise and accurate.

[@Xardion55]

I would like to see other practitioners of this style. Its rarity makes it stand out.

[@ATATChat]

Asajj was one, but she seemed to mix it with Jarkai

[@Xardion55]

@@ATATChat - Jar-Kai is actually a sub-style of Form VI, which uses elements of Form II.

[@ronin3381]

The Grand Inquisitor used form II, at least when he used one lightsaber blade. Kanan Jarrus also used it in the scene where he trained Sabine.

[@niccanavan1028]

Really been enjoying this series! I’d love to see an even deeper dive sometime in the future!

[@ATATChat]

I think the next goal is a vs series to match up some duelists and walk through who would win/ why etc. I love new series! Glad you have been too!

[@coolbeans1coolbeans187]

great vid man

[@ATATChat]

Thanks Coolbeans!

[@rylan3819]

Very elegant and amazing form indeed

[@DaleESkywalker]

Heavenly voices fill the air. Ahhh!

[@theawesomeburgershow3415]

Dooku one of my very favorite characters

[@Dyundu]

Show me the poise and grace of Makashi with the kinetic power of Djem So, and that there’s a dueling style to be reckoned with, provided the Jedi has the right mindset and good discipline. Ain’t gonna do jack against a bunch of guys with blasters though. Oh well, can’t have everything.

[@JRF1004]

This and maybe Djem So are the only forms that would work in a real sword fight

[@randychene5130]

Not to mention vaapad... using your opponent's rage/dark side against them while dueling, without succumbing to the rage/dark side aspect is quite compelling to say the least. IMO I would add vaapad too.

[@japtakito8551]

In simple words , Form 2 is finesse. An elegant honed lightsaber duelist.

[@WhiteWolf496]

I like to think that George just got Christopher Lee to swing wildly at where he thought Yoda would be and ILM did the rest lol.

[@loganmason6076]

In all fairness. Count Dooku lost to Anakin because of old age. Not because of inferior lightsaber style.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

I think a lot of Star Wars FanFictional like imagine after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, a new generation a new republic and a new Jedi order where Ashoka as Grand Master (like Yoda) with Rey and Finn (like Mace Windu and Obi-Wan) and other Jedis: Cal Kestis, Ezra Bridger and Grogu (probably order by now), but then an old Sith from the past Naare returns and stated her own Empire

[@BabysitterSky]

I'd be down. A great way to tie old with new.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

@@BabysitterSky what are you talking about? “Tie old and new” why does that mean?

[@BabysitterSky]

@@gerardorodriguez7500 Seeing someone like Ashoka with Rey and Finn. Old and new.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

@@BabysitterSky well Dave Faloni hints that Ashoka is still alive during the Sequel trilogy especially in The Rise of Skywalker when she and the other Jedis (who are dead or alive) to help Rey defeat Palpatine

[@BabysitterSky]

@@gerardorodriguez7500 like I said, I'd be down.

[@bensherstinskyofficial]

This is the way Of Dooku

[@ATATChat]

I laughed TOO hard when I expanded this. Well Done.

[@bensherstinskyofficial]

@@ATATChat Much thancc

[@23Revan84]

My favorite form.

[@ATATChat]

The form of a Dooku

[@digitaldevil696]

If you want to see the Count being more badass in combat, just watch the clone wars. The guy is nuts, especially for an old man. Fighting 3 night sisters, in pajamas only, while blinded? Easy game. Fighting both Obi-Wan and Anakin, while murdering Pikes? No problem. All while using the same elegant and precise moves with the saber. God, I love this fighting style, so aesthetically pleasing.

[@rogueguardian]

Hey what's the name of the book you used to give us a visual of each form? Is it the path of the Jedi book?

[@daftartifex4476]

Can you do a video on Oohsoo Kai Ken?

[@BozheTsaryaKhrani]

Makashi 69 K ima head out

[@narutoskywalker9564]

Can you talk about form five??

[@DreamlandKing]

after I herd "minimal effort" I started practicing makashi lmao

[@miguelcorreia6777]

Man these vids are very informative! Especially for someone like me who understands jack shit about lightsaber combat forms!

[@ATATChat]

Appreciated! Some other folks go on for like 15 minutes but I feel like 4-5 minutes is a good length and keeps people engaged!

[@kinglionheart450]

Remember Anakin Skywalker had the biggest plot armor in the whole series another thing Grandma said Yoda has over 820 years of experience no 830 years of experience in lightsaber combat that is a very long time to master your form and to be able to beat any other form let's see kalduku's age was also a major factor even though form two you can keep on doing it until you're old the fact is that Duke who was getting tired had a fighting two opponents at the same time they were the skilled masters of their forms so a lot of people shouldn't be talking smack about count dooku when he was able to hold his own against two of the greatest lightsaber duelist and all of Star wars history

[@rogueguardian]

Haha made it!!!

[@ATATChat]

YES

[@ArachnidoComics]

TL;DR, only the fanciest of force users can master it.

[@DarthVader964]

Dew it

[@some_dood2891]

Anyone else vaguely hear discord notifs?

[@ATATChat]

haha, it was open this morning! Could have been picked up.

[@some_dood2891]

@@ATATChat Great vid as always AT-AT have a nice afternoon.

[@ATATChat]

@@some_dood2891 Thanks bro

[@tonbopro]

fanciful but effective，its left to whoever tires in concentration first to lose then

[@BozheTsaryaKhrani]

Late

[@ATATChat]

but always present.

[@BozheTsaryaKhrani]

@@ATATChat i try

[@itsxerxes6754]

mute discord :)