Juyo

Sep 5, 2023

Published 10 minutes ago Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad delves into the wielder's inner shadows, positioning it among Star Wars' most perilous lightsaber forms. Highlights Form VII: Juyo, also known as the Ferocity Form, is a powerful lightsaber combat style that grants intense and wrathful attacks but poses a threat to Jedi due to its close interaction with the dark side. Jedi Master Mace Windu developed a Jedi-sanctioned adaptation of Form VII called Vaapad, which balanced ferocity with enlightenment, earning the approval of the Jedi Council. Form VII, whether in its Juyo or Vaapad variation, demands a heightened expenditure of energy and is known for its bold and direct movements, making it effective in one-on-one lightsaber duels. Among the distinguished lightsaber combat styles within the Star Wars universe, Form VII: Juyo stands as a testament to innovation, earning the moniker of "the Ferocity Form." This exceptional form grants its wielder the power to unleash an incredibly intense, almost wrathful assault upon their adversary. This attribute renders it exceptionally potent on the field of battle; nevertheless, it comes with a perilous caveat for Jedi adherents. The mastery of this form demands such close interaction with the dark side that it poses a considerable threat to those who practice it. In response to the inherent hazards, the Jedi Council ultimately imposed a prohibition on the utilization of Form VII. However, Mace Windu, the iconic Jedi Master renowned for his association with the enigmatic purple lightsaber, embarked on a transformative journey with Form VII. He skillfully introduced modifications that harmonized the form with the core principles of the Jedi. This concerted effort led to Windu's innovation receiving the coveted approval of the Council. Reimagined through Windu's expertise, this Jedi-sanctioned adaptation of Form VII came to be known as Vaapad, forever intertwining his name with a revised legacy of ferocity balanced by enlightenment. Origin of Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad Recognized as the seventh out of the seven official forms of lightsaber combat in Star Wars , Form VII, also referred to as the Way of the Vornskr, carried with it a distinct reputation. This combat style, which manifested in two variations named Juyo and Vaapad, embraced bold and direct movements. The New Jedi Order's records attest that wielding Form VII demanded a heightened expenditure of energy, attributable to its broader scope and profound connection to emotions. Juyo, one facet of Form VII, earned the title of the most savage form of lightsaber combat. Within its fluid yet malevolent movements lay a blend of fury and "malignant grace." It stood as the most exacting and challenging form across all lightsaber combat disciplines . Juyo practitioners, skilled and proficient, were reputedly capable of dismantling a lone adversary; the form seemed tailored for one-on-one lightsaber duels. The incorporation of Juyo into Jedi practice sparked debate and dissent within the Jedi Order. Critics argued that its essence transgressed the core Jedi Code tenet of "there is no emotion, there is peace," since it mandated combat guided by controlled yet passionate emotions. Unlike the Jedi, the Sith held no reservations , with Darth Sidious even branding Juyo a "Sith style." In the twilight years of the Republic, Jedi Master Mace Windu embarked on the development of Vaapad, enlisting the collaboration of fellow master Sora Bulq. This variant emerged from the movements of the Vaapad creature, native to Sarapin. Vaapad practitioners exhibited a mesmerizing swiftness, as if brandishing multiple lightsabers simultaneously, mirroring the Vaapad creature's relentless assault characterized by tentacles that moved too swiftly to count. Described as more than a mere combat technique, Vaapad was a mindset that traversed the shadows of the dark side. Practitioners were urged to find enjoyment in battle and savor the taste of victory. The Vaapad adept would absorb the adversary's fury, transmuting themselves into a singular half of a superconducting loop, the other half being the darkness innate within their opponent. Nevertheless, caution abounded among the Jedi, who warned that using Vaapad inched dangerously close to the precipice of the dark side, a consequence of its emphasis on physical confrontation. To employ Vaapad, a continuous and substantial channeling of the Force was imperative, coupled with a barely contained eruption of Force power—a prerequisite shared among all Form VII iterations. Famous Practitioners The profound realm of lightsaber combat unfolded through the expertise of Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig and the venerable Grand Master Yoda , who both exhibited an intimate mastery of all seven forms, including the formidable Juyo. This aptitude harmonized with Drallig's pivotal role as the instructor of lightsaber combat at the Jedi Temple and Yoda's storied reputation for attaining proficiency in every facet of lightsaber artistry. Dating back four millennia prior to the Battle of Yavin, Juyo had already etched its place in combat history. Renowned Jedi Masters Vrook Lamar, Zez-Kai Ell, and Kavar wielded their prowess with finesse, transferring their seasoned wisdom to the next generation. Within the Sith, Darth Sidious stood as a testament to Juyo's power, wielding mastery that extended to his apprentices. Notably, Darth Maul found alignment between his inner aggression and the form's demands, adopting it as his primary technique. Channeling the potent currents of the dark side, Maul harnessed the ferocity within to overwhelm adversaries. A seminal moment arrived during 32 BBY when Maul fought Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi in Theed, adapting Juyo into the unique choreography of his double-bladed lightsaber. Despite Juyo's vulnerability to multiple opponents, Maul's adeptness allowed him to engage both Jedi simultaneously, resulting in Qui-Gon Jinn's downfall. Even within the shadowed ranks of the Sith, Juyo's influence endured. Sith Blademaster Kas'im emerged as a paragon of mastery, encompassing all seven forms as the New Sith Wars reached their twilight. The skilled Sith apprentice Sirak, stationed on Korriban during Kas'im's tenure, interwove Juyo's thrusts and jabs into his combat style. Darth Bane, another Sith Lord of that era, also showcased proficiency in the art of Juyo. Galen Marek, Darth Vader's apprentice, also exhibited a formidable grasp of Juyo. His unyielding concentration and unrestrained aggression manifested as sheer tenacity, leading him to conquer adversaries with unwavering resolve. Mace Windu and Sora Bulq, architects of the Vaapad variant within Form VII, exemplified profound prowess in Juyo, thus refining it into Vaapad's intricate essence. Sora Bulq, a Weequay Jedi Master celebrated as a luminary across all seven forms, partnered with Mace Windu to elevate Vaapad during the Republic's later years. However, disillusionment with the Republic and the Jedi Order drove Bulq to the dark side after the Battle of Geonosis, a transformation later described by Windu as Vaapad mastering Bulq, rather than the other way around. Vaapad's sacred knowledge found its way to a sole recipient: Mace Windu's Padawan, Depa Billaba. Guided by Windu's tutelage, Billaba evolved into a Vaapad master, securing her place as nearly invincible in one-on-one combat—a testament to Windu's guidance and her own dedication. Known Maneuvers In the twilight era of the Old Republic, Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig offered his insights into Form VII, shedding light on its distinctive nature. According to Drallig, who served during those final days, Form VII's demands were so exacting that only accomplished masters, well-versed in multiple other forms, could harness it effectively. He emphasized that the mastery prerequisite for Form VII was so stringent that its utilization was reserved exclusively for a chosen few, with all others barred from its study by his decree. The hallmark stance of Form VII featured a one-handed high guard, where the blade was poised horizontally above the head, angled to the side. The body adopted a half-twist, with the off-hand sweeping across and downward. Juyo practitioners wielded a technique known as the "Assured Strike," wherein raw power was exchanged for the near guarantee of a successful hit . Another technique, dubbed "Vornskr's Ferocity," encompassed an aggressive assault on opponents. Remarkably, masters of Juyo executed this technique without surrendering to the dark side's corrupting influence, demonstrating control over their aggression. Within the realm of Vaapad, adepts were recognized for their adept use of the "Swift Flank" maneuver, characterized by a swift leap or dash around adversaries to execute a rapid strike. This maneuver's velocity aimed to catch opponents off guard, showcasing the element of surprise. "Tempered Aggression" represented another facet of Vaapad mastery, a term describing the form's ferocity tempered by enhanced resistance to succumbing to the seductive allure of the dark side, even amid the chaotic frenzy of battle. The evolution of Lightsaber Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad stands as an exceptional chapter in the Star Wars saga—a distinctive creation attributed not to a collective, but to the ingenuity of a solitary individual. This unique narrative warrants closer examination, setting Form VII apart from the other seven lightsaber forms and their respective variants.