In the galaxy far, far away, where Jedi fought to maintain peace and Sith fought to gain power and control, all of them followed certain forms and techniques. While many of them utilized their weapon as tools to dominate, Obi-Wan Kenobi chose a different path. He followed a path of discipline, keeping the philosophy alive that Jedi did not use their lightsabers to kill anyone but to defend and protect the people.
Obi-Wan’s Lightsaber Combat Forms
Obi-Wan Kenobi was known as one of the skilled Jedi who played a significant role in the galaxy. He wielded a blue lightsaber, showcasing his strength and commitment to bring justice to people. But how many lightsaber forms did he use? While he is known for his defensive Soresu form, his journey as a warrior began long before that.
Like all Jedi younglings, he learned Form I: Shii-Cho. It was a foundational combat style that was not meant to kill opponents but to teach the basics of how to wield the blade and position it correctly during combat. Under the guidance of Qui-Gon Jinn, he also learned Form IV: Ataru. It was an aggressive and acrobatic form that merely relied on speed and movement.
However, Obi-Wan did not use this form, questioning the risks and effectiveness, and fully dedicated himself to Form III: Soresu. Ultimately, it was Soresu that defined the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Jedi and a warrior.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Mastery of Soresu
Among the total seven different lightsaber forms, Soresu is the third one. It is more focused on defense, endurance, and control. When the opponent strikes in the battle, this form teaches how to endure. It is not easy to master this saber form. It requires patience and a deep connection to the Force. The follower should become strong enough to remain unshakable and immovable while practicing it.
Obi-Wan Kenobi did not just learn this form, but he mastered it. With time, he became the finest example of a defensive duelist. He was efficient and always grounded in conserving his energy during the battles. Obi-Wan Kenobi, following the Soresu form, proved that the weapon in Jedi hands is not to ruin but to defend and protect!
How Form III Shaped Obi-Wan’s Battles
Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the most famous Jedi in the galaxy, played a major role in shaping the fate of the Jedi Order. He followed a combat form that was controlled and relentless in its precision, making him an expert at being patient against the opponent. It often frustrated his enemies, the way he remained calm during the battles without falling into aggressive strikes. Some of the examples of the duels where Obi-Wan relied on Soresu and defeated his opponents with his calmness include the following.
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs General Grievous
In Revenge of the Sith, on the planet Utapau, Obi-Wan fought with General Grievous. In this duel, apparently, General Grievous had an upper hand. He had four lightsabers and used all different lightsaber forms with continuous circular spinning to attack Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, what happened in the duel? Obi-Wan, using Soresu, absorbed all the rage of Grievous, and without wasting his energy, he waited for the right moment to defeat his opponent. Obi-Wan remained defensive, and when the right moment came, he disarmed Grievous and finished the fight, not with the saber but with a blaster.
Defeating Anakin on Mustafar
This was one of the most tragic duels in the history of the galaxy. It was between a master and apprentice who shared a deep bond like brothers. The duel was filled with emotion, rage, and hatred. In this fight, Anakin was driven by hatred and relied on Form V: Djem So, striking brutally at his master. However, Obi-Wan remained firm, letting Anakin tire himself out! Obi-Wan wasn’t fighting to kill Anakin but only to stop him and return him to the light side. However, Anakin’s uncontrolled anger led to his downfall. That duel proved how Obi-Wan used Soresu to not defeat Anakin, but he let Anakin defeat himself.
Obi-Wan Killing Darth Maul
In Star Wars: Rebels, Obi-Wan encountered Darth Maul for the second time in the deserts of Tatooine. When they first met, Obi-Wan was the apprentice of Qui-Gon Jinn, but by this time, he had already mastered Form III: Soresu and learned to defeat opponents. When the duel started, Maul was overconfident and used the same Form VII: Juyo that he once used to kill Obi-Wan’s master. However, Soresu had already taught Obi-Wan how to defend against the aggressive and chaotic moves, and therefore, he did not let Maul win this time and killed him.
Why Did Obi-Wan Choose Defensive over Aggression?
Obi-Wan Kenobi did not use a defensive form because he was unable to use the aggressive one, he chose it because he understood the deeper purpose of it. He was one of the wisest Jedi in the Jedi Order who did not fall to darkness even after losing so many things. So being a skilled Jedi, he learned that the power of a Jedi did not lie in striking at first but it was based on control and clarity.
Obi-Wan witnessed the cost of unchecked aggression. He saw how his master Qui-Gon Jinn lost his life due to aggressive strikes, then years later how his apprentice, Anakin, fell to darkness because of his uncontrolled anger, so he knew that rage leads to nothing but destruction.
Therefore, these moments shaped Obi-Wan Kenobi’s path. He preferred balance over power. He knew that rage may offer strength in the moment, but it only causes harm in the end. And he never wanted to follow any form that encouraged raw power and unlimited force. Obi-Wan remained a follower of Form III: Soresu, a style built not to cause destruction but to bring peace. He knew defense wasn’t the name of weakness but wisdom!
FAQ’s
What was the original lightsaber form of Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Like other Jedi younglings, Obi-Wan started with Form I: Shii-Cho. It was a basic form based on building a foundation. It was all about how to wield the lightsaber in combat and how to disarm the opponent using it. However, with the passage of time, Obi-Wan learned Form IV: Ataru and mastered Form III: Soresu.
Which combat form did Obi-Wan use against his apprentice, Anakin?
During the duel on Mustafar when Obi-Wan encountered his apprentice, Anakin, who had fallen to the dark side of the Force, he used Soresu. Although Anakin used aggressive Form V, Obi-Wan remained patient and calm, defending how darkness was not meant for Anakin and kept on trying to get Anakin back, but it was too late.
What does Soresu mean in the lightsaber forms?
Among the seven lightsaber combat forms, Soresu is the third one. It is entirely based on maintaining control and defensive techniques against the opponent without striking back aggressively.
How many characters in the galaxy used Form III?
Many renowned characters have used Soresu in their life to combat and win over enemies. For example, other than Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luminara Unduli, Kanan Jarrus, and Barriss Offee were known practitioners of Soresu.
Does using Soresu reflect the personality of Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Yes, as the Soresu form means maintaining control and thus it reveals Obi-Wan’s patience and mindset of preferring balance over power.
Did Obi-Wan only use Soresu?
No, Obi-Wan used three lightsaber combat forms, including Form I (Shii-Cho), Form IV (Ataru), and Form III (Soresu). However, he mastered only one of all, and that is Soresu.
Did Obi-Wan ever use Ataru?
As a Padawan, Obi-Wan was trained in Form IV: Ataru, but he abandoned it after losing his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, in a Duel of Fates, due to the offensive techniques and risks in Ataru. Obi-Wan questioned it and never followed in his life.
Is there any weakness or limitation of Soresu?
Yes, one of the main weaknesses of Soresu is the lack of offensive strength. It does not allow the wielder to move quickly when victory is needed, but promotes relying on the opponent’s mistakes.
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