FORM V: SHIEN AND DJEM SO
Form V was developed by practitioners of Form III who saw the need for better offensive capabilities. These Jedi valued Soresu’s defensive techniques but sought a form that better incorporated attacks. While Form IV went in an entirely opposed direction, focusing almost exclusively on offense, Shien practitioners tempered Form III’s potent defensive maneuvers with an increased emphasis on attack.
In the eyes of some, Form V tilts toward the dark side by focusing exclusively on defense and simply waiting for an opportunity to attack. Form V maintains many of the defensive techniques of Soresu but instead actively seeks to create an opening to attack. The form achieves this primarily by utilizing techniques that knock back against them, such as by literally reflecting a blaster bolt back at the shooter or following up a parry with a powerful counterattack.
Form V’s Shien variant was the first to appear. Shien continued down Soresu’s path in seeking an improved defense in light of the continued prominence of blaster technology throughout the galaxy. Shien’s philosophy was to not only defend against incoming attacks but reflect them back at the very enemies firing them, transforming the enemy’s blaster into a weapon of the Jedi. This technique proved so successful and effective that virtually all Jedi incorporated it into their repertoires, regardless of their favored form.
The Djem So variant of Form V developed some centuries later to address the inadequacies of the form in combating opponents in melee. Djem So emphasizes defense against melee attacks, particularly by foes wielding lightsabers. Principles and approach, however, are largely the same as Shien, and the maneuvers and techniques that do vary are not adequately different to mark Djem So as a distinct form. Most practitioners of Form V practice both Shien and Djem So techniques to remain prepared for any type of foe, though they might favor one over the other.
Form V is a fluid style. Practitioners must always be ready to spring to the attack from a defensive position and to return to protection when momentum runs low. While Shii-Cho and Ataru focus on sudden action and Soresu waits patiently for an opportunity, Shien and Djem So seek to control the momentum of battle, cleverly utilizing whatever circumstances arise to their advantage.
SHIEN AND DJEM SO IN PRACTICE
Form V is a physically demanding style, calling on the user to quickly transition from a dedicated defensive stance to an all-out attack. Key to Shien’s success is attacking without warning, when the foe does not expect it. Both strength and speed are required to immediately follow up a block or parry with a powerful series of strikes before enemies can prepare their own defense.
Form V contains a number of maneuvers for closing with a blaster-wielding opponent. However, it lacks the mobility of Ataru. Once locked in melee, a Djem So fighter moves little except for what footwork is required to press the assault against a foe. Likewise, shielding oneself from the blaster fire of numerous opponents greatly limits one’s mobility.
Shien practitioners sometimes used a distinctive reverse grip considered antiquated by the time of the Clone Wars. Advocates of the technique believed that this grip allowed a warrior to leverage power. Others argued that it was less effective for defensive maneuvers, making the approach quite controversial among Form V masters.
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