Form IV - Ataru
Form IV, also known as Ataru, the Way of the Hawk-Bat, or The Aggression Form, is the fourth of the seven forms of lightsaber combat. The history of Ataru stretches back through the Old Republic, to at least as early as the Mandalorian Wars, where it was commonly employed by Jedi of the day. Ataru continues to be a form common among the Jedi, and is also employed by the Sith.
An aggressive fighting style, Form IV is fast-paced and effective against single opponents, though weaker in prolonged combat and confined spaces. It is not recommended for use against opponents wielding blasters. Ataru is characterised by Force-assisted acrobatics, such as somersaults and leaping strikes, both for attack and defence. Another characteristic of the form is its fast, powerful strikes from multiple directions.
Description
Ataru is an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of strength, speed, and agility. Due to this, it is also called the Way of the Hawk-bat or the Aggression Form. Practitioners of Ataru are always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings. Form IV practitioners constantly call upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow through their body, a practitioner can overcome their physical limitations—including old age—and perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the slashes and strikes of their opponents. Jedi utilising Ataru need to incorporate all Force powers that involve surpassing normal physical ranges of motion, speed, and agility, in order to be successful. Running, jumping, and spinning are all emphasised in learning the elaborate kinetics of the form.
Those who use Form IV can move at high speeds and can rain strong blows, jumping and attacking through the air. Powerful and quick spinning attacks can be utilized from all angles, either from ground or air. Masters of Ataru combat can appear like a blur to their opponents, attacking from all directions—the front, the sides, overhead, or behind. The Force not only allows them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise, but it also helps guide their actions and movements in combat.
Moves and manoeuvres
The opening stance for Ataru is a balanced two-handed guard: holding the lightsaber vertically with both palms, either on the right or left side of the body. One technique employed with great effect by Ataru users is the "Hawk-Bat Swoop". When utilised by Ataru practitioners, it is intended to allow a combatant to quickly strike their opponent without giving them a chance to react, and then escape before they have a chance to retaliate. Another move that Ataru users can use effectively is dubbed the "Saber Swarm", where numerous short strikes are aimed at the adversary to force a defensive posture. Ataru wielders are able to execute this combination with particular skill. Both the Hawk-Bat Swoop and the Saber Swarm are related to the Falling Leaf technique, a technique that involves spinning on one's feet to "slash from the sky".
