Form V - Shien / Djem So

Form V, also known by its two primary disciplines of Shien and Djem So, as well as The Way of the Krayt Dragon or The Perseverance Form, is the fifth of the seven forms of lightsaber combat. It was developed by practitioners of Form III who felt that the defensively minded form unnecessarily extended time spent in combat by forcing its users to wait for an opportunity to strike, rather than create their own openings. Form V combat is characterised by power attacks and defence immediately followed by a counterstrike.
Shien, considered the classical variant of Form V, is more adept at blocking blaster bolts than for blade-to-blade combat, whereas Djem So was developed later and is specifically intended for use in lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So are designed to use an opponent's attack against them, as evident by Shien's focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin and Djem So's emphasis on immediate counterattacks. Although some Jedi feel that Form V encourages aggression and domination, that sentiment has not stopped many Jedi from practicing the form.
Form V was developed sometime prior to the Great Sith War, which began in 32,457 TYA (343 BTC).


Description
Form V, also known as the Way of the Krayt Dragon, was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III often led to prolonged combat, which is potentially dangerous for its practitioners. Form V evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive manoeuvres of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V requires a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of its practitioners' opponents. It is considered the most physically demanding of all the forms.
The form was developed alongside Ataru at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace. Some Jedi, noting its dedication to domination and strength, feel that Form V encourages an inappropriate focus on controlling one's assailants. Other Jedi are somewhat ambivalent regarding the form. Nevertheless, the Form's proponents maintain that Form V is an effective and powerful tool for the Jedi Order. Form V has two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So, and most users have a preference for one or the other.

Shien
The Jedi of the Old Republic who developed and employed the classical Form V variant Shien dubbed it the Perseverance Form. Shien is described as being well-adapted to guard against blaster fire and enemy strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks. The style works best when countering attacks from multiple opponents, and is typically less effective against a single adversary. Shien has existed at least as early as the Jedi Civil War, which began in 32,494 TYA (306 BTC). With its focus on repelling blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that the Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability. Additionally, there is a Sith variant of the form called Sith Shien.
The Shien opening stance is a high guard position, with the lightsaber hilt held in a two-handed grip above the user's head and the blade angled upward and behind the user. The dominant leg is held back, enabling powerful step-through strikes to be utilised. Shien users are also proficient in a manoeuvre referred to as the "Barrier of Blades," which defends the user from blaster fire and redirects some of the incoming blasts. "Shien Deflection" is another technique familiar to users of this Form V variant, allowing practitioners to simultaneously deflect weapons fire and leap toward an opponent. However, Shien is not without its shortcomings—it is particularly weak against a single opponent.
Some users use the reverse "Shien grip", an unorthodox variation of Shien where the wielder holds the lightsaber hilt in a backward position, exposing the front. This grip allows the user to perform long, sweeping strikes to take down several enemies at a time, whipping the blade forward with the movement of throwing a punch. This variation is rarely seen and, indeed, almost a matter of controversy among lightsaber masters.

Djem So
Djem So is the creation of a group of Form III masters who felt that Soresu was too passive a form. It addressed the shortcomings of Form III, in which a Master can maintain a prolonged defence but is likewise unable to overcome a skilled opponent. Utilising a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintains a proper foundation of defence against both ranged and melee attacks. While a Soresu user stays on the defensive, and only counterattacks when necessary or when an opening appears in the opponent's defence, a Djem So practitioner is not as passive. Immediately after defending against an opponent's strike, a Djem So stylist follows with an attack of their own, bringing the force of the opponent's own blow against them and seeks to dominate the duel. Djem So places a heavy focus on brute strength and pure power, with wide, powerful strikes and parries followed immediately by a counterattack.
Unlike Soresu or Ataru, Djem So requires the user not only to counterattack, but also to press the assault, combining Force-enhanced strength with powerful blade combinations to overpower and overwhelm an opponent's defences. Djem So's sheer power, when combined with physical and Force-imbued strength, is capable of defeating a user of Makashi, a lightsaber form focused on duelling, finesse, and elegance, when employed by a skilled practitioner.
The Djem So attack stance consists of holding the lightsaber above the head, angled back and down at an approximate forty-five degree angle. The characteristic Djem So attack is dubbed the "Falling Avalanche," an overhand power blow that crashes down upon an opponent with exceptional force. Djem So users also employ a tactic known as the "Fluid Riposte," which involves a smooth transition from parrying an attack to a counterstrike. Whereas a failing of Shien is its weakness against a single opponent, Djem So is known for having a lack of mobility.