Form I

Form I, also known as Shii-Cho or The Determination Form, represents the most elemental form of lightsaber combat. It's the first form taught to force-sensitive beings, specifically children learning at the Jedi or Sith academies. Shii-Cho concentrates on the basic uses of the lightsaber, including striking, parrying, body target zones, and martial stances. This rudimentary form has the purpose of introducing students to the weapon, its weight, balance, and the unfamiliar concept of an omni-directional attack vector.

Form I was designed on the premise that its users were engaging in combat with other lightsaber wielders. It was developed during an era where dark Jedi and Sith were exceedingly common, causing a major focus to be on blade-on-blade combat. The historical context surrounding Form I's creation is worth noting, as later forms have evolved and adapted to address specific weaknesses and flaws that emerged as combat environments and circumstances evolved.

Form I's simplicity was its strength, offering straightforward attacks and parries that were direct and easy to learn. However, this was equally its weakness. Shii-Cho was considered limited compared to the advanced forms that would follow. It lacked the refined precision of Form II, the defensive capabilities of Form III, the speed of Form IV, the kinetic power of Form V, the versatility of Form VI, and the unpredictability of Form VII. While serving as a strong foundation, it offered limited combat potential when used by itself.

Key tenants of Shii-Cho involve use of wide, sweeping movements to control the battlefield and force opponents to back away. This makes it ideal for combat against multiple opponents. Ironically, despite its intended application, Form I deficiencies presented themselves when dealing with single, skilled opponents, who could exploit the open and broad motions. It was also much less effective in cramped environments where wide attacks would be obstructed.

Form I, or Shii-Cho, is both the beginning and the backbone of lightsaber forms, introducing students to the basics and proving its relevance when facing hordes of enemies. Its simple yet robust design has kept its usage alive throughout the ages, despite being overshadowed in sophistication by the later forms. Thus, it remains as an essential part of any adept's or master's repertoire.