Have you ever wondered which Jedi dared to master the most dangerous and controversial lightsaber form in the galaxy?
In the world of the Jedi Order, not all combat paths are embraced equally. Among the various Jedi combat techniques, one form stands out for its raw power and inner risk—Form VII, known as Juyo or Vaapad. Dubbed the "forbidden form" by many, it dances on the edge of the dark side, requiring intense emotional control and spiritual balance.
This article explores the top 5 Forbidden lightsaber masters who not only trained in this perilous technique but also wielded it to shape galactic history. These warriors defied convention, balanced the Force within, and mastered the unmasterable.
1. Mace Windu – The Creator of Vaapad
No discussion of forbidden forms can begin without Mace Windu. As a member of the Jedi High Council, he created Vaapad, a unique variation of Form VII that channeled his inner darkness into combat. Unlike traditional Juyo, Vaapad required the user to accept and control aggressive impulses without succumbing to them.
Windu's mastery was so profound that he could reflect Sith energy upon them. In his duel with Darth Sidious, he held his own—and arguably won—until Anakin intervened.
Mace Windu stands as the only Jedi to have truly mastered a forbidden lightsaber form without succumbing to the dark side.
2. Anakin Skywalker – The Aggressive Prodigy
Though not formally trained in Vaapad, Anakin Skywalker embodied many elements of Form V and flirted with the ferocity of forbidden techniques. His aggressive, emotionally driven combat style bordered on the chaotic, especially during the Clone Wars.
His path led him to become Darth Vader. His mastery of multiple Jedi combat techniques—including unorthodox strikes and power blows—made him one of the most feared duelists in Jedi history.
Anakin didn't need to study the forbidden form—he lived it through instinct, passion, and unparalleled strength.
3. Quinlan Vos – The Gray Jedi Shadow
Quinlan Vos, known for operating in the moral gray, occasionally employed forbidden techniques during undercover missions. His Jedi career often pushed boundaries, particularly while working deep undercover against criminal syndicates and even the Sith.
Vos's brush with the dark side during his mission with Asajj Ventress brought him dangerously close to becoming one of the forbidden lightsaber masters. However, he ultimately returned to the light—barely.
Vos shows us that the line between mastery and corruption is razor-thin in the world of advanced Jedi combat.
4. Count Dooku (before his fall)
Before becoming Darth Tyranus, Count Dooku was a respected Jedi Master and a master of Form II (Makashi), a style focused on dueling. While he didn't use Vaapad, Dooku's exploration of aggressive Jedi combat techniques was considered controversial even before his fall.
His refined technique and willingness to challenge Jedi orthodoxy hinted at a philosophical openness to forbidden paths, laying the groundwork for his later transformation into a Sith Lord.
Count Dooku's elegance masked a growing dissatisfaction with Jedi dogma—and an interest in forbidden lightsaber knowledge.
5. Plo Koon – The Silent Warrior
Plo Koon, a respected member of the Jedi Council, was rumored to have experimented with advanced combat techniques that flirted with the edges of forbidden forms. While there's little canonical evidence that he mastered Vaapad or Juyo, his calm demeanor and formidable power suggest he could handle such intensity if needed.
Some expanded universe sources suggest Plo Koon briefly explored Form VII, but wisely refrained from fully adopting it—perhaps understanding the dangers it posed.
Even Jedi masters like Plo Koon knew that true mastery sometimes lies in knowing when not to cross the line.
The Danger of Mastering the Forbidden Form
The forbidden lightsaber form—whether Vaapad or aggressive hybrid variants—represents a paradox. It offers power, speed, and decisive strength, but at the cost of spiritual risk. Only the strongest Jedi, mentally and morally, can walk this edge without falling.
From Mace Windu's lightning-fast strikes to Anakin's furious onslaughts, the use of forbidden forms reveals a hidden side of the Force—where light and darkness collide.
Read more
- Mace Windu’s Top 5 Moments: The Jedi’s Most Memorable Feats
- All Lightsaber Combat Forms Explained (& Who Used Which)
FAQs
What is the forbidden lightsaber form?
The term usually refers to Form VII (Juyo or Vaapad), known for its aggressive, emotion-driven techniques that flirt with the dark side.
Why was Vaapad considered dangerous?
Because it channels inner darkness and aggression into combat, few Jedi could use it without falling to the dark side.
Who created Vaapad?
Jedi Master Mace Windu developed Vaapad as a refined, morally balanced version of Form VII.
Can fans learn forbidden lightsaber forms?
Yes—many lightsaber dueling academies teach modified versions of all Jedi combat techniques, including elements inspired by forbidden styles.
Where can I get a lightsaber like the ones used by these Jedi?
Visit Nsabers to find customizable, Neopixel-ready lightsabers inspired by your favorite forbidden lightsaber masters.
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