Essay: The Djem-So Mindset - by Sith Zevasa

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The Djem-So Mindset Perspective on the Form by Sith Zevasa

When learning any form of lightsaber combat, it is usual to start with the physical motions of it. An instructor will demonstrate to you the correct way to hold your blade, to prepare your stance and orient yourself in combat, then move into how to perform the physical actions; beginning with the basic attack and defense movements, then progressing to sequences of increasing complexity and variation to build a foundation. Yet what is often not mentioned in the earlier stages of bladework, very much to the detriment of the pupil, is the mindset which is required to truly perform or master a form to its highest capacity. For some, this mindset is learned gradually through the repetition of the physical motions and through hours of sparring; with a form like Ataru that is so centered on offense and only evasion as defense, it is only logical that a stylist of that form will learn the mindset of quick, devastating strikes followed by retreat to prepare for a second attack. Yet with Djem-So, the mindset and the physical motions must be learned together. The physical actions alone are simple, favouring heavy strikes, a two-handed grip, and economy of motion in defense; but without the proper mindset, these physical aspects amount to a brutal and precise form, but one that is grounded in simplicity. The mindset for Djem-So may vary slightly from person to person, but the core principles must remain the same for every user: in defense, one must be immovable, a bulwark that cannot be overcome; in offense, one must be unstoppable, a hammering destroyer which stops at nothing to achieve victory. In this way, the mindset of Djem-So is far more ideally suited to followers of the Sith than it ever could be the Jedi. Their sense of moralistic restraint prevents the Jedi from embracing the true power of Djem-So: its utter lethality. It is that very mindset which one must seek to foster when learning Djem-So. Other forms may give the option to achieve victory by disabling your foe, or victory by Dun Moch, but in Djem-So lethality is everything; you must enter the fight always prepared to kill, always prepared to show absolutely zero restraint against your foe. Restraint cripples Djem-So as surely as compassion cripples the teachings of the Dark Side. Restraint will soften your blows from the devastating strikes of a hammer, down to mere ordinary strikes; it will turn an impenetrable and deadly defense into little more than a fragile shield against your foe’s attacks. In Djem-So, even your defense must be deadly, must be prepared to maim or even kill with every counter strike and strike. Aggression lies at the core of Djem-So - but blind rage strips the form of its precision. Your mind must be focused as a scalpel’s edge, disciplined so that every iota of rage and hate within you is committed wholly to the task at hand - until your emotions grow so strong and so pure that your mind gains instead a veneer of crystalline clarity, until all illusions are stripped away and you see nothing but the path to victory ahead of you. The mindset of Djem-So is not merely applicable to lightsaber combat, nor even to conflict and theatres of war. You, as an aspiring wielder of Djem-So, must seek to implement this mindset in all that you do; when your foe seeks to move you, become immovable. When an obstacle is placed in front of you, you must surmount it at all costs. Face challenges head on and even if you fail, you will grow stronger and learn to be better in the process. Djem-So is sometimes referred to as the ‘Perseverance Form’, and it is this description which must be used as reference for your behaviour. A Djem-So Stylist perseveres, against all odds; standing their ground against any assault, or shattering through any obstacle. One who is prepared to give up, to give in to weakness, sentiment, morality, and doubt - is not one who will ever be able to master Djem-So. Or, to put it in the words of another great Master of the fifth Form: Never Waver, Never Relent.

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