Soresu, also known as Form III (pronounced sor-EE-soo), The Resilience Form, or the Way of the Mynock, was the third style of lightsaber combat that the Jedi Order developed. Its emphasis was primarily defensive, rather than offensive.
Depa Billaba, a Jedi Master who was highly skilled in its application, instructed her students, including Caleb Dume, in the use of Form III for close-quarters engagements. Later, Jarrus employed Form III against the Grand Inquisitor, who recognized it as a characteristic of Billaba's teachings, and was able to effectively counter Jarrus's attempts to use it. Obi-Wan Kenobi also achieved mastery in the Soresu style of combat.
The development of Form III, otherwise known as Soresu, was a direct reaction to the increasing ubiquity of blasters throughout the galaxy. A completely new form was needed to address this situation, as Shii-Cho techniques proved relatively ineffective against blaster fire, having been designed for melee combat, and Makashi lacked suitable defensive maneuvers. The ability of a lightsaber blade to deflect blaster bolts, and even, with sufficient training, redirect them back at the shooters, was fundamental to Soresu techniques. This ability to redirect blaster fire was a major advancement in lightsaber combat during the period when blasters were dominant, and it became a crucial method for harming adversaries while using Form III. However, the defensive skills of a Soresu practitioner extended beyond merely deflecting blaster bolts. They trained to block and parry lightsaber strikes, withstand multiple opponents, and, most importantly, maintain a calm and focused mindset, enabling them to respond defensively to any threat.
In essence, Form III was a defensive style designed to protect against blaster bolts, lightsaber strikes, and other forms of melee attacks. In contrast to the broad movements of Form I, Form III emphasized precise, controlled motions and efficient use of energy in all aspects of combat. This was essential for Soresu's complete defense, as even the smallest unnecessary movement could expose an opening for a blaster bolt, vibroblade, or lightsaber to penetrate. This caution applied to the entire body of Soresu fighters, not just their lightsaber movements. Soresu stances presented a minimal target to opponents, which not only limited their attack options but also reduced the area that the Soresu practitioner needed to defend with lightsaber parries and blocks.
This strategic approach was characteristic of Soresu's deliberate and analytical approach to all aspects of combat. While agility and speed were important for the proper execution of Soresu, mental sharpness was paramount. The form's emphasis on efficient and controlled movements reduced the physical demands to some extent. Furthermore, the form emphasized a broader strategic perspective on combat, not just immediate tactics. Warriors who employed Form III adopted a wider view of the battle, adapting to incoming attacks as needed. The Soresu practitioner carefully assessed each attack and the overall pattern, resulting in a purely defensive strategy that was effective against any number of enemies.
Initially developed primarily to address the threat of blaster fire, Form III evolved into a form that focused almost entirely on defending against attacks of all kinds. Form I's focus on offense left the defensive applications of the lightsaber underdeveloped, while Form II's protective techniques quickly became ineffective against larger numbers of opponents, particularly those armed with blasters. While Soresu may have originated as a response to the threat of blasters, its thorough emphasis on defensive techniques for all situations ensured that it remained a viable and valuable focus for Jedi, even after deflection techniques were incorporated into later forms.
Soresu's designation as the Resilience Form was well-deserved, as its effectiveness depended on the practitioner's ability to outlast their opponents. To properly utilize the form, the practitioner had to dedicate all of their mental energy to defense, carefully analyzing every move made by the enemy. By doing so, the Soresu master prepared to exploit the enemy's most vulnerable opening, which often arose from physical exhaustion or mental frustration. Fortunately, the efficient movements employed in Form III helped to prevent practitioners from becoming fatigued before their opponents.
Similarly, Soresu valued calmness and tranquility in the practitioner, requiring a level of mental and emotional control as precise and complete as their physical movements. As opponents became increasingly frustrated by their inability to break through the Form III fighter's defenses, the Soresu practitioner calmly awaited the perfect moment to strike. The fact that this emphasis on emotional control closely mirrored the broader Jedi philosophy likely contributed to Form III's enduring popularity, even after the development of later forms.
During her duel with Count Dooku in The Works of Coruscant in 32 BBY, Jedi Master Yaddle briefly adopted a Form III stance as she stood her ground against the former Jedi.
Luminara Unduli, a Jedi Master, favored Form III above all other options available to her and was well-known for her use of the defensive style. However, in certain duels, Unduli was willing to adopt a Makashi stance. While Form II left Unduli slightly more vulnerable to attack compared to Soresu, its aggressive nature made it an ideal form for battles against the Sith. Unduli passed down many Soresu techniques to her Padawan, Barriss Offee. As a Padawan, she was naturally less skilled in both lightsaber attack and defense than her master. Nevertheless, Offee's lightsaber style was fluid and focused on repositioning. Ultimately, Offee's interpretation of Form III differed from her more experienced mentor's. As the Clone Wars progressed, Offee succumbed to the dark side of the Force and became more aggressive, even stealing the red lightsabers of former Sith assassin Asajj Ventress because she felt they were more fitting for her new persona.
Form III made an appearance in the 2002 film Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. It was initially identified as such in an Acme Archives Direct Character Key entitled "Kanan Jarrus," which premiered at San Diego Comic-Con 2014.