Form IV, also called Ataru (pronounced uh-TAR-oo), or The Aggression Form, represents the fourth style of lightsaber combat developed by the Jedi Order. Renowned for its acrobatic nature, Ataru provided defense against incoming projectiles, but shined in open environments as an offensive style. During the twilight years of the Galactic Republic, Anakin Skywalker modified the established techniques of Form IV and showcased his adaptations in a holographic recording, which was later discovered within a holocron held by Kanan Jarrus.
Ataru, the fourth form of lightsaber combat, came into being some centuries following the creation of Form III. Functioning almost as the opposite of Soresu, Form IV placed nearly all of its emphasis on offensive maneuvers. Those who practiced it aimed to conclude engagements with haste, rather than endure and outlast their opponents. By the time Form IV was conceived, the Jedi's understanding and command of the Force had advanced considerably from the early days of Shii-Cho. In contrast to Shii-Cho, Ataru heavily relied on the Force to amplify movement across all facets of combat. Ataru incorporated acrobatic maneuvers, executed through the Force. These included leaping attacks and somersaults. However, the defining aspect of Form IV was its dedication to relentless offense, prioritizing speed and agility.
Unlike Form I, which depended on a consistent sequence of strikes to eventually uncover an opening, Ataru aimed to rapidly overwhelm adversaries with a barrage of attacks to swiftly conclude a fight. Known as the Aggression Form due to its focus on offensive tactics, Form IV employed a highly acrobatic approach. Practitioners utilized leaps and somersaults to strike opponents from a multitude of unexpected angles. For optimal effectiveness, Ataru demanded substantial open space, granting practitioners ample room for multidirectional movement. With the enhancements provided by the Force, an Ataru combatant could achieve significant height with each jumping strike and traverse distances with extraordinary speed.
The Force was employed more visibly in Ataru's acrobatic techniques than in other forms. While all Jedi harnessed the Force to enhance their lightsaber combat skills, Form IV showcased movements that appeared clearly impossible without Force assistance, even for the most physically gifted beings. An Ataru master moved with incredible speed, delivering a rapid series of lightsaber strikes too fast for the naked eye to track. It was the Aggression Form that spawned widespread legends throughout the galaxy about the Jedi's seemingly supernatural abilities.
Despite its offensive emphasis, Ataru integrated some lessons from Form III. However, defensive movements were minimized in Form IV, with the primary focus remaining on attack. Parries, blocks, and other defensive maneuvers served only to safeguard the warrior long enough to engage the enemy and unleash a cascade of Force-augmented strikes. In compensating for Soresu's offensive limitations, Form IV incurred equally significant defensive vulnerabilities. When confronted by multiple opponents or blaster-wielding adversaries, an Ataru practitioner often needed to supplement their techniques with Soresu or another form to effectively defend against numerous attackers or deflect blaster fire. Without such adaptations, even the most proficient Form IV experts struggled to overcome all threats before a blast or blade breached their limited defenses. Yoda was a notable exception, whose mastery of Form IV allowed him to effortlessly dominate numerous blaster-armed opponents.
If Soresu represented the calm eye of the storm in battle, Ataru embodied the fierce winds and lightning. Combatants utilizing Form IV became blurs of motion, their lightsaber strikes appearing as flashes of light, launching an overwhelming assault on their adversaries. Despite its limitations, the form proved undeniably effective, particularly against opponents unprepared for such an onslaught. Among all the lightsaber forms, none could secure victory with such reliable speed.
The rapid succession of attacks characteristic of Form IV was a challenging feat, even for the most skilled warriors. The form placed immense physical demands on its practitioners, and prolonged use could lead to exhaustion. While the Force could mitigate the effects of physical strain, its application to enhance attacks also proved draining. Consequently, Ataru users needed to achieve a decisive victory swiftly. Many masters of the form believed that battles reached a turning point where an Ataru practitioner either secured victory or faced defeat.
Form IV prioritized speed over raw power, marking another departure from Form I. This shift was logical, given that lightsabers diminished the importance of brute strength compared to traditional metal blades. Nevertheless, momentum remained crucial for effective Ataru techniques, and masters of the form employed the Force to amplify their strikes and overcome enemy defenses more effectively.
Notable practitioners of Form IV included Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, Aayla Secura, Ezra Bridger, the Grand Inquisitor, and Anakin Skywalker. Yoda was an accomplished master of Form IV.