Form VI, also known as Niman, represented the sixth style of lightsaber combat, a technique utilized by members of the Jedi Order. It allowed for the integration of double-bladed lightsaber fighting with various Force abilities, such as pushes and lifts. Darth Maul achieved mastery of this form, employing it during his confrontation with Obi-Wan Kenobi within the Theed power generator.
The sixth style of lightsaber combat was the last to gain widespread acceptance within the Jedi Order. In the centuries following its initial development, Niman became significantly more popular, largely supplanting the other forms and becoming the new standard for many Jedi. Many Jedi considered Niman to be the natural evolution of lightsaber combat. Furthermore, during a period characterized by relative peace, certain Jedi regarded the other lightsaber forms as antiquated.
Niman, in many aspects, embodied a synthesis of the preceding forms. By harmonizing the diverse qualities and methodologies of Forms I through V, Form VI mitigated many of the inherent weaknesses present in those styles. However, it also failed to fully realize their individual strengths, leading some Jedi Masters to criticize it as a watered-down version.
Form VI placed a strong emphasis on equilibrium and harmony. Niman was intentionally designed to be less lethal than other lightsaber forms. The Jedi who contributed to the development of Niman sought to cultivate a lightsaber combat style that could secure victory without overwhelming the adversary. Their aim was to defend themselves and administer justice without succumbing to the allure of power.
These Jedi found Form IV's approach, with its focus on rapidly overpowering an opponent, to be excessively aggressive. Beyond these ethical considerations, it is also probable that these Jedi simply desired an effective combat style that did not necessitate the rigorous physical training associated with Forms IV and V.
In general, Niman was less physically demanding than the other forms, due in part to its heightened emphasis on the application of Force powers rather than purely on bladework. Consequently, it appealed to Jedi who wished to dedicate their energies to scholarly pursuits outside of martial arts. However, this is not to say that Form VI was ineffective. To compete effectively with more specialized lightsaber forms, a Niman practitioner needed to make greater use of Force powers beyond the basic enhancement common to all combat styles.
Form VI made extensive use of the Force to impede or manipulate the movements of opponents. These techniques could draw opponents into range for a lightsaber strike, push them away for defensive purposes, or even bind them in place. While some more martially inclined Jedi viewed this approach as a poor substitute for blade expertise, Niman proved to be both highly effective and widely adopted. By the time of the Clone Wars, Niman had become the most commonly practiced lightsaber form. Some warriors with more traditional leanings saw this as a sign of dangerous self-satisfaction.
During combat, Niman bore a closer resemblance to Form III or Form V than to the more aggressive forms. Its approach was meticulously balanced, but with a tendency towards defense. This reflected its origins and explained its popularity among Jedi whose primary interests were outside the martial arts. Nevertheless, Niman was as unique as any other lightsaber form, and any Jedi, or anyone well-versed in the traditions of the Jedi, could immediately identify it.
With its extensive integration of Force powers, Niman was the least physically demanding of the lightsaber forms, and was in fact quite unique among all martial arts traditions in the galaxy's history. For a Niman practitioner, strength of will was at least as crucial as physical agility and power. A fighter employing Form VI needed to possess not only sufficient mastery of the Force to manipulate an opponent on the battlefield, but also the mental fortitude to avoid over-relying on physical strikes.