Fightsaber: Mastering the Art of Lightsaber Combat

The most acrobatic form of lightsaber combat. It draws upon the tight physical control of Jedi physiques and Force-assisted leaps, runs and spins. Masters of Form IV incorporate all of the ways in which the Force helps them go beyond what is physically possible. As such, it is often a marvel to behold. Qui-Gon Jinn was a practitioner of Ataru, using it to leap to advantageous positions while dueling against Darth Maul. His apprentice, Obi-Wan, followed suit. Obi-Wan's transformation of a kick to the head into a backflip to redirect the kinetic energy is a perfect example of a Form IV recovery.

Watching Yoda use Form IV is most impressive. His tiny frame and incredible leaping ability transformed him into a miniature tornado of cutting energy as he used Form IV in attempts to overwhelm Count Dooku and the Emperor's defenses. Form IV is also called the Way of the Hawkbat, or the Aggression Form. Those classically trained, like Count Dooku, dismissed Form IV as ridiculous acrobatics with exaggerated flourishes meant to mask obvious exposures of vital contact zones. Anakin's last leap over Obi-Wan in Episode III which resulted in him losing his limbs would support Dooku's assessment.