Count Dooku's Lightsaber Fighting Style FORM 2 MAKASHI Explained

Count Dooku was the most talented lightsaber duelist in the galaxy.
Let's breakdown and explain his lightsaber fighting style, Form 2 Makashi, as well as other jedi and sith who used the same form and what its strengths/weaknesses are.
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[TheNimbleEnigma]

One of my favorite forms, truly fascinating. A style that embodies the purest expression of the lightsaber as a means of genuine swordsmanship, despite lacking in other areas. Regardless, Dooku's exceptional skill in Makashi was of absolute masterclass against a majority of his opponents, no matter what they brought to the table.

I love that the prequels really emphasized personality in each character's approach to lightsaber combat, probably the highest display among all Star Wars media. Actors like Sir Christopher Lee and Ray Park offering their real-world martial experience just adds that extra bit of depth and mystique to their respective characters, as well as Jedi/Sith lore and culture as a whole.

[crownprincesebastianjohano]

One also notes that Form II is perfect for Force attacks. Leaving a hand free allows for many Force attacks mid-duel; a multi-tasking that Dooku was the absolute master of.

[RillE]

It Is Obvious That This Contest Cannot Be Decided By Our Knowledge Of The Force, But By Our Skills With A Lightsaber.

[crownprincesebastianjohano]

Enjoyed it! I think it is good to point out that a Form's weakness is not necessarily a weakness for the duelist wielding it, nor is it a cheat code. In Dooku's case in particular, his experience, Battle IQ and proficiency with other forms was so high that he usually overcame all of Form II's traditional weaknesses. He was immensely proficient in deflecting blaster bolts and was notably excellent against multiple opponents. Makashi is more vulnerable to Form V, but whereas it is true that Anakin's Form V did eventually defeat Dooku in ROTS, it is noteworthy that Dooku faced Form V many times and always overcame it in the past simply because he was skilled enough to use the force and momentum behind Form V against the user. Whenever I see people say "but Form II is very vulnerable to Form V!" I cringe and point out that for normal Form II users maybe, but with Dooku it is far more accurate to say that *Form V masters* have a slightly better chance than most, and it only worked once because the Chosen One leveled up. A lesser Form V user, and indeed, Anakin prior to ROTS, were often quickly defeated by Dooku.

[samuelanders]

Love the little aside about Christopher Lee's own swordsmanship. An absolute legend on and off the silver screen and the world is lesser for his passing.

[c.i.s]

Obviously Dooku is who the Grand Inquisitor probably admired the most, considering that he too favored form 2; he even would use similar single hand combat tactics, with his other arm braced behind his back.

[natnael]

Count Dookus fighting style is my favorite, it has so much precision and is smooth.

[IsaacHolland]

The Jedi Order created Form II, sometimes referred to as Makashi, as the second method of lightsaber warfare. It was an elegant combat style that became a specialised form for battles with Sith Order foes. Instead than using strength and power, Form II emphasised precision and control. The Sith assassin Asajj Ventress was schooled in its use by Count Dooku, a master of the form, even if her teacher's was more graceful. The Grand Inquisitor was an accomplished Form II user. Another Jedi Master who employed the method and shared it with other members of the Order in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant was Ki-Adi-Mundi. Dooku's lightsaber is so sick, so is his form! Dooku is just a sick character!

[berserkerofthrawn]

In Star Wars Legend Count Dooku was so sufficient in his form it would appear as if he was dancing while fighting in his form

[pelp]

My favorite part about Star Wars is how deep the lore and history runs within the overarching story. Minute details like the strengths and weaknesses of different saber combat forms give the galaxy so much depth and enrich the story. It really is the small details that create the best stories. Great video!

[realJoeMavro]

Three reasons Makashi is my favorite form:
1. When every inch of your blade is lethal and there's no edge, it makes sense that you don't need a lot of power behind your strikes and would want to use precise movements.
2. It's based heavily on fencing, my favorite form of sword fighting. Some of Dooku's heavier attacks in the Revenge of the Sith game also remind me a bit of Chinese sword fighting, another of my favorites.
3.Dooku is my main in ROTS, and the best way to get good in that game is to bait your opponent into attacking and then close in for the kill the instant they're open. Doesn't that sound like Dooku?

[doctordakotascorpio]

Dooku had some great fights in the Clone Wars i enjoyed. to me i think Dooku could be consider a Master of Form 2

[OddHunter]

Small fact: Dookus little move with the blade of his saber in front of his face is a fencing salute

[jsbcody]

Sir Christopher in addition to being a fencer, also holds the record for as an actor with the most filmed sword fight scenes. Because Sir Lee was a fencer, that is the reason he wanted a curved hilt lightsaber. Here is another little fact, shortly before his death, Sir Lee gave an audio recorded interview where he talked about the lightsaber fight between Dooku and Anakin at the beginning of Revenge of The Sith. In the original version, Dooku taunts Anakin by telling Anakin that Dooku hired the Sand People to kidnap and torture to death Anakin's mother. This was part of Palpatine's plan to get Anakin to the Dark Side. In the original scene, after Dooku is "disarmed", he is in the process of telling Anakin that he did it at the behest of his Master, Sidious/Palpatine, when Palpatine "orders/suggests" Anakin kill Dooku. It makes the whole "Do it" part make a bit more sense. After filming that version, they thought it was way too Dark and foreboding to begin the movie with and went with the filtered version.

[killerintinctprodutions]

These are my favorite SWT videos. As much as I love your theories, I love how in depth you go on Star Wars lore.

[DarthMalevolence]

Sir Christopher Lee also has the most screen time for sword duels of any actor.

[starwarsvault]

Dooku may very well have been the most skilled duelist of his time!

[HoboJoe]

Love these Lightsaber form videos man please keep them coming!

[starsnake]

Makashi is just so elegant, even with its flaws and weakness I love the idea. Also a curved hilt lightsaber is just so cool.

[dreadrath]

I like the dynamic between Form 2 and Form 5. Early to mid fight Form 2 has the edge, but mid to late fight Form 5 gains the upper hand due to generating momentum, Its kind of like the vulnerabilities flip the longer it goes on. If the form 2 guy can't close the deal by mid fight, his odds of victory start to decrease with their opponent's rising momentum. I dunno, there's just something I like about that particular clash of styles. Its also kind of amusing the note that after becoming Darth Vader, Anakin dropped form 5 in favor of form 2 because if worked better with his Vader costume..