Top 5 swordsmen ever!

[Solbjorn]

1. Grand Master Luke Skywalker.

2. Weapon Master Mace Windu.

3. Darth Sidious.

4. Master Yoda.

5. Darth Vader.

 

Quigon and Dooku are stated as being matches for Mace. And I believe Mace only reaches his full potential when facing a dark side user.

[Clonedzero]

I would dispute your claim about Yoda being purely mental. While the point of his character is to perhaps to display that power doesn't come from physical size and strength, that has nothing to do with combat ability or physicality itself.

 

Yoda was modeled after internal martial artists, who are all very much living proof that your size and strength have nothing to do with the amount of power invested in a strike. He was to show that true power and strength came from within, not that a mental nature would always overcome the physical. The point of a Yoda-style warrior is that the Mental and Physical must remain in harmony with the Spiritual to achieve the most potent strike possible.

 

It's important to note what time period this is for, it's really hard to compare Clone Wars Jedi with Pre-Clone Wars Jedi, since one came from a much more warlike time than the other.

 

It's probably safe to assume there are many lightsaber specialists better than the ones we know from the movies in the setting we play TOR in now.

 

In the Lore, Yoda was considered the true master of Lightsaber combat in the Jedi Order for his time period. If you go by just the movies, it's debatable, but in the expanded universe Yoda was the greatest swordsman of his time, even according to Mace Windu, who was, himself, touted as the greatest swordsman by many.

 

Only two people ever beat Mace Windu in lightsaber combat, Count Dooku, and Yoda. They would probably be at the top of the list.

 

After those three though, it's hard to say. Most Jedi were painted as cannon fodder in those times. Kit Fisto was supposed to be extremely skilled in Shii-Cho, and big papa Palpatine dropped him like a bad habit in a second. We won't even mention the guy that jumps up on the balcony and gets shot by Jango, that guy was failure incarnate.

 

well i would believe yoda being some great being of pure mental and physical in harmony where he's one of the wisest jedi ever, except well. he sorta pulled the trigger on one oft he galaxy's most devastating wars single handedly to save a couple friends...

 

and like you said, kit fisto was super skilled right? but he got dropped super quick. well thats because jedi are just people. they're still mortal and flawed, this isn't dragon ball z where people need higher power levels to kill each other. an angry random padawan could kill yoda in a fight.

 

now, the point of yoda's character was that before seeing him in empire strikes back you assume jedi are great warriors. physically strong. but having yoda be a small weak old frail little guy shows that being a good fighter isn't important to being a jedi. you never even see yoda training luke with a lightsaber. it seemed unimportant. retconning yoda into one of the greatest swordsman ever is pure silly fanservice.

 

by just pure LOGIC. his size puts him at a MASSIVE disadvantage over just about anyone else. like i said, he has to bounce around CONSTANTLY to even be on equal footing with anyone else. his severe disadvantage in pure raw physical strength and reach makes the entire notion ridiculous.

 

it also doesn't really make sense that a six foot tall human and a 2-3 foot tall alien frog thing would use the same combat styles, wouldn't they not translate at all? like an attack thats effective from a six foot tall human wouldnt be effective in the hands of a 3 foot tall frog. maybe if he had some purely unique jumpy swirly lightsaber style that was created with his phyisical size i mind i could buy, but the idea he mastered all the lightsaber styles as a 3 foot tall frog brings the entire concept of there being 7 lightsaber styles into question.

 

are they all designed for human sized lightsaber wielders? could they be applied to any alien race?

 

and seriously, all basic logic aside. the worst thing is they turned yoda, the symbol that jedi are more than warriors, that they're more of a spiritual authority is now suddenly one of the greatest fighters ever is probably one of the worst things to happen to star wars. yes its worse than jar jar binks. the "new" yoda ruins lightsabers and the jedi order all by himself, jar jar was just annoying.

[GalnarDegana]

1. Tulak Hord

2. Kas'im, the Blademaster

3. Mace Windu

4. Yoda

5. Luke

 

With regards to the discussion on Yoda, he most certainly could've been the best swordsman. What most people seem to be forgetting is that swordplay is rarely about strength, size, or reach. As a fencer myself, I can't tell you how many times I have seen a "sure" win turn around because, simply put, the person was outsmarted. Swordfighting is about anticipating your opponent, speed, and skill. Not size or strength. I have fought guys that I literally would've expected to kill me. Some of them might be 6'7", 300 lbs (thinking of two particular sabre fencers), and speed and finesse beat them. The speed and intelligence to change direction quickly and adapt to constantly shifting strategies is probably what made Yoda great. His "knowledge of all but one form" leads me to believe he didn't practice them as much as know how his opponent would react and fight based on what form they were using. He obviously used Ataru, but the knowledge of the others is what made him great, not what he used per se.

 

By the way, compensating for reach, one can practice a swordfighting style known as "in-fighting," which is a very close style, to prevent reach from influencing the fight. Short arms are actually an advantage to a point, because of the contortions one must go through to keep oneself defended against in-fighting if one has long arms. Oftentimes, in-fighting is achieved through specific blows that force openings, creating space to move in close, turn, and use the blade across the body, similar to a right cross in boxing if a fighter is standing with the left foot forward.

Edited May 1, 2012 by GalnarDegana

[ToEasy]

1. Luke Skywalker

2. Mace Windu

3. Cin Drallig

4. Yoda

5. Dooku

[Ardim]

In my opinion:

 

1. Tulak Hord or Exar Kun

2. Luke Skywalker (After Episode VI)

3. Emperor Palpatine

4. Mace Windu

5. Yoda

 

I think Atsoka Tano gets an honerable mention, when she has her bout with going dark side for a time, she takes on anakin and Obi wan at the same time (granted anakin and obi wan arent trying to kill her, but they are still pushed to their limits)

 

Also, I like her style of the reversed offhand, something I wish I could do for my marauder, lol

 

That was because Obi-Wan and Anakin didn't want to hurt her so they stayed defensive. If they had gone on the offense, they would've easily defeated her. Ahsoka does not even come CLOSE whatsoever. There are so many better duelists like Dooku, Ulic Qel-Droma, Kyle Katarn, etc. etc.

Edited May 1, 2012 by Ardim

[SentinelDranoel]

good thread idea

 

it's pretty ^#%damn impressive!

 

Mace Windu is my only fav on the lists I have seen.

[Charon]

Again. That quote is taken out of context. I've posted this numerous times. If you read Lucas other commentary he states when he speaks he refers to his films. The Star Wars saga is about Darth Vader. The rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker. Any other story isn't one he wrote himself. It's nothing he's interested in putting into film format. There is no story for Lucas to tell outside of the six movies because Vader is dead.

 

Further Lucas states that he considers both separate universes. He also claimed that when he speaks he refers to only his films. Going by this to claim that anything post ROTJ isn't canon EVERYTHING EU isn't Canon. That would include this game but that isn't true either. There's basically two sets of Canon. There's film continuity and the EU. The EU might as well be regarded as a single continuity as it has to follow film continuity to the letter.

 

Sources..

 

"I get asked all the time, 'What happens after "Return of the Jedi"?,' and there really is no answer for that," he said. "The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends."

 

Here's more from Lucas

 

""Whatever it is that happens afterward," the 63-year-old filmmaker said, "that isn't the core 'Star Wars' story that I like to tell." Referring to after Return of the Jedi.

 

He's not really claiming that everything after ROTJ is false. What he's saying is that it isn't his story and he doesn't care to tell it. There will be no episode 7 especially not episode 7 based on EU work.

 

"There really isn't any story to tell there," the filmmaker said. "It's been covered in the books and video games and comic books, which are things I think are incredibly creative but that I don't really have anything to do with other than being the person who built the sandbox they're playing in."

 

And..

 

"I don't read that stuff. I haven't read any of the novels. I don't know anything about that world. That's a different world than my world. But I do try to keep it consistent. The way I do it now is they have a Star Wars Encyclopedia. So if I come up with a name or something else, I look it up and see if it has already been used. When I said [other people] could make their own Star Wars stories, we decided that, like Star Trek, we would have two universes: My universe and then this other one. They try to make their universe as consistent with mine as possible, but obviously they get enthusiastic and want to go off in other directions"

 

^ This and the fact that he has to personally approve novels for them to be considered canon and edits. He doesn't want any other force sensitive wookiees, so no one will be getting a third wookiee jedi in novels. Heck I even think he had to approve TFU for the game to be considered canon and even asked the team to edit a few things.

[Aurbere]

Here's my top 5 five:

1. Mace Windu-because he pwned Sidious yea yea!

2. Yoda-because size matters not duh!

3. Obi-Wan-because he mastered Soresu and beat Anakin after attaining the high ground buff

4. Cin Drallig-because he'll teach you to become one with the Force

5. Plo Koon- because he's my favorite character and he has a lightsaber gauntlet link here: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lightsaber_gauntlet

[Wolfninjajedi]

Here's my top 5 five:

1. Mace Windu-because he pwned Sidious yea yea!

2. Yoda-because size matters not duh!

3. Obi-Wan-because he mastered Soresu and beat Anakin after attaining the high ground buff

4. Cin Drallig-because he'll teach you to become one with the Force

5. Plo Koon- because he's my favorite character and he has a lightsaber gauntlet link here: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lightsaber_gauntlet

 

It seems you like to quote my sig in some variation with Cin. I find it rather amusing.

Edited May 1, 2012 by Wolfninjajedi

[Aurbere]

It seems you like to quote my sig in some variation with Cin. I find it rather amusing.

 

Well I played the revenge of the sith game and he was pure awesomeness on it. Too bad there aren't more games like it. Cin definitely gets into my top 10 fav Jedi.

The reason Plo Koon is my favorite character is because his was the first action figure I got and my first video game was Star Wars Jedi Power battles and he was awesome in that game too. I watch the Clone Wars just to see him. Obsess much? Yes I do. I'm very nostalgic.

Edited May 1, 2012 by Aurbere

[SentinelDranoel]

Wasn't Revan known more for being a general and a leader. A tactician who was strong in the force.

[Aurbere]

Wasn't Revan known more for being a general and a leader. A tactician who was strong in the force.

 

Well he was both a warrior and a leader. He led his troops into battle and knew how to adapt, in lightsaber combat and on the battlefield. I don't think that's going to get him up to the level of prequel Jedi though.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Aurbere

[Wolfninjajedi]

Well I played the revenge of the sith game and he was pure awesomeness on it. Too bad there aren't more games like it. Cin definitely gets into my top 10 fav Jedi.

 

White hair + white robes + nickname "The Troll"(He must have taught Obi-Wan the way of the troll lol)= Win

 

Just wish there was more lore on him.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Wolfninjajedi

[Aurbere]

White hair + white robes + nickname "The Troll"(He must have taught Obi-Wan the way of the troll lol)= Win

 

Just wish there was more lore on him.

 

Definitely. Kenobi was taught the way of the troll well. I too wish there was more about Cin. We don't see a whole lot about the jedi that didn't get much screen time. What Cin got like 10 seconds of screen time. We need to know more about these guys!

[Lodril]

EDIT - also, why is sidious / palpatine mentioned in this? again, it seems ridiculous. don't show me revenge of the sith as evidence, i'll use return of the jedi instead. where he scoffs at lukes lightsaber and disrespectfully refers to it as "his jedi weapon" and never had his own.

 

"Explain why Sidious is included, but don't rely on any facts, I hate those."

 

With a lightsaber, Sidious kills a handful of the Jedi order's best swordsmen in a matter of seconds; without a lightsaber, he's killed by his crippled and wounded apprentice. Seems like everything in the movies points to him being a lot tougher with a glowstick than without.

[Erunen]

List of 5, I'm not entirely versed in all things star wars for swordsmen, so be gentle.

 

1. Luke, he did defeat many, many Vong when he allowed the Force to guide his actions.

2. Mace Windu, if not simply for the fact that he created his own Lightsaber Form Variant.

3. Master Dooku, prior to leaving the Order, Dooku was hailed as the Order's foremost duelist.

4. Yoda, sure he is old, and mastered all forms, but its also his application that gets him on the list. using Ataru to compensate for his stature, and at the same time hiding the fact that he WOULD use such an acrobatic form by normally walking around with a cane. Deceptive.

5. Bane. Just read the Bane trilogy and the depth to which he could control a duel to work in his favor not just against the opponent's style, but using the slightest change in environment.

[vanevok]

ok...

1.Kenobi - he defeats both Anakin and Grievous, and forfeited the match with Vader to save Luke - and is practical enough to use blaster when needed

2.Windu - he would have defeated Palpatine if not for Anakin's intervention.

3.post episode VI Luke - he defeats Vader (although he was past his prime at the moment)

4.episode III Anakin/Vader - has defeated Dooku, and multiple Jedi as Vader

5.Dooku - goes without a scratch from Kenobi AND Anakin in episode II

 

not listed Yoda and Palpatine as they are more force-users than swordsmen (while being capable ones definitely)

[AtinVexien]

1. Luke Skywalker, no question.

2. Blademaster Kas'im. If you read the Darth Bane book, Bane can only defeat him by using the Force. And even then Kas'im blocks it, it's the temple that kills him.

3. Darth Sidious. Ambidexterity in all 7 forms. That's impressive.

4. Corran Horn. Epic duelist.

5. Caedus/Jaina. He wasn't exactly focusing during their only duel, so we can't say for certain who was better.

 

I think Saba Sebatyne deserves an honorable mention. She might not be a great lightsaber duelist, but she wrecks in melee fights in general.

[Aurbere]

1. Luke Skywalker, no question.

2. Blademaster Kas'im. If you read the Darth Bane book, Bane can only defeat him by using the Force. And even then Kas'im blocks it, it's the temple that kills him.

3. Darth Sidious. Ambidexterity in all 7 forms. That's impressive.

4. Corran Horn. Epic duelist.

5. Caedus/Jaina. He wasn't exactly focusing during their only duel, so we can't say for certain who was better.

 

I think Saba Sebatyne deserves an honorable mention. She might not be a great lightsaber duelist, but she wrecks in melee fights in general.

 

Not focusing on the duel. He almost killed her. If that's true he must be better than I thought.

[Lodril]

I'd have to say Basil Rathbone. And surprisingly, because Basil Rathbone said he was the best swordsman he'd ever worked with, Danny Kaye.

 

Rathbone vs. Kaye

[OneDon]

Personally I think Obi-Wan gets undersold. But Dooku did own him and Anakin did school Dooku

 

I also think Revan has been undersold, partly due to this game. Darth Bane (the Sith that established the rule of two) was fearsome and only made so because of a holoron made by Darth Revan.

 

That said I think it's been established that there is no getting away from the fact that movies and expanded stories depict those characters as being the most powerful or most skilled in Star Trek lore so:

 

Luke

Sideous/Yoda/Mace

Vadar

 

I don't think you can successfully choose between Sideous, Yoda and Mace. One there day I can see them beating each other. Also, any way you want to look at it, while Vadar should be up there he never realised his full potential.

[Lodril]

I don't think you can successfully choose between Sideous, Yoda and Mace.

 

I'm pretty sure you can easily see who would win in a fight between those guys... it was depicted in a movie.

 

After he wipes the floor with the rest of the Jedi sent to depose him, Sidious basically toys with Mace, drawing the fight out to give Anakin time to arrive and 'rescue' him. Watch it closely - he's laughing and making faces when they're clashing sabers... in fact, he can only sell the idea that he's in danger and needs rescuing by getting the saber out of the picture and relying on lightning.

 

Yoda vs. Sidious was a fight I'd been arguing about the results of since 1982. It played out exactly the way I had always predicted; with a very clear winner going on to shape the galaxy, and the loser forced to hide in a mud hut in the middle of a snake-infested swamp. Yoda makes a good showing, doing his best impression of Kermit from Muppet Treasure Island, but again, Sidious is laughing at him.

 

Yoda's an impressive Jedi, but it makes perfect sense that the Dark Side produces better warriors - wars do not make one great.

[Lord_Karsk]

1 Luke Best dualist of all time.

2 Anakin/Vader Have killed the most saber masters jedi/sith of anyone.

3 Yoda Well it's Yoda.

4 Dooku One of the greatest dualist the Jedi order have ever seen.

5 Obi Wan/Mace Windu Manage to defeat Siduois and Vader the two most powerful Sith of all time in saber combat.

 

And no non of the dualist of the old republic or other trimelines could not touch these guys.Canon fact.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Lord_Karsk

[Lewisgil]

In order from least to greatest. My personal opinion of course.

 

5. Palpatine: Mastered all seven forms. Could switch fluidly from one to the next. Ambidextrous.

 

4. Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: Mastered both variants of Form V, Ataru, Juyo, and Soresu. Proficient in Jar'kai. Adapted aspects from all of the styles he mastered to accomodate his new cybernetic body, allowing him to dominate any opponent he faced with but two exceptions.

 

3. Kas'im: Mastered all seven forms. Could switch fluidly from one to the next. Ambidextrous. Mastered Jar'kai. Mastered the saberstaff. Touted as the greatest swordsman of his time. Blademaster of the entire Brotherhood of the Sith.

 

2. Tulak Hord: Not much is known about which style(s) he knew. Touted as probably the greates swordsman until Luke Skywalker. Putting him on my list out of faith.

 

1. Luke Skywalker: Instinctively knew Djem-So. Mastered all 7 clsssic forms out of necessity. Adapted and invented new forms to usher in the New Jedi Order. Described as fighting with twenty lightsabers at once. (Only character I am aware about which such a claim has been made.)

 

I left out others due to not much personal knowledge about them.

 

People that do rank highly in my opinion though.

 

-Darth Bane

-Darth Malgus

-Galen Marek

-Obi-Wan Kenobi

-Mace Windu

-Yoda

 

Others that there are citations stating them as highly skilled but I just disagree.

 

-Count Dooku

-Darth Maul

-Cin Dralig

[Lewisgil]

1 Luke Best dualist of all time.

2 Anakin/Vader Have killed the most saber masters jedi/sith of anyone.

3 Yoda Well it's Yoda.

4 Dooku One of the greatest dualist the Jedi order have ever seen.

5 Obi Wan/Mace Windu Manage to defeat Siduois and Vader the two most powerful Sith of all time in saber combat.

 

And no non of the dualist of the old republic or other trimelines could not touch these guys.Canon fact.

 

Where is this "Canon Fact" stated? Nothing in the books or movies makes any such claim. If you are referring to the comment George Lucas made in the commentaries about the Prequel Trilogy. He is often quoted out of context. If you read the entire quote. He is stating that he wished to portray the Jedi in full bloom, meaning that he wished to portray the Jedi not as old men waving sticks about but as they should have been portrayed. He wished to display what a Jedi should truly be capable of.