Fighting with lightsabers refers to several different martial arts that specialize in lightsaber fighting (but not limited to it). Special skills are needed for someone to master and take advantage of the specific characteristics of the lightsaber, such as the strange balance of the weapon, the entire weight of which is in the handle, as well as its ability to cut on each side. The most famous lightsaber fighting styles are the seven forms of the Jedi Order, although other organizations have created their own styles and methods.
The various forms of combat owe their unique focus and methods to the eras in which they emerged, as they were often created in response to a new generation of weapon technology. For example, the Makashi form was created at a time when the Galaxy was filled with dark Jedi and other users of the Force, and duels with lightsabers often occurred. Soresu, on the other hand, was created at a time when such duels were rare, and a Jedi was much more likely to face a blaster or other firearm than someone with a lightsaber.
