Within the beloved and epic space opera franchise that is Star Wars, fans have been obsessed with the iconic and legendary weapon that is the lightsaber. A futuristic photon sword that can be activated by the press of a button, some fans wonder why don't Jedi and Sith alike simply deactivate their lightsaber only to reactivate it instead of blocking an incoming strike head-on. This technique actually exists and is called Trakata. However, the Trakata form of lightsaber combat is one of the most unorthodox and dangerous forms of bladed combat that was looked down upon by both Jedi and Sith.
What Is Trakata in Star Wars?
In Star Wars Legends, Trakata was categorized as a lightsaber form outside the main seven forms alongside other lesser-known and dangerous techniques, such as Dun Moch and telekinetic lightsaber combat. It was originally developed as a method of practical fighting that many would almost describe as "dirty fighting." However, mastering the form was highly dangerous not only to the opponent but also to the user.
Unlike the main seven forms of lightsaber combat, which focused on prolonged blade-on-blade combat, Trakata focused on ending a fight in the quickest fashion. The deactivation of one's blade momentarily allowed for a multitude of applications. It could be used to slip through an incoming attack and then allow the user to counterattack. This specific technique is called Pass the Blade. Other techniques include unbalancing block, which required the user to clash blades with their opponent, only to deactivate their blade to leave their opponent open to an attack, and Flash Slash, which involves lengthening and shortening one's blade to create confusion.
Why So Few Lightsaber Wielders Use Trakata
Trakata was most effective when paired with another form of lightsaber combat, Jar'Kai or dual-wielding lightsabers. This can be seen in Jedi Battlemaster Kao Cen Darach's duel against both Sith Warrior Vindican and his apprentice, Malgus. During this battle, Darach employs a Trakata maneuver to deliver a fatal blow to Vindican. However, Trakata is also easily as dangerous with a single blade, which is demonstrated in Cal Kestis' fight against the Second Sister in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. However, these are rather rare instances where Jedi have used Trakata, as the Jedi Order frowned upon the technique due to its nature as a quick and efficient style clashed with their beliefs against using such underhanded tricks.
However, just because the Jedi scorned Trakata doesn't make the form any more popular with the Sith. The Sith also looked down upon the form, but not for the same reasons as the Jedi. Unlike the Jedi's view on fair play, the Sith believed that Trakata was a coward's way of fighting. Since the Sith drew their power from their passion and their blade was an extension of their passion, one cannot fight properly without the use of their blade. However, this didn't stop Sith apprentice Tahiri Veila from using this technique against Ben Skywalker.
Outside all the conventional forms of lightsaber combat, Trakata is one of the most unorthodox and dangerous lightsaber forms to Force users, as it requires one to momentarily deactivate their lightsaber blade to gain an advantage. But unlike many other force philosophies and combat styles, Trakata was universally looked down upon by both Jedi and Sith alike despite its practical nature of ending a fight quickly. With Disney's new Star Wars canon seemingly erasing Trakata from existence, it still made a few appearances, namely in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Despite being known as "dirty fighting" in the realm of Star Wars, Trakata is, in fact, an underrated and highly practical technique that is sure to come in handy.