[member="Kei Amadis"] I've always tried to teach a simple principle when it comes to lightsaber combat: the Forms are about mindset more than movement. There are plenty of sword disciplines in the world, but most of them contain fairly similar elements - where they tend to differ is in the mindset of the person wielding it. Sure, you get one- and two-handed styles, different ready/transitioning stances, particular preferences for the old parry-riposte, but most of the work that goes into them focuses on the state of mind of the warrior using them.
The Forms lay this out pretty firmly:
Shii-Cho: a basic Form where students learn simple technique (footwork, parrying, blocking, cutting, piercing etc), learning to understand how to wield a lightsaber effectively. The Form itself focuses upon simplicity, keeping everything straightforward and fundamentally efficient. This thus suits those who prefer basic technique, but also those who do not seek to spend much time focusing on lightsaber combat, while remaining able to defend themselves effectively. There's a considerable tendency to avoid over-complicating things, so a Jedi using Shii-Cho as a mainstream Form will always seek straightforward solutions where possible.
Makashi: focusing on lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, little emphasis is given upon Force usage or blaster deflection/reflection. Technique emphasis is upon use of single-handed weapons, wrist supination/pronation, parries rather than blocks, and balanced footwork. Psychological emphasis focuses on disarmament and efficiency against single opponents. Less functionally effective against multiple adversaries or ranged weapons. Users tend to be more psychologically ruthless, and admire strong sense of strategy.
Soresu: focuses primarily in static/semi-passive defense. The Soresu user is the brick wall that nothing can get past, and thus their mindset focuses on maintaining a solid defensive presence, sacrificing offensive opportunity and keeping a calm, passive mindset, and are more likely to tend towards pacifism, since their inclination is not to defeat their opponent directly, but rather use their own technique to help the opponent defeat themselves. Best suited to individuals who have a strong sense of protectivism, or prefer to stand their ground in confrontations rather than explore other alternatives.
Ataru: adapted for those Jedi/Sith who think fast, tend to be environmentally observant, and prefer to outwit an opponent rather than simply overwhelm them, Ataru focuses upon physical evasion and outmaneuvering, with practitioners being strategists that like to outflank an opponent and use cunning to position themselves to best take advantage of any momentary slip-ups. Although potentially offensive, the mindset of the Ataru user is one that acts a little like a steel trap: patient, waiting for the right moment to make a decisive move that puts the battle beyond the ability of the opponent to win it. This naturally can apply to situations outside of battle!
Djem-So: aggressive, forthright, direct, the Djem-So practitioner sees solutions to issues as being straightforward, but requiring an assertive/aggressive approach. Unlikely to be particularly passive, such a person will present themselves with considerable confidence, and always seek direct solutions to a problem. They can be perceived as lacking in subtlety, but tend to also have fairly penetrating insight, able to see to the heart of matters quickly and pick out solutions that will resolve them with little difficulty.
Niman: creative, passionate, but believing in a sense of balance between opposing forces, Niman practitioners tend towards versatility, and will entertain many different potential solutions to a problem. They are more likely to be open-minded, but also possibly whimsical and flighty, since they do not have any single set tendency, and may choose different methodologies based on how they feel, or what they feel may be most effective at the time. They must, of course, be studious and dedicated to learning the Jedi/Sith arts, since such practitioners must also be well versed in the arts of Diplomacy, Force techniques and so on. Thus, they are far more likely to learn more esoteric arts, such as Force Healing, Sith Alchemy etc.
Vaapad/Juyo: a being willing to embrace their desire for battle, willing to look at their own inner darkness and channel it into direct destructive form, these practitioners are likely to be those with a very keen emotional self-awareness and a willingness to put it to effective use. Though they may occasionally be impulsive (though those few are unlikely to survive their training in these techniques!), they are willing to place their very selves on the line to resolve situations, and thus will also appear charismatic, passionate and energetic. However, this also has a darker side, insofar as they may be clearly quick to anger, less likely to listen to reason when conflict arises, and ruthlessly efficient in dealing with any threats that arise - even if there are alternative methods available for resolving a situation.
Just a few notes I thought might be of use to you in training