Admit it; at one point or another you dreamed of becoming a genuine Jedi Knight and craved to defend the galaxy against the horrors of the dark side.
You’ve envisioned yourself traveling to the planet dagobah and training under the last surviving Jedi, Master Yoda. What would it be like, being in Luke’s shoes? How hard would it be to control the force? Sadly these are just dreams and we must come to terms that the world of Star Wars only exists in movies, television, comics and books.
But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up hope of becoming a Jedi. Numerous Jedi organizations exist throughout the world which feature groups of dedicated people who are trained in the art of light saber combat. One of these groups is the PA Jedi (in Pennsylvania), and I was invited by the president of the organization, Frank Delaney, to attend a light saber training class after working with him on Free Comic Book Day.
No light saber? No problem! Wooden sabers are provided to Padawan learners but first thing is first; basic stretches to warm up ensure that no one pulls a muscle. A bag is offered to each Padawan where they draw a chip with a letter on it. That letter indicates what move you will learn and that includes attacks and blocks. Say you draw the letter “A”, this means you attack in the form of an “A”; left shoulder, right shoulder and then the head. First your instructor shows you how to attack then he attacks you and shows you how to block. Once you’ve got the hang of the move, you move on to other letters of the alphabet and focus on your foot work. Members were generous enough to allow myself and my companion Brian to use their combat sabers which are built specifically for fighting. Each instructor was patient and acted as your very own personal Yoda.
The PA Jedi is a non profit organization that provides stage combat performances for charity, conventions and other events. One member, by the name of Pickles, specializes in the “Anakin Spin” which he performed for us in the dark with his saber lit.
A fun fact to share is that once becoming a member, you can create your own character. You can choose your own wardrobe for designing your character; select a name and a background story. I spoke with another member, James, whom I have seen at local conventions. I always took notice to him because of his unique costume and he told me that the inspiration for his costume drew from Samurai and Roman soldiers. The result is truly an impressive costume and naturally, thoughts began racing through my head on what kind of costume I would put together for my character. After three hours of practicng and socializing, it was time to call it a night. The class ended with the lights shut off, and the lighting of the sabers. After the group gathering it was expressed that the organization would like to have Brian and I as members. It appears that the Force is calling. Will we answer? Stay tuned!
My thanks to the PA Jedi for their hospitality and generosity. To find out more about the group and to attend a class, check out their website: http://www.pajedi.com
14 Comments
Your companion? Why do I feel like the guy banging coconut halves together as you ride towards the Holy Grail? lol Great article!
Have to admit that I didn’t think I would have enjoyed the experience as much as I did. I strongly encourage people to AT THE LEAST go by a booth at your local convention and talk to them about learning the ABC’s of sabre training. You’ll have more fun than your pride/geekiness will allow you to admit and it’ll only take a few short minutes.
I’m terrible at recognizing people so forgive the question but, is that you in the white shirt, jeans, and ponytail? And is that Brian in the black shirt with the blue design, jeans, and black shoes?
^yes on both counts … however I don’t think that that’s the best angle to see me from. lol
My 7 year old son is a huge Star Wars fan. He loves Jedis and watches the movies all the time. He would love this class if it was available to his age group.
His mother mentioned to one of the local yokels that he wanted to learn fencing. … The woman replied, “Well, buy him some wood and show him how to build a fence.”
(sigh)
Oh that sounds like so much fun! It’s like fencing but better on so many levels!
I want my Jedi name to be Quin-Cee Joans. I’ll have the power of the force and the power of THE FUNK! Awwwww, yeeeeaaah.
OMG Matthew that is freakin’ HILARIOUS! After a long day, I needed a laugh :D
OMG Matthew that is freakin’ HILARIOUS! After a long day, I needed a laugh :D
Happy to be of service, fair maiden.
Hi! Thank you very much for writing this article Victoria! It looks pretty good. I am a member of PA Jedi, and there were a few points I wanted to mention in response to the comments above.
First, Brian, Jedi in the “old republic” weren’t allowed to date, marry, or have relationships (save in very rare instances due to the survival of their civilization), so Victoria probably wanted to make sure you weren’t going to get kicked out of the galaxy! :-)
Second, we DO offer classes to the “younglings”. We like to have the parents around if they are under the age of 18, so that they know exactly what their child is getting in to. The processes of choreographing a fight with PA Jedi is very safe and very laid out, however, accidents happen, and if a child comes home with a boo-boo, we would want to the parent to know how it happened. We have plastic sabers we use for “Padawan Academy” at conventions and other event functions so that toddlers aren’t trying to swing around sabers are tall and heavy as they are!
Lastly, the article is very well written, even if you did confuse A with B (hip, hip, head) vs (shoulder, shoulder, groin). I really hope to see you (Victoria) and Brian back again soon! We could always use more saber wielders!
It was a pleasure to hosts both you and Brian and all are welcome every Friday night.
We’ll definately be returning and if anyone is going to Wizard World PHilly be sure to find PA Jedi’s booth!
I think you are a very clever Jedi, Victoria. In the 3rd picture I see you have used The Force to secretly untie your opponent’s shoe laces.
*Sneaky!*
Ooh you noticed that! Good eye! I’ve been practicing my Jedi mind trick! ;)
Of course. It was the only reason I was looking at the picture closely. *blush*