Real Jedi vs Fictional Jedi

Vagabond wrote: you should consider your body mass index (BMI), which if I'm not mistaken, is very nearly the most current method we have of evaluating obesity.

Yes, this is the method most commonly used. However, it is not actually of much use when evaluating health. Its meant to be a guideline, not a definite unit of measurement, and only takes into account the ratio between your height and the weight of your body, not its composition nor its over all health.

So for example, the majority of body builders have a BMI that puts them in the obese category because muscle is denser than fat, giving someone with even very low body fat, but high levels of muscle mass, a false reading. The opposite is also true, someone may be within a healthy BMI range but have a poor muscle to fat ratio. Something that is actually very common. (google skinny fat if you're interested)

Its also entirely possible to be within a healthy weight range, and be ill or generally lacking in good health.

To add to Brenna's comment: It's also entirely possible to not have enough body fat and be REALLY unhealthy
http://www.livestrong.com/article/484485-what-happens-when-your-body-fat-drops-low/

Also



I present 9 morbidly obese men that would mess up your world.

Yes, I am aware that it is only one method, but it is the method being asked about, and was just one example. The general point was my last paragraph. If we want to discuss general health, there is a science section here at TotJO.

Vagabond wrote: Yes, I am aware that it is only one method, but it is the method being asked about, and was just one example. The general point was my last paragraph. If we want to discuss general health, there is a science section here at TotJO.

I was simply expanding on the idea Vagabond. I was using your comment as a lead into illustrating why our measurements are not always useful indicators of health or fitness.

MJ Hannigan wrote:

Br. John wrote: Silvermane, you could weigh more than Jabba The Hut and be a great Jedi. You could be in a wheelchair. And what Brenna and Edan says - right!

As this is part of my episode tonight i guess it would be fair to bring it up here.

John how is this possible? How can a person who is morbidly obease (In clinical terms) be healthy and be a great jedi?

I have often said "we are practicing Jedi, not perfect Jedi"...

A practicing Jedi realizes he/she has shortcomings, and should work toward improving oneself...

Some of us don't realize our path, till we do... And then, well, we may have settled in in life further than we intended... :lol:...

I am 60-70 pounds over ideal weight... Is it fat? Muscle? More than likely, a both...

But I can promise I'm no pushover, ...

But, I do need work, and I am working on it...

Being clinically morbid obese can be a starting point... But shouldn't be an end point...

Jedi should never "settle", but continue to strive forcself improvement....

Others, esecially Jedi, who might judge based on appearance, might want to work on 1. tact, 2. non-judgement....

Who ever told you that can go #$*&@#!/ &! $#/* &#g* themselves... im in decent shape and I do medieval combat every weekend... there are two big men in their 50's both probably about 300 pounds or close... they can kick my ass every time... are they in shape? No.. Can they fight hell yes

Br. John wrote: Silvermane, you could weigh more than Jabba The Hut and be a great Jedi. You could be in a wheelchair. And what Brenna and Edan says - right!

I have broken my neck in multiple places many times, have broken my back in two places, have multiple plates and pins in my left hand and am overweight by American Standards.

Up until my accident two years ago I was wearing 90lbs of armor and doing medieval games/jousting on horseback.

I am certainly not capable of what I used to do, its physically impossible for me. However I also know that Star Wars was fiction. I do not need to have the skills of a fictional character on a movie series created by a guy on a bad pasta night. Last time I checked, I still have never heard of an actual lightsaber fight nor have heard of actual blaster weapons. Far more important to base in the world where we can be of help to the community rather than a Comic Con.

I know there are others that are Knights, other community members etc and are just as beat up and or worse than I am. Let your character define you as a Jedi not a plastic toy or an extreme Ninja kick. Cool yes, practical no.

I want to thank you all for your input. I knew was the case when I had asked, but for some individuals here who do not think like we do and believe practicing Jedi to be something different, should take a very close look.

It doesn't matter your shape, size, age, gender, sexual preference, religion or even what underwear you prefer to wear. What matters is the fact as Jedi we work to be better, to better ourselves and those around us every day. I'm 350 lbs, I can bench 200 lbs, squat 500 lbs. I have won 2 state martial arts tournaments both in sparring and weapons. I am in no way weak or not worthy, but it serves to show one and all that if you judge someone by how they look, you are underestimating the world and overestimating yourself. Check the ego and welcome everyone with open arms, open mind and open heart.

Again, thank you all for your wonderful words of wisdom.

Its not all about fighting. I prefer to train for all around utility.

After dropping my son off at his moms today, my dog starts barking at a little dog jogging down the road. I slow down, and see a ways behind his owner, in great distress. We stop where we are, I get out and full on sprint, on a slightly bum ankle from a trail running mishap earlier this week, through traffic after him. which of course causes him to run in a full on little dog sprint directly away from me.

The point is, I was a damn sight closer to catching him than his owner was.

Moving on...

There is no shame at all in having limits. I freely admit to being heavier than I would like to be. Everybody has their thing. Some of us are not fit, some have chronic injuries. Some us struggle with mental health issues. Some of us are addicts. It happens.

You start where you start. Speaking for myself, this is about process. If there is a need, we strive to fill it. Having a need is not the problem. Not addressing it would be.

And that is a struggle for all of us; seeing a problem and jumping on it in a constructive way. If you have work to do, join the club.

Oh, wait. You did.

You're among friends.