Should jedi train in combat?

Should a jedi train in the use of saber fighting and sword fighting? Is there any threats against the jedi order in which we must defend? Im new to being a jedi

The student said to his master, "You teach me fighting, but talk about peace. How do you reconcile the two?"

The warrior replied, "It is better to be a warrior in a garden than to be a gardener in a war."

As a martial artist, I don't believe that the martial aspect is what is important to learn from an art. I believe there are many other lessons to learn from martial arts outside of the physical aspect, and that is what is important to take away from martial arts. The ability to fight is a secondary benefit to training, but I do not believe it should be a focus.

I think there are always threats to any belief system, and generally fighting is not the solution, but being able to defend others from danger, being able to recognize a real threat (which allows you to recognize when to act and when not to act), and discipline are great things that can be earned from learning any martial arts.

I believe it is probably quite rare that someone would require the physical aspect of sabre training as a Jedi in their daily lives, but it doesn't mean that it couldn't be useful in some ways, though I will allow others who've been a part of the order longer than I to answer.

May the Force be with you, always.

In my opinion, sword's are pretty useless as defensive weapons except against other swords, as they are not proportionate for self defense against anything less capable then a sword (unless used proportionately), and are simply ineffective against anything more capable then a sword. I think where the value of them lies is the value to exercise both areas of kinesthesia and the awareness, perception and processing related to building a capacity for self defence. Though there would probably be better things to achieve the most benefit, as each weapon has its own limitation and restrictions on proper employment. If you can develop the suitable mental gymnastics, then I reckon its easier to achieve the most benefit from the functional strength required for whatever weapon might be suitable for ones circumstances.

Entropist wrote:

I prefer to use combat as a last resort, and to only save lives and not to just take it. My style of combat is also my meditation, a fluid motion with eyes closed as I listen to my surroundings. During combat my eyes are open though.

I on the other hand feel that Martial Arts and Combat are.....Martial Combat. There is no such thing as "Learning Martial Arts outside of the physical aspect" as Coyote suggests. To each there own If you are not training your physical body to behave in a combative manner.....You are not doing Martial Arts.

Should a Jedi Train in Combat? Yes, Absolutely!

But not because there is some kind of threat against the this Temple, or the Jedi or any fictional reference like that

A Jedi should Train in Combat because it is

A: A Great Physical Workout
B: A good Mental tool
C: A Spiritual form of Meditation and
An important part of being prepared.

Sword

The Sword is a fantastic art to study. Not only does it give you a great workout but a good sense of body mechanics and spiritual extension. It also can be trained with Toy Lightsabers which are surprisingly really great training props both in single training and sparring with partners (the blades don't hurt upon impact, just a slight kiss) I actually prefer them over bokken or Shini.

Hand to Hand

Is more practical and realistic and should be a focus if one wishes to learn Martial Arts/Combat. At the end of the day, your hands, feet and body are always with you

Pistol/Rifle

Depending on your local laws. This is a also a great combat subject to study. It teaches awareness, focus, and a new level of self discipline.


What is most important is what you are searching for in your path. Martial Arts covers more than just active fighting off bad guys but....it IS still a tool for fighting. Whether you truly do face a combative situation or simply use it for Mind, body and spirit.....is entirely up to you.

Just my 2 cents.

Whatever ever the case never underestimate your opponent.

Or yourself

If people wish to train in combat, good for them! I think study of a martial art is a great idea and creates harmony between mind and body.

However I don't believe most need those skills for physical combat. In my life (at least since I was about 12) I've been lucky to rarely encounter physical violence, but I think all of us have frequently encountered mental/emotional/spiritual aggression. That, for me, is a more worthwhile and practical topic for Jedi to study.

Simply put, being able to kick someone's ass is not as important as being able to have a good conversation with them, empathise with them, show them that we're all human, all valid, all trying our best with what we have. Whilst there might absolutely be moments in life when the ability to knock someone to the ground could be useful, we are Jedi. We are here to cultivate harmony in all things. The ability to swallow one's pride, de-escalate a situation and calm what we find within ourselves are therefore some things I'd seek (and have sought) to develop first.

Most people I've met, even those who could beat the hell out of me, are victims of their own violence, daily.

Samjames340963 wrote: Should a jedi train in the use of saber fighting and sword fighting? Is there any threats against the jedi order in which we must defend? Im new to being a jedi

Jedi are people. We are not immune to the hazards of the world, just like everyone else. I believe all people should have a basic understanding of self-defense tactics and practice them regularly. Practice alone will not make you ready for when the need arises. You also have to be mentally prepared. So we should all take a few minutes every week, some may argue every day, to think about different scenarios and what you might do. Play it out in your head.

Each of us has a fight or flight instinct, sometimes we freeze up. With a strong mental development one can overcome their natural response and act accordingly. And with a trained body, it will respond to your command.

The threats we face are the same as everyone else.

Wescli Wardest wrote:

Samjames340963 wrote: Should a jedi train in the use of saber fighting and sword fighting? Is there any threats against the jedi order in which we must defend? Im new to being a jedi

Jedi are people. We are not immune to the hazards of the world, just like everyone else. I believe all people should have a basic understanding of self-defense tactics and practice them regularly. Practice alone will not make you ready for when the need arises. You also have to be mentally prepared. So we should all take a few minutes every week, some may argue every day, to think about different scenarios and what you might do. Play it out in your head.

Each of us has a fight or flight instinct, sometimes we freeze up. With a strong mental development one can overcome their natural response and act accordingly. And with a trained body, it will respond to your command.

The threats we face are the same as everyone else.

I feel it should also be noted that. Just because one learns Martial Arts and Self Defense.....Does not mean they are foregoing and tossing out common sense and critical thinking. Obviously the ability to talk your way out of a rough situation and ending it in a peaceful solution is ideal. This does not mean it will always be successful.

Basics of multiple subjects (Including public speech & Debate) is never a bad thing for a Jedi to acquire

Triscar, I agree with you on how one should train. If you train in a martial art, you should train as if you are planning to fight, so as not to develop "flowery fists" or a useless martial art. What I meant is that in the course of training in a martial art, you can learn many other things that are not martial, such as discipline, perseverance, etc. and those lessons can be much more applicable and useful in our day to day lives.

Correct Agreed. I just feel it is necessary to remind folks to not forget. Combat is combat. It is not something you just play around with because you want something other than combat. May as well go do Yoga or Dance or Hiking or Biking....all of which can earn the same spiritual and diciplinary aspects.

It's like picking up a gun and taking it to the shooting range. No matter how sportsman you get. No matter the meditative and deciplinary aspects you gain (Taking apart a rifle, cleaning and putting it back together can be very meditative) It is still a gun and it can still kill you. Treat it like a gun.

Treat Martial arts like Martial arts. You are learning techniques on how to hurt people....no matter how pretty the wrappings can get around it And some of those wrappings can get veeeeeeerry Frilly haha!!

Fighting is only used by people who like to change / keep a situation. If we accept things to come and go, fighting would be not necessary at all.

Aqua wrote: Fighting is only used by people who like to change / keep a situation. If we accept things to come and go, fighting would be not necessary at all.

Not always a wise course of action or inaction as it were.Accepting someone harming you or stealing from you just makes you a doormat. Some times one must fight for what is right or to protect the wellbeing of themselves or others. Some situations are simply not tolerable to just passively accept.

I think a jedi should train every part of themselves. We are dedicated to improve in all areas...mental (, spiritual) & physical. And combat training, sword fighting usually depends on the trainee to build a specific endurance and strength. As it was said earlier, sword fighting is almost certainly and "outdated" form of combat training. But, can be a training that is part of the Jedi culture (tradition). I practice an aggressive form of pat-a-kai (or western culture refers to it as patty cake or pat-a-cake bakers-man) its a hand to hand combat style training where the trainee is only allowed to start training when they are at a young age. I'll post more about the style in another thread (smiley face). Love u guys.

Codama wrote: I practice an aggressive form of pat-a-kai (or western culture refers to it as patty cake or pat-a-cake bakers-man) its a hand to hand combat style training where the trainee is only allowed to start training when they are at a young age. I'll post more about the style in another thread (smiley face). Love u guys.

*blinks* Isn't that a.....kids....game? I await the new thread

I do think that every person should be trained in some from of self defense. I believe that if more people were capable of defending themselves we would see a decline in crime. Criminals aren't looking to work hard, if people are more likely to fight back they aren't as likely to attack them. As has been stated, there are many other benefits as well.

I also think that if a person has no interest in learning to fight they shouldn't be forced to learn.

I think having some sort of combat training is always a good idea, especially through martial arts or boxing, things like that. Personally, I feel that they can be used as a meditation as some have already stated. The physical aspect of it is definitely important, as training your mind and body gives it discipline and strength as well as serenity for some. Personally, Yoga and Tai Chi are both parts of my routine, one for strength and flexibility, one for fluidity and calm. I do a basic routine with light jogging or walks every day, and it keeps me feeling light in mind, body and spirit. Besides that, I am very much into archery and sword fighting, which use parts of my body that dont normally get use. All this combined gives me routine, it gives me strength and calm and allows me to work out any issues in my mind I might have. The ability to care for myself in a fight is really just an added bonus. Though honestly I do tend to have a lot of energy on the days that I rest, I get bored on those days. Now I can at least meditate on The Force on those days!

Samjames340963 wrote: Should a jedi train in the use of saber fighting and sword fighting? Is there any threats against the jedi order in which we must defend? Im new to being a jedi

"Should" is up to the individual Jedi. I, for instance, am trained in firearms. But they're required in my job. My defense is for my family, myself, and the people around me. The Order can take care of itself

I strongly believe in working within your strengths while shoring up your weaknesses. If some sort of combat is your thing, by all means go for it (although I would recommend something a little more....useful in day-to-day life UNLESS you just are absolutely in love with the idea of swordsmanship then go for it ) If combat ISN'T your thing, maintaining the level of physical fitness you can within your capabilities is a good idea too I think.

It's all a balance between your calling, and your time availability. Honestly, as much as I'd love to get involved in martial arts or some sort of swordsmanship or archery, I have too many other things that I rate a higher priority that have taken my time and focus.

Samjames340963 wrote: Is there any threats against the jedi order in which we must defend? Im new to being a jedi

The biggest threat to the Jedi Order is the idea that there is an "us" to defend and a "them" to fight. Our greatest opponent is our own mental maps, and no amount of physical combat will defend you against yourself.