Lightsaber Training

I'm amazed as yet this has not been brought up in this form. What about lightsaber training? It is the symbol of the Jedi is it not?

To start the conversation I want to share this link to the NY Jedi page. For me the inclusion of Lightsaber training (or fencing, kendo, kobudo etc.) is an important aspect of following the Jedi path. For those who are interested and not sure where to start this might be helpful.

http://nyjedi.com/film.html#training

Thank you and MTFBWY

Shugyo

Actually , that is really more the symbol of the Movie Characters. we are not movie characters, but real Jedi in this universe. But sword training is certainly encouraged as a decision for each jedi to make for themselves.

An interesting point you bring up there my friend. And right you are that the lightsaber isn't necessarily symbolic of true Jedi in the world. I think I meant the statement much more generally and inclusively. I think it's safe to say that most lay people immediately equate Jedi and lightsabers.

In my case, if it weren't for the movie Jedi and the archetypes they represent I would never had searched out this path, and in my personal Jedi \"journey\" I cannot discount the lightsaber's importance in the mythology and philosophy that is Star Wars. To me it is s symbol of action with reason, justice and even-handedness. The light from a saber represents to me true enlightenment, cutting through darkness and seeking clarity. And for me a symbol I choose to honor. I hope my reverence for \"fictional\" Jedi is not misinturpreted as not taking Jediism seriously.

To others who may feel as I do, or for those who think it might be a \"fun\" way of exploring this path (I don't think fun and religion should be mutually exclusive) I would like to continue to suggest lightsaber resources. The benefits of training with and even building a \"lightsaber\" may be valuable to some of us just as they were for the fictional Jedi.

MTFBWY

-Shugyo

Shugyo wrote:

An interesting point you bring up there my friend. And right you are that the lightsaber isn't necessarily symbolic of true Jedi in the world. I think I meant the statement much more generally and inclusively. I think it's safe to say that most lay people immediately equate Jedi and lightsabers.

In my case, if it weren't for the movie Jedi and the archetypes they represent I would never had searched out this path, and in my personal Jedi \"journey\" I cannot discount the lightsaber's importance in the mythology and philosophy that is Star Wars. To me it is s symbol of action with reason, justice and even-handedness. The light from a saber represents to me true enlightenment, cutting through darkness and seeking clarity. And for me a symbol I choose to honor. I hope my reverence for \"fictional\" Jedi is not misinturpreted as not taking Jediism seriously.

To others who may feel as I do, or for those who think it might be a \"fun\" way of exploring this path (I don't think fun and religion should be mutually exclusive) I would like to continue to suggest lightsaber resources. The benefits of training with and even building a \"lightsaber\" may be valuable to some of us just as they were for the fictional Jedi.

MTFBWY

-Shugyo

I would never say that it should not be explored. We are indeed here to have fun as we journey on our paths and youre right...they certainly shouldnt be mutually exclusive. And i'm certain that training with any weapon builds discipline. Certainly, Have fun...and MTFBWY!!

If training with a lightsaber is a way for you to practice concentration and build strength, then there is no danger. However, it is very, very,
( very), important that you understand that the study of lightsaber training as seen in the movies is only STAGE COMBAT. Real combat will be very different, and if you plan to use simple weapons (not a lightsaber of course, that's another mistake you really do not want to make lol) such as a baton, or if you need to use a stick in a worst case scenario, learn ahead of time, the real techniques for armed combat.


I am only saying this because I would feel very sad if anyone here based there fighting techniques on the movies and is severely hurt as a consequence.

And as always, we should seek the most peaceful solution, only using force when necessary.

\"...A Jedi's weapon, not as clumsy or random as a blaster\"
Ben Kenobi
I think the point of this movement is to instill serenity in our own communities. The lightsaber is symobolic of the Star Wars films, not this movement. In my view peace and well being is the symbol of this movement. Whilst the concept of lightsabers is cool, I personally would not condone the use of any weapon unless in self defence, and as long as proper proportionality is used. Weaponry is not something to be taken lightly to use yet another Star Wars quote, \"We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers\"
Master Windu

As you mentioned, the lightsaber is a symbol of the Jedi from the Star Wars Saga that is part of the mythology behind our Order. That being kept in mind, having a saber hilt that is hung from the belt during formal events and whatnot could be used to do just that, symbolize where the Order got it's roots. We all know lightsabers are not real energy bladed weapons, but they are out there for dueling purposes, costuming, and the like. There are numerous sources to which you can go for information on these. I, for one, am a big Star Wars fan and I'm about to start machining lightsaber hilts as a hobby (My wife blessed my doing so). All that I can really say about this is, SAFETY! If one wants to duel, make sure there is the proper instruction and steps taken to keep someone from getting hurt.

I know the Jedi manual already tells us what weapon we need to use.
The films take place \"a long time ago\" but to us a light saber is a futuristic weapon...so like the manual says i light saber is a futuristic form of a Katana
This weapon has a more civilised way of fighting...
If no one ubjects i think having a katana hanging from our side could defuse a potentially dangerous situation,even when inactive!!

Unfortunatly, having such a wepon noticable and hanging at your side would promote the wrong image. People would see you as being a little..spaceshot...in other words would not take you seriously. Now I don't think that is the case, and I can absolutly see your point! But remember, when in rome, dress as the romans do. (I altered the saying slightly)

i like this idea, i was planning on a steady training cadre,
ive studied wushu for about 6-7 years, the man who taught me was a chinese barefoot doctor, thats a shaolin traveling monk for those who havent heard of it,

i belive that most things we learn should be defensive in nature,
and im a firm advocate of a disiplined body advances a disiplined mind, because of this close synergy, i feel that we all should pratice meditation as well as defensive combat training, imsorry if this has all been said somewhere else, with the things going on up here what with the temple and all, ive not had much time to browse the information section,

so if we do have this type of system already in place, someone let me know, and where ican take a look at it.

may the force be with you all,
andrew

Look at the temple forms and the Jedi Manual...

Hmmm....i guess your right on the hole katana thing
well i guess a weapon wouldnt be the best idea any way.
well we do have fist and people willing to teach but the law of averages tells us that sooner or later our order will have to fight evil with another type of evil... what i mean is killing is bad no matter what...but some times you have to pick the lesser of 2 evils...
so then i ask you what will we use?

I believe that one of the best ways for us to learn control is to learn to use a weapon with precision. My weapon of choice are the sai's and not because on ninja turtles or Elektra (although i have learned few things from the movie), it is mostly because i like the weapon and it is requiring me to learn to use both hands. As a girl (no i am not weak, and i am sorry if i insult any other ladies in here) i like light weapons. I like distant weapons (ie bow and arrow). And, i know this has nothing to do with the movies but if you look in the Role Playing Game, Pen and Paper, you will see that not all jedi used Lightsabers threwout the mythology of Star Wars, they also used guns (with the force, complicated) and some developed various methods of using basic weapon. It all depends on the individual. And the martial arts style, if you want to get a good idea about the various lightsaber forms you should look at the \"hero's guide\" of the role playing game books. Just a suggestion, i know i am more then likely more geekier then most here but hey, that's me :silly:

MTFBWY

lol. that's not an insult at all. Girls aren't weak. But lighter weapons are easier for us to us. i know i use a smaller lighter staff then the boys at my school cause it's easy and best for me. I agree, presicion training with weapons is the best way. I prefer to use double Arabian Broadswords, or chinese broadswords (what an unoriginal freak...i know...lol). another weapon that i have found good to simulate lightsabers is the chinese straight sword. While the blade isn't durable in a real fight, simulation of lightsabers it does well.

multiple styles? Hmmm....ok i can see that.
well i'll stick to my Katana as weapon of choice.
BUT i guess im also geeky kuz i already know the lightsaber forms.(can be applied to any weapon)
ill try to summaries them

Shii-Cho:
The Jedi initiate rank, first learn Form 1 before they begin a Padawan apprenticeship with a Jedi Master. Jedi taught Shii-Cho first because of its simplicity and versatility.In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the Younglings can be seen being taught by Yoda to deflect light blaster bolts. They are in the beginning stages of Form 1

Makashi:
After Form 1's proliferation as a saber combat technique, Form 2 came about as a means of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is described as being very elegant, powerful, and requiring extreme precision, allowing the user to attack and defend with minimal effort, while his opponent tires himself out.

Soresu:
Form 3, the most defensive of all of the forms.Soresu utilizes motions occurring very close to the body to achieve near-total protection, efficiently expending as little energy as possible to execute these moves. This technique exposes as few target zones on the body as possible, making a well-trained practitioner nearly impenetrable. However, Soresu's same dedication to defense and minimal bodily exposure also decreases the lightsaber's threat range.

Ataru: THE FORM I USE ALL THE TIME
The master practitioners of Form 4 make extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers often thought physically impossible without the aid of the Force.Ataru relies on wide slashes, acrobatic proficiency and an open space for the Jedi to fight.Ataru practitioners are at a great disadvantage if fighting in a small area.Yoda, however, practiced Form 4 with such speed that, when coupled with his small size, left every point on an opponent's body open to attack while more than adequately defending himself.
Yoda was acknowledged as the greatest master of Ataru. He used it in almost all of his battles, and the style made him a virtually unstoppable whirlwind of destruction despite his small size

Shien / Djem Sot can be described as a mix of medieval swordmanship and kendo

Form 5 was developed by Jedi Master Plo Koon who felt that Form 3 was too passive, while Form 4 was not powerful enough.It addressed the shortcomings of both forms

Niman:
Form 6 attempts to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. The result is that the users' skill in each individual areas of lightsaber combat is only moderate

Vaapad
The most challenging and demanding of all forms, Form 7requires intense focus, high levels of skill, and mastery of other forms
However, Vaapad borders on the edge of using the dark side, as it channels one's anger and darkness into the attack

you know what though you should also add to you're training a staff, for as of right now we will never use a sword in combat, but the staff could come in handy. violence is a last step by any means but when you have to use it then use it right, and respectful. one of the main things to always remember when in combat or a fight is to always respect them. honor is a big thing not now a days but to jedi and other people it still is there. never take away you're honor, for a vendetta.

Yes, revenge is not the way of the Jedi. Seek Justice, not Revenge

Arrogance: The only dependable thing about the future is uncertainty.
you cant just say that we cant use a sword as a weapon. besides in my way of using a sword i feel that my goal is a sword that brings life not one that takes it...i get the feeling that your comment Dan as a little to direct and rude.keep in mind that there is not ignorance there is only knowledge.so learning to use a sword is one thing using it to kill is another
with a sword i i can cut your bow staff
how can i defend a life if my own life is so at risk.I understand that it is a lethal weapon but some times evil must be fought by a different type of evil...:S

Sincrad wrote:

Arrogance: The only dependable thing about the future is uncertainty.
you cant just say that we cant use a sword as a weapon. besides in my way of using a sword i feel that my goal is a sword that brings life not one that takes it...i get the feeling that your comment Dan as a little to direct and rude.keep in mind that there is not ignorance there is only knowledge.so learning to use a sword is one thing using it to kill is another
with a sword i i can cut your bow staff
how can i defend a life if my own life is so at risk.I understand that it is a lethal weapon but some times evil must be fought by a different type of evil...:S

Please do not take this as a slight against you, for I am a great lover of swords also, though, not nearly as proficient with them as I would like to be. This is also making a statement towards Dan's comment, that \"We will never use a sword in combat\". First, never is too final a word, because, there are people who use swords in combat everyday, granted, they are reenactors, but, you can still become seriously injured in those combats. Secondly, the only true weapon that we ever use, is ourselves, more importantly, our brains.

How many times, have you ever seen, or heard of, a sword, attacking and killing someone of its own volition? Never, I know, a finality, however, in this instance, the finality is appropritae. A human being, regardless of their level of training, is the only weapon that we will ever truly use, swords, staves, whips, guns, whatever, they are only tools, means to an end. If we keep that in mind, then it matters not what we train with, only that we are doing something, (Training), to focus ourselves, and to release pent up frustrations, and so long as we are releasing these frustrations against an inanimate object, say, a fighting Pell(dummy), then we are doing right by the Force, and ourselves.

No skill, regardless of it's practicality of actually being used, is worth not practicing, or learning.

I can also not see how a sword would be more \"Civilized\". Is it really more civilized to hack someone apart, or stab them and let them suffer and die, rather than just shoot them? This idea survives from old, Samurai and Spartan etc.. that thought the use of ranged weapons was cowardly.

ok read my words, as of right now. that is what i said, not never ever. and my comment was not rude nor to direct because of the simple fact that, if you ignore the knowledge which these days seem to be more common, then there is ignorance. thats what i am saying. If you believe that i have a staff and you have a sword, and i let you cut my staff then i shouldn't be fighting you in the first place. there are many ways to use both weapons, and i wouldn't rely on the sharpness of my sword if i were you. just because you're weapon of choice is one on a higher level than mine, does not better it. my words were to suggest an alternate weapon, yet you all seem to take what i am saying as an attack against you're weapons. instead of reading something then right away posting how you feel, i suggest you read and read again, try to understand what the other side is saying, if you cant then ask the other side what they mean. i have learned this through my many years of jeddism. just so you all know i train with swords staffs and other weapons, i do not dislike nor do i disapprove any weapon. not even a gun. what i say is out of what i have done and gone through. and i feel that no weapon is really civilized because it is used to kill. so i can not help you in that area. If you don't understand what i am saying in this post than please do message me in private and we will go over it. as for now we should just get back to the topic at hand.