Had a revelation during a recent visit to Hollywood Studios as part of a celebratory outing for my daughter’s birthday. I should preface by saying, I’ve never been a Star Wars guy. Matter of fact, as a child, I attended opening night in 1977 and…fell asleep during the movie. Sci-Fi has never been my thing.
My recent trip gave me first-hand experience with the Star Wars culture and it is impressive to say the least. There was nothing more important happening, than the release of the upcoming: “The Force Awakens” movie. Intrigued by the magnitude and popularity of the event, I snuck into a documentary depicting the Star Wars phenomenon.
Amazing how impactful that original Star Wars movie was and continues to be as parents introduce their kids to the ever-growing saga. Why? What is it about Star Wars I missed as a child, and has created a legion following? At the core, Start Wars is the story of the struggle between good and evil, with a “cool factor” thrown in. My research led to an epiphany of sorts as I found similarities between the Jedi and our purpose, mission, what we do and represent.
Jedi are keepers of peace. They train to protect and defend those who may not be able to do it themselves and never randomly or abusively attack others. By training and improving themselves physically, mentally and spiritually, they can afford to influence and improve individuals and groups they come in contact with.
Jedi come from diverse backgrounds: Teachers, philosophers, warriors (our veterans), scientists who want to serve and protect in some capacity. In serving others, they engage in acts of citizenship, charity, volunteerism, and good deeds.
Even the main combative tool has similarities. The Jedi’s lightsaber isn’t limited by a single edge as is the traditional samurai sword (katana). Neither is our innocuous looking Cane. We even teach a “sword” grip Cane style in our curriculum that parallels the Jedi’s lightsaber technique. They both are personal tools and the goal in training is to make it one’s own.
In short, the goal of the Jedi is to protect others against the “dark side”, and not fall victim to the temptations that lead them there. Skills provide a “Might for Right” and are never to be abused. It’s as timely a message today as ever and will remain since we live in a fallen world.
We cannot leave our safety and that of our families’ in the hands of anyone or any organization ignorantly looking to limit our ability to do so. Then it hit me…we are in essence…. The CANE JEDI.
We have our own “temple” (HDQ) where we train to gain the knowledge and skills to carry out our purpose. An Alliance and culture of like-minded individuals, with similar interests, who value self- protection of themselves and their families and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Welcome to the Cane Jedi Training Academy. If you are aligned with our purpose and vision and are willing to work and develop your skills and willing to help others do likewise, you too will become a Certified Cane Jedi. And you will have fun doing it with the “cool factor” to boot 😉
Go ahead, raise your Cane, and May The Lord (who created the force) Be With You.
Cane Jedi Academy 2016 Schedule
