NY Jedi – Light Saber Class
New York’s Geekiest Train To Be Jedi Knights With Light Saber Class
If police officers are New York’s Finest and firefighters are New York’s Bravest, then this group can proudly claim the title as New York’s Geekiest.
But make no mistake about it, if Darth Vader ever sets his sights on the Big Apple, the NY Jedi would be our first and possibly only line of defense.
“I think we take the geekdom another level up,” says Jedi Grand Master Flynn, an instructor at the NY Jedi school. “What we do is we teach light saber stage combat and what that means is you come in to our class and you learn real practical martial arts knowledge and techniques to practically wield a light saber to tell a story and put on a show.”
The organization got its start a few years ago at the Greenwich Village Halloween parade when two now members just started a mock light saber fight on a rooftop and drew such a crowd, they decided to make something more of it. Now the group puts on performances everywhere from parties to conventions.
It all centers on that legendary Jedi weapon. One of the first lessons young Padawans must learn from their apprentices is the physics of the light saber.
“No other sword in history is anything like a laser sword because as it’s displayed in the ‘Star Wars’ movies, you can block with it, strike with it, but you can move it any direction whatsoever. No other sword can do that,” says Flynn. “You have to turn the blade in the direction of the cut, but you don’t have to do that with a saber.”
“You don’t have to be a ‘Star Wars’ fan to really love a light saber,” says NY Jedi Altrell Pearsall. “There just something cool about a light saber.”
Some students, though, sign up for Jedi training because of the obvious health benefits of using the Force. After all, the class does force them to get up off their couches and get some exercise.
“In comparison to going to a gym, it’s just as much of a workout, if not more sometimes. I mean you’re using your upper arms a lot, so my upper arm strength has been built up quite a bit and just physically you use your whole body, everything. It’s just a good workout,” says NY Jedi Maria Nowak.
Even though right now this is just for fun, fitness, and show, the folks at NY Jedi say they are working on a competitive element so that maybe one day the NY Jedi might take on the New Jersey Siths or the Carolina Clones.
“What’s going to happen is there are clubs now starting up all over the country,” says Flynn. “We’re going to be hosting tournaments. Come on the stage; show us what you’ve got.”
As for me? I personally decided to try a class…in order to become a more powerful technology journalist than anyone could possibly imagine.
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=101&aid=74596