Lightsaber Training Class Set For Benedum Civic Center
By Chris Johnson on July 03, 2024
The Force will be strong in Bridgeport later this month with a gathering of Star Wars enthusiasts and perhaps some Jedis in training as the Benedum Civic Center will be host for a lightsaber training class.
The class will be presented by The Outer Rim Praxeum Lightsaber School, based out of Fairmont, at 10:30 a.m. on July 27. The focus of the instruction will be on the lightsaber form known as Shii-Cho.
The class is open to adults and children alike (ages 8 and up is recommended with a parent/guardian signature on a safety waiver).
A foam training weapon will be provided. No additional equipment is needed and all participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes.
The cost of the class is free. A $5 donation to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital is appreciated but not required.
To register for the class, call 304-842-8240 or email acallahan@bridgeportwv.gov
Shii-Cho, also known as Form I in Star Wars canon, was developed during the transitional period within the Jedi Order from ancient metal swords to more contemporary lightsabers. Shii-Cho was intended to cater to these new weapons, establishing the basic motions and target zones utilized with a lightsaber.
As Shii-Cho was effectively an experimental combat form, and was created prior to the emergence of Dark Jedi and Sith Lords, it did not address the issue of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and was quickly replaced by Form II.
Despite this, Shii-Cho continued to find a niche as a training form, with almost every Jedi duelist receiving some instruction in it, and including elements in their own combat styles. Shii-Cho was considered an effective fall-back option when no other form or combat style would do.
Iconic Jedis from the Star Wars universe such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fisto, Mace Windu, Yoda and Luke Skywalker are just some of the proficient practitioners of Shii-Cho.
For more information on The Outer Rim Praxeum Lightsaber School visit its Facebook Page HERE
Editor's Note: Photos courtesy of The The Outer Rim Praxeum Lightsaber School Facebook Page.
