Information on the Kentucky Jedi Order
What we are and what we are not:
The Kentucky Jedi Order is not a costuming, role playing or LARPing group. Our focus is on Jedi 
realism. What does that mean? A Jedi realist is one who has taken the philosophical ideal of the Jedi Knight, exemplified in the star wars fiction and endeavors to apply it to their real world life. This does not mean we try to recreate the fiction, only the philosophy shown to us in it. For example, a Jedi realist understands that he or she cannot swing around light sabers, they do not exist; but they can train in martial arts and sword techniques that do exist. A Jedi realist understands that we cannot move things with our minds, but though meditation and training we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves. (That is not to say that the force powers shown in the films are outside human potential,)
The Kentucky Jedi Order is not a religion. While there is a framework for a religion in the fiction, the Kentucky order does not seek to evangelize and draw people away from other religions. The Jedi archetype can supplement any religion. “Force” is a broad enough term to encompass any number of spiritual mysteries. The Kentucky Jedi Order is most like a modern order of knighthood, only this one is not faith based, but service based.
It is said historically that only one person in a thousand is skilled enough to be a knight. This is not a path for everyone. It is one of constant learning, practice and service. Do not expect to have a lot of free time when you choose to be a Kentucky Knight. A Kentucky Knight seeks to serve their community as a resource for any number of eventualities.
A Knight of the Kentucky order is One who has taken on the ideal portrayed in the films. Guardianship, charity, service, fitness, learning and spiritual connection are the tenants of the order. Our standards are geared toward the development of these virtues in a real world.
A member of the KY order needs to show evidence of the following:
Mental Training – A member needs to pursue continuing education. They are expected to pursue academic mastery in their chosen field. If a person cannot afford enrollment or needs to postpone enrollment that is fine as long as they are raising funds to achieve this end. There is no time limit to this end, this is a lifestyle choice and as long as they have dedicated themselves to their own continued education, that is enough.
While as a group, we do not have a reading requirement, we have a book share program. A jedi will lend out any book they possess to another jedi free of charge. It is like a decentralized library.
Physical Training – A member needs to maintain a healthy physical lifestyle. A Jedi is expected to participate in a sport. What that sport is does not matter as long as it raises their heart rate for at least 30 minutes twice a week. Examples include: Soccer, Running, Biking, Swimming, Fencing, Power Walking, Baseball etc…
Spiritual Training – A member is required to participate in what ever spiritual training suits them. All a Jedi needs believe is that there is a higher power or energy, which we call the Force, and that this spiritual energy can be interacted with. A jedi can fulfill any number of religious obligations becasue all the jedi religion provides is a framework, but does not provide a more substantial connection to that force. Many jedi adopt a Taoist view of the force, practice buddhist or zazen meditation or treats the force as a deity or deities. According to Joseph Campbell’s Masks of God, all of these aspects allude to the one spiritual god energy. It is a jedi’s responsibility to explore and connect to this Force in the best way for them. The jedi following can be a stand alone faith if that is what someone is looking for, or a supplement to an already established faith.
Martial Training – A member is required to participate in a martial art. The physical benefits are easily apparent, but a practitioner is also granted focus, reflexes, stamina and some believe a connection to the Force. The Art may be Hard or Soft. Not every jedi is drawn to the same applications of the Arts. Tai Chi, while not combat oriented, still offers the benefits of martial study. All jedi should understand L.I.N.E. training and understand the concepts of appropriate force and escalation. All jedi, if not taught in their martial art, should understand how to get out of a few common holds and grabs, as well as how to strike soft points on the body of their attacker to deter an attack.
Community Service and Emergency Response – A member is required to serve their community in what ever means suits their personality best. If that means volunteering with the poor and needy, they may go to the soup kitchen, or goodwill. If they want something hands on there is the humane society, scouting, etc… If they are inclined to serve in an official capacity, there are volunteer rescue squads, fire departments and the national guard. A jedi should serve as best they can.
All Jedi should be certified to provide first aid, CPR and use an AED.
After a jedi is given the responsibility of knighthood, their charge is to be a resource to their community. They should be ordained to preform marriages. If there is a disaster, a jedi should be able to OFFICIALLY and LEGALLY respond. If there is a person who has a broken bone or laceration, a jedi should be able to respond with first aid. My point being, a jedi should be able to respond to any number of abnormal situations.
