Sword Fighting in the <I>Star Wars</I> Universe: Historical Origins, Style and Philosophy

Unlike most makers of modern or futuristic films, George Lucas turned away from the standard special operatives or secret agents when he created the heroes for his epic Star Wars saga. Part knight, part monk, the Jedi Knights were an order of swordsmen that helped rule the universe in accordance with law and lofty principles of justice and honor. Without the Jedi, there could be no Star Wars, and without the lightsaber sword, there could be no Jedi. This examination of the Jedi Knights, their adversaries the Sith and their lightsaber swordplay throughout all six episodes of the franchise evaluates the ways in which Lucas blended science fiction with the most ancient and epic tales of traditional samurai and Western swordsmen. It presents swordsmanship as a way to better understand the Jedi Knights, focusing on the human movement and activity surrounding the weapon and the ways in which traditional Japanese martial arts were adapted for use in the films. Topics of discussion include the powerful effects of the master-apprentice relationship; the technical choreography used in the lightsaber scenes of the Star Wars films; and the historical precedents for the Jedi order, including the Sohei fighting monks of Japan, the Janissaries and Mamelukes of Islam, and the knights of the Templar, Hospitaller and Teutonic orders. Dedication Table of Contents Preface ONE. Jedi, Combat and Honor TWO. Jedi Culture: The Jedi Order, the Lightsaber, and the Force THREE. Master, Padawan, Apprentice FOUR. Historical Precedents of the Jedi FIVE. Nature of the Sword: How the Sword Works SIX. Sword Style: Movement for Victory SEVEN. Star Wars Choreography EIGHT. Prequel Trilogy and Original Trilogy Critique Afterword Chapter Notes Bibliography Index "This examination of the Jedi, the Sith and their lightsaber swordplay throughout the franchise evaluates the ways Lucas blended the world of science fiction with ancient and epic tales of samurai and Western swordsmen. Topics include the master-apprentice relationship; the technical choreography in lightsaber scenes of the Star Wars films; and historical precedents for the Jedi order"--Provided by publisher. Examining the Jedi Knights, their adversaries the Sith and their lightsaber swordplay throughout the six episodes of ""Star Wars"", this book evaluates the ways in which George Lucas blended the speculative world of science fiction with the most ancient and epic tales of traditional samurai and Western swordsmen.