Jedi Training

There was one MAJOR event from Disneyland on the Saturday afternoon that I left out of my last blog posting, because it deserved an entire posting all it's own. Unlike my daughter, I know that I cannot give this posting the respect it deserves, so I am turning things over to my guest blogger, Kevin. Take it away....


This will be my first blog post since the day after Bradyn was born. I am not the natural writer that Brenda is but, as Brenda suggested, this is probably my story to tell.

For me, the greatest joy of parenting has been sharing my interests with Bradyn. Like many people my age (well, men anyway), my greatest passion growing up was the Star Wars franchise. Since she was born, I have waited impatiently for Bradyn to be old enough to watch the films with me. About a year ago she watched all six of them (seven if you include "The Clone Wars") over the course of 2 weeks. She became an instant fan and, despite some occasional challenges with chronology, she developed a solid knowledge of the central characters, concepts and conflicts.

When the opportunity to go to Disneyland was discussed, Bradyn and I were both very excited to experience the newly re-imagined Star Tours ride and, of course, the Jedi Training Academy.

On Saturday afternoon, Brady and I sat front and centre at Tomorrowland Terrace as we waited for Brenda to join us and for the Jedi Training Academy performance to begin.

This first video is the introduction, as we meet the Jedi Master that will instruct the "younglings" in the art of lightsaber combat...

I have since heard from other parents that, although they attended multiple performances of the Jedi Training Academy, their children were never selected to participate. Bradyn, however, would not be denied. When the Jedi Master asked who thought they had what it took to be a Jedi Knight, Bradyn nearly leapt out of her skin trying to get his attention. She was chosen immediately.

As you will see in the next video. Bradyn took every step of the training very seriously...

Our proud, but deadly serious, youngling stands at ease in her Jedi robes with her "practice" lightsaber deactivated and at the ready.

Following the example set by the Jedi Knights as she learned the basics of lightsaber defence...

Up until this point, all of the training had been very academic. Suddenly, though, a very real threat appeared and all of the younglings were herded together for safety...

Bradyn would have an unexpected opportunity to test her new skills against the greatest villain in the galaxy...

Even the formidable Darth Vader could tell there was something special about this youngling. "The Force is strong with this one..."






Waiting anxiously as her fellow younglings face their tests against the Dark Lords of the Sith...

"You have taught them well, but your powers are weak compared to those of the Dark Side. Join me. With our combined strength we can rule the galaxy..."

Bradyn and the younglings activate their lightsabers and join the Jedi in a final united stand against the Dark Side.

Vanquished, the Lords of the Sith and their minions retreat...

"Bye-Bye dark side"

"Class, deactivate."

From somewhere in the distance, Yoda's voice could be heard: "Younglings, you are now Padawans: students devoted to the ancient trainings of the Jedi Knight."

Bradyn's official diploma, now framed and displayed proudly in her bedroom.

You may be pleased to know that Bradyn's journey did not end there. She has since told anyone that would listen that she is a Padawan. I had to field some very challenging questions about whether, as a Jedi, she would be allowed to marry. Early on, she was even referring to me as "Master" (which Brenda was very concerned about, but amused me to no end). Occasionally, she will try to tickle one of us from across the room by using the Force (it actually works when we notice she's doing it). When I presented her at home with her own lightsaber (an extremely cool little weapon with coloured LED blade and sound effects, if I do say so myself), she immediately began to teach her friend, Diana, how to wield it properly. The Force will be with her...always.