If you have been to a convention you’ve probably seen them, their colorful lightsabers and colorful costumes you really can’t miss them, they are the PA Jedi -  and among Star Wars fandom they are a unique bunch. This is probably due to the fact that they are not the most canon fan group out there. Canon for those of you not in the know basically means “authentic, from the movies or licensed media”. This is a big point of contention in many fandoms from Star Wars to anime, it’s a pretty big deal. Because while most groups like to see how accurate they can be to the films and media the PA Jedi Like to see how creative they can be with the world Lucas has given them.

I went to one of the PA Jedi’s meetings last Friday, they meet at St. Stephens Church Parish Hall every week. They are not affiliated with the church but do donate for using the space for their meetings.  When I was asked to do this quite I honestly I didn’t know what to expect. I arrived early as I normally do with every thing(nervous habit of mine), and was met with a nice couple Phoenix and Dale who were there early was well. I chatted with them a bit about the organization. They also showed me their custom made lightsabers, it’s here things start to get interesting. See unlike most fandom groups the PA Jedi not only want to look the part but they also train as the part as well.

The lightsabers some of them use are master replicas that are converted to be more durable, because they also use them to spar and train with. See, the way the really expensive master replica lightsabers are designed, heavy use will eventually shatter the LEDs in the blade – and when your fencing and fighting with your lightsaber on a regular basis this doesn’t bode well for said LEDs. The conversion as they call it changes the lighting system in the blade and they sometimes put a more durable blade onto the hilt as well.  Several members also custom make their own brand of home-made lightsabers made to hold up to the rigorous training it will need to withstand as someone learns the fighting style of the PA Jedi. (more…)