Trials of Skill
Warrior Monks of the past learned to master the tool and the weapon, alike. Often, the tool and the weapon were one and the same.
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Whether for the aid, the defense, or the entertainment of others, a Jedi’s skills and talents are the outward expression that reveals true mastery of their craft.
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"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
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“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Master Yoda
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“I've found that what most people call luck is often little more than raw talent
combined with the ability to make the most of opportunities.” – Talon Karrde
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This trial evaluates a Jedi's physical abilities, combat skills, and proficiencies.
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Likely tests will involve physical challenges that test agility, coordination, and reflexes, such as forms, combat techniques, and sparring duels.
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Below are additional suggestions to better prepare yourself for the Jedi Trials of Skill.
Practice an Art or Craft
Create a schedule – daily, weekly, or monthly (at the most) – and hold yourself to it. Find an accountabilibuddy if you feel it would help.
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Draw something; paint something; build something; plant something; carve / sand some wood; dig a hole to a certain depth and width; trim a bush or a tree; weave a basket; embroider a logo onto a shirt; design a website; invent a new game. Anything! Give it your all. Perfect it.
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In context, think of this as the practice of doing something TO something. There is notable overlap with “talent,” but the intention is making something from scratch; from raw materials.
Example: Baking a cake is a craft; decorating it is an art; balancing it on your forehead would be a talent.
Practice a Talent
This may be a musical instrument in your garage, rearrange the furniture in your home, parkour in the park; anything. Practice it. Challenge yourself to try a new tactic or a variant on what you already enjoy. Practice it. Find opportunities to share that talent with others, even if it’s imperfect. Practice, practice, practice.
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In context, this is the art of doing something WITH something. There is notable overlap with arts and crafts, but this utilizes prefabricated objects.
Example: Making a drum kit out of plastic buckets is a craft; being able to maintain a rhythm and add a complimentary percussive flair with it is a talent.
Adopt a New Hobby
Allow yourself to suck at it. Do it anyway. Watch tutorials. Ask others for advice. Ask others to challenge you. Be accountable to it. Experiment with it regularly.
Learn a Sport
Throw a baseball. Hit tennis balls. Golf at a driving range. Shoot free-throws until you get three (or five or ten) in a row. Go to a batting cage. Knock ping-pong balls into a bedpan. Flick playing cards into a hat. Jog a mile. Bike three miles. Swim. All the while, pay attention to the motions. Learn breath control. Listen to your body. Adjust and improve.
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Join a team and work closely with them. Adapt to them. Adapt with them. Solve problems together. Solve problems, yourself, then communicate them effectively. Resolve conflicts quickly
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"In my book, experience outranks everything." – Captain Rex
Develop a Weapon Skill
This may be a form of martial arts, Saberplay, medieval weaponry, or modern-day firearms. As the possessor of a potentially deadly weapon or skill, it is of our utmost responsibility to know when and how to use it for good.
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“You will know when you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force
for knowledge and defense, never for attack.” – Master Yoda
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"To use a lightsaber well was a mark of someone a cut above the ordinary.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
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“Lightsaber skills, important they are. How to use as well as how not to use.
When to move as well as when not to move.” – Master Yoda
Uplift
Not all skills are physical. The ability to diffuse tensions in yourself and others, and to bring peace and harmony to a contentious situation is a skill that rises above all else. Instilling fear may have its place, but it is always better to inspire respect and admiration.
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Demonstrate diplomacy through cultural sensitivity. Strive for harmony between cultures. Learn theirs; invite them to learn about yours.​
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"Make ten men feel like a hundred." – Cassian Andor
