Training Overview
Interested in our training system? We've been training Jedi hopefuls for more than a decade, including our time as the Academy at JEDI.org. Over the years courses and methodology have changed, but our goal has not. We train Jedi to have a firm foundation in a variety of areas so they have the tools needed to walk their path with courage and integrity.
Please explore the information in these tabs for a brief overview. Follow the links to more detailed information.
Start Here
Getting Familiar
If you are new to the Jedi path, or at least the online elements of it, knowing how and where to start can be confusing. A few minutes of reading will hopefully clear up your confusion. If it doesn't, post on the forum once you have an account, or contact Jax.
The first thing you should do is create an account to become a member. This allows you access to the forum only. For training, submit a Student Registration Form. Once your registration is processed you will receive an email with further instructions. Then you will begin the introductory course which provides greater detail on our training program as well as exercises to get a taste of the Jedi path.
Training takes many forms at the Institute for Jedi Realist Studies, with varying levels of structure. The most structured is the Academy which offers self-paced training through the use of workbooks on individual topics. Each class has an assigned instructor who monitors your assignments and is available to answer your questions.
What if you aren't interested in taking classes at this time? There are also independent study options. On the discussion forum you will find many lessons and discussions with a wealth of information. If you don't find a topic that covers what you want to know, start your own! Much can be learned through the informal interaction that takes place on the forum and in the chat room. If you have had bad experiences elsewhere with discussions, you shouldn't experience that here. Drama is kept to a minimum by encouraging common courtesy and enforcing our code of conduct.
Finally, the library houses material written by Jedi across the years. Explore topics and discover how different perspectives can be over time. Keep in mind, nothing in the library or your training should be taken as absolute Truth. Focus on your feelings and thoughts as you read. Sometimes the greatest learning comes when we disagree with something. If you find you want to discuss any of the articles, start a thread on the forum. Also, the library is always taking submissions. If you have something you wrote or that you read that you think belongs in the library, contact the librarian or a faculty member.
If, for any reason, you aren't taking classes at the moment, you can still read the Introductory Course online. Please read it so you understand our training system in the event you are interested in the future.
More information on these methods of training can be found here.
Rank Structure
It is common for individuals coming to the Jedi path to immediately wonder about rank. There is an appeal to the idea of becoming a Jedi Knight, emulating our source of inspiration. When ranks are the focus, they can become a distraction and a source of ego based conflict. We recognize that ranks have their place, but we don't focus on them. What matters is the process of training, not a checklist to complete to gain a rank. At the Institute, learning is the focus. Sharing our experiences. Growing.
That is why we have focused on curriculum rather than rank over the years. During 2012 the faculty have begun the process of outlining not only rank structure but exams and trials so students can earn a rank with the Institute which denotes progression along the path with regards to knowledge, application, and experience.
The ranks you can earn include: Novice, Adept, Jedi Knight and Jedi Specialist. More information can be found here.
Course Catalog
We are always developing more courses for students. Our goal is to provide all of the information and skills we expect a Jedi to have with courses. Until that day arrives, these are our current courses. Much of this training is supplemented by training information on the forum and library. To access the courses for an outline of topics within each course and to download the workbook, explore the main course page.
Introductory Course
Communication 101
Creed 101 - The Jedi Code
Force 101
Jedi Studies 101 (in development)
Leadership
Meditation
Personal 101
Situational Awareness 101
Spirituality 101 - Mythology of Jedi (coming Summer 2013)
Warrior Principles 101 - Warrior Spirit (in development)
Warrior Principles 102