Jedi Guardian: Defenders of the Republic and Masters of Combat

1. What is a Jedi Guardian?

A Jedi Guardian was one of the three primary branches within the Jedi Order, alongside the Jedi Consular and Jedi Sentinel. Known for their combat expertise, Jedi Guardians were considered the light side equivalent of Sith Warriors. Their role within the Order remained largely consistent throughout history, though it was formally documented for the first time by the Guardian Jedi ace, Crix Sunburris, in The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force.

2. The Role of Jedi Guardians

Mainly focusing on martial training and combat, Jedi Guardians engaged in battle more frequently than the other two Jedi classes—Consulars and Sentinels.

They descended from the Order’s founders on Tython, who were tasked with protecting the vulnerable and upholding the laws of the Galactic Republic. The Guardians were often regarded as representatives of the Jedi Order and its iconic weapon, the lightsaber.

Devoting all their time and effort to sharpening their combat skills, Jedi Knights who chose the path of Guardian often constructed their lightsabers with blue crystals, symbolizing unity and solidarity within this class, though it was not a strict requirement. Master Crix Sunburris advised spending three hours daily on running, unarmed combat, and lightsaber practice.

This was especially critical during the Republic’s early years of instability and conflict, but after the Ruusan Reformation, the Guardians assumed an even greater role. With the disbandment of the Republic Army, the Jedi were pushed into the position of defending the Republic. Working closely with local law enforcement in sectors and systems, the Guardians patrolled tirelessly along the Outer Rim and the borders of Wild Space, where slavery and crime were rampant. While equipped with standard Jedi tools, Guardians were often known to carry wrist binders for making arrests.

Though the Guardian class had many sub-branches, the most skilled and knowledgeable Jedi Masters were awarded the title of “Warrior Master.” According to legend, two Warrior Masters joined two Sage Masters to found the Jedi Temple on Coruscant around 4000 BBY. These four Masters were immortalized with bronzium statues at the main entrance, at the end of the Processional Way.

3. Jedi Guardian Divisions

A Jedi had several distinct paths to choose from in order to refine their unique skills, divided into four main branches: Jedi Weapon Master, Lightsaber Instructor, Jedi Ace, and Jedi Peacekeeper.

3.1 Jedi Weapon Master

3.1.1 What is a Jedi Weapon Master?

A Jedi Weapon Master was a title bestowed upon Jedi Masters who specialized in the study of physical combat using the Force, particularly with exotic weapons or unconventional fighting styles, under the specific training division of the Jedi Guardian.

3.1.2 Overview

Some of the Jedi Order’s greatest fighters, Weapon Masters, had existed for centuries, though they were always few in number. While the title had been formally used before, it wasn’t until Guardian Jedi ace Crix Sunburris outlined the qualifications for becoming a specialist in The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force that the requirements were fully detailed.

Setting aside their lightsabers, Weapon Masters dedicated years to mastering the art of their chosen weapon. Their expertise made them highly respected both within the Jedi Order and beyond. Mastery of weapons such as the double-bladed lightsaber, lightsaber pike, quarterstaff, San-Ni staff, whips, or flails was enough to earn recognition as a Weapon Master by the Jedi High Council. Additionally, proficiency with ranged weapons like blasters, or using one’s body as a weapon, also qualified for this title.

During prolonged periods of conflict, such as the Great Hyperspace War and the Great Sith War, Weapon Masters became more prevalent. However, after the presumed destruction of the Sith, they became rarer within the Order. None were known to have survived the Great Jedi Purge.

Jedi Masters Thon and Vodo-Siosk Baas were notable Weapon Masters during the era of the Great Sith War. After the Ruusan Reformation, one of the most famous Weapon Masters was Raskta Lsu.

Later, Master Waldan Bridger became particularly skilled with the ancient San-Ni staff. Before the Clone Wars, Sora Bulq, Anoon Bondara, and Mace Windu were among the most renowned Weapon Masters of their time.

3.2 Lightsaber Instructor

3.2.1 What is a Lightsaber Instructor?

A Lightsaber Instructor is a specialized Jedi who teaches and trains other Jedi in the art of lightsaber combat. These instructors are typically Jedi Masters with a deep mastery of the seven forms of lightsaber combat, as well as advanced dueling techniques. Lightsaber Instructors often serve within Jedi academies, helping students develop their combat skills from basic techniques

3.2.2 Overview

The practice of lightsaber instruction was carried out by Guardians who honed their abilities on the battlefield or during lengthy missions to the Outer Rim Territories, mastering all seven forms of combat. Rejecting the concept of lifelong teaching, instructors were required to first prove their mastery through a series of tests and missions. Every instructor was a Jedi Master, recommended for the role by the current battlemaster, the head instructor at the academy, and formally appointed by the Jedi High Council. These instructors shared their knowledge with their students, progressing through lightsaber forms from Form I to Form VI.

Before the New Sith Wars, a single Battlemaster was responsible for all instruction at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. However, when the Army of Light was assembled to defeat the Brotherhood of Darkness, many Jedi Lords and generals assumed the title as they eradicated the Sith menace.

After the war ended in a Jedi victory, many of these Jedi relinquished the title and became instructors, while others were assigned to satellite training centers where they managed combat instruction and reported to the main battlemaster on Coruscant, Master Skarch Vaunk.

Although the title fell into disuse following the disbandment of the Jedi Order and the death of Battlemaster Cin Drallig in 19 BBY, Luke Skywalker would later rediscover the title and confer it upon Jedi Master Kyle Katarn in 13 ABY, after the Order was reorganized.

While the New Jedi Order was still in its early stages, Master Kam Solusar had unofficially filled the role at the Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4, but was succeeded by Master Katarn to allow him to oversee training at the Academy of Ossus.

3.3 Jedi Ace

3.3.1 What is a Jedi ace?

A Jedi ace was a specialized career path available to any Jedi Knight who sought to become a Jedi Guardian. Every ace was a member of the Jedi Starfighter Corps, blending their connection to the Force with expert piloting skills to perform nearly impossible and daring maneuvers to defeat enemies or evade destruction.

Jedi who pursued this path trained in specialized starfighters to master space combat. During the New Sith Wars, aces flew for the Army of Light and alongside the Republic Navy. However, after the Ruusan Reformation, the Republic’s defense forces were restructured. Sector and planetary forces became responsible for transporting non-hyperspace-capable vessels, but the aces continued to serve with distinction. The role of the aces within the Jedi Order was formally documented by Jedi Master Crix Sunburris, who authored a section in The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force.

3.3.2 Overview

Relying on instinct and trust in the Force, aces achieved victory in battle through a Force-bond called a Force meld, which linked two or more minds to coordinate attacks. Battle meditation was also frequently employed by allies of the aces, allowing pilots to become extensions of the coordinator’s battle strategy. Some Jedi aces used the Force not only to enhance their own piloting but also to influence the minds of their enemies, causing confusion or loss of focus. Luke Skywalker once employed this tactic during a dogfight with Imperial forces but afterward had serious concerns about whether it bordered on the dark side.

Many Jedi from both the Old and New Jedi Orders proudly served as aces in the fight against the Sith and other forces of evil. Before he officially joined the Order, the future ace Anakin Skywalker received a patch from Corps member Master Shaptives for his heroism during the Battle of Naboo in 32 BBY. Later, Padawan Ahsoka Tano shared in her edition of The Jedi Path that she had ambitions to join this elite group, though she never did due to her departure from the Jedi Order and the subsequent Great Jedi Purge. After the Order was reborn, Grand Master Luke Skywalker, his wife Mara, their niece Jaina Solo, Kyp Durron, and Corran Horn were all regarded as among the best pilots the Jedi Academy ever produced.

3.4 Jedi Peacekeeper

3.4.1 What is a Jedi Peacekeeper?

A Jedi Peacekeeper was one of the most common specializations within the Jedi Order. This role belonged to the Jedi Guardian branch of the Order. The principles upheld by these individuals were first compiled by the Jedi ace and Guardian, Crix Sunburris, in the text The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force.

3.4.2 Overview

The Peacekeepers stationed on Coruscant operated out of the Jedi Temple, with many serving in the Temple Security Force. Their duties included protecting the Temple’s residents and treasures, as well as overseeing the Temple Precinct and safeguarding the civilians who lived there.

Notable Peacekeepers included Jedi Gate Master Jurokk and Jedi Master Tera Sinube.

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