On Sunday, it was our time to view the original Star Wars (A New Hope). Our instructors and students saw it so long ago (1977) that they did not remember the story. Viewing it again, and now having examined the more intellectual approach to oriental martial art training, they were stunned at the deep meaning to be found in the story.
Of course, Star Wars now has prequels, sequels, and extra stories, but this was the first, with no antecedents. Consequently, it must tell a substantial story that reflects upon the lessons of mythology and heroes that Lucas got from Joseph Campbell. Most of our current students and instructors are academics, and going through Star Wars is a way to give them a contemporary insight into the world of martial art philosophy and belief systems.
On one level, Star Wars is just fantasy. However, for those who are open to paradigm shifts, it is much more. After today’s session, they commented that this film was the greatest Star Wars. Next Sunday, we will continue on watching Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. Maybe that will be a surprise as well.