MARTIAL PROWESS 

For enthusiasts of Lightsabers, the realm of combat can take on various forms, ranging from casual and lighthearted to more serious pursuits. It's undeniable that many lightsaber owners simply enjoy engaging in playful sparring with friends, and there's nothing wrong with that.

However, numerous collectors aspire to delve deeper into the world of lightsaber combat. They yearn to experience it as an organized, real-world athletic discipline, akin to an authentic martial art or as close to it as possible. But is such a quest even feasible? The concise answer is yes, to a certain extent. However, a thorough examination of the relationship between Star Wars canon and the martial arts traditions on Earth is necessary to fully understand it.

Martial Arts Influence in the Star Wars Universe

When discussing the role of martial arts in the Star Wars universe, we aren't referring to a recent addition to the canon. Traditional martial arts have significantly shaped it from the very beginning. This influence can be traced back to the renowned director George Lucas, who found inspiration in the works of Akira Kurosawa, particularly two movies set in 16th century Japan: "Seven Samurai" (1954) and "The Hidden Fortress" (1958).

Samurai culture played a pivotal role in the development of the Star Wars universe, including the formalization of lightsaber battles. The forms and techniques of lightsaber combat draw heavy inspiration from kendo, a Japanese martial art centered around sword fighting. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi's iconic lightsaber duel with Darth Vader on the Death Star reflects the influence of this fighting style.

During training, practitioners of kendo commonly employ bamboo or wooden swords that bear resemblance to lightsabers. Does this mean that kendo enthusiasts can utilize their expertise to spar with lightsabers? Absolutely—some kendo practitioners are, in fact, capable of showcasing remarkable skills in this regard. It's no wonder that lightsaber collectors with a passion for Star Wars have found themselves gravitating towards kendo and related martial arts styles.

The Reality of Lightsaber Combat

People are drawn to the martial arts for various reasons. Some are captivated by the artistry and rich traditions, while others seek practical self-defense skills. In the realm of lightsaber combat, the emphasis primarily falls on the former group. After all, lightsaber combat on Earth can only replicate the duels depicted on the big screen. Our blades are made of polycarbonate, not plasma. They do not pose a serious risk of injury or death from mere contact.

With that being said, lightsaber combat does exist as a structured discipline with numerous parallels to traditional martial arts. It encompasses organized sparring competitions and the utilization of standardized "forms" as training tools.

Lightsaber Combat Groups Worldwide

When it comes to organizations dedicated to lightsaber training, the options are plentiful, and the number is expected to grow in the future. Here are just a few notable groups committed to the art of lightsaber combat:

LudoSport, based in Italy, offers lightsaber classes at various "Halls" located across the United States (including Cambridge, MA and San Francisco, CA) and Europe.

The Saber Authority, located in Singapore, teaches saber combat based on indigenous South East Asian fighting arts, with online classes also available.

Tandang Garimot Martial Arts and Wellness in Chicago primarily focuses on the instruction of Filipino martial arts but also offers lightsaber combat training.

Recently, lightsaber dueling was officially recognized as a sport in France by The French Fencing Federation.

To explore further insights into real-world lightsaber combat, you can always delve into extensive online forums. Additionally, feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries you may have