F A Q

I'm new. Do I need my own equipment?

Welcome to our community! We're excited to have you join us. We understand that starting out, you may not have your own saber yet. Don't worry, most of our groups have a limited number of loaner sabers available. To ensure we can accommodate your request, please reach out to the organizer at least 24 hours prior to the session. If, for any reason, you're unable to attend, kindly let the group organiser know as soon as possible.

To make the most of your experience and prioritise your comfort and safety, we kindly request that you come dressed in suitable clothing for physical activity. This includes attire that allows ease of movement and provides adequate support. By wearing the right clothing, you'll be able to fully engage in the sessions with confidence.

In addition, we kindly ask you to remove any jewelry before the training begins. This precaution is important as jewelry can pose potential risks during the activities. Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a secure environment for everyone.

We're here to support you on your journey, and as you progress, having your own equipment will enhance your experience.

Feel free to ask any further questions, and we look forward to seeing you at the sessions!

PROTECTION

In our sport, precise control training is essential for technical execution. We prioritise freedom of movement and expression, avoiding excessive protection that hinders both. Our aim is not to replicate medieval knights in cumbersome armour. We believe excessive protection may subconsciously justify uncontrolled saber use. Our goal is to ensure that lightsaber dueling is a visually pleasing display of skill and technique. Control lies at the core of mastering our saber, enabling precise and deliberate movements. With proper practice, we can swiftly propel our blades at speeds of 140 km/hour, stopping them precisely where and when desired.

In our community, we greatly value the quality of individual performances, not only victories, and highly value genuine intentions to collaborate with fellow members and contribute positively to society.

At OBSDN, we are committed to providing opportunities for all Lightsaber Combat athletes, regardless of race, age, gender or abilities. Our commitment extends to accommodating disabled individuals, mitigating physical barriers with the joy of lightsaber training.

Join us in embracing the art of light saber combat, where precision, skill, and equality flourish.

EYEWEAR

For your first couple of sessions, we aim to provide a gentle introduction to the saber community. If you already have eyewear such as safety specs, please bring them along. As we progress into more advanced techniques, it will be expected for you to have a pair of impact-rated safety eyewear with a strap to secure it to your head, similar to what squash players wear.

GLOVES

Similarly, during your initial sessions, our focus will be on basic form and safety as you familiarize yourself with the saber community. If you have a pair of gloves, like mountain bike gloves, feel free to bring them. However, as we delve into more advanced training, it will be necessary for you to acquire and wear full-fingered impact gloves with comprehensive finger armor protection.

We understand that starting out may mean you don't have all the equipment yet, but don't worry. We'll provide guidance on what you'll need as you progress. Our experienced instructors will be there to support you every step of the way.

Costs and Value

In NZLG , all of our groups operate on a non-profit basis. If our meets take place in suitable covered public spaces, they are usually free to attend. For newcomers, there is no additional charge to use loaner sabers during your initial series of sessions, but we do encourage you to work towards acquiring your own long-term equipment.

In the event that our team decides to rent a commercial sports facility to ensure training is not weather-dependent, there may be a cost associated with attendance. It's important to note that these saber meets continue to be organized on a non-profit basis, and the fee is solely intended to cover the facility hire. Typically, the cost ranges from $5.00 to $10.00 per person, per attendance.

Age Limit and Restrictions

While our saber meets are usually focused on adult attendance, some exceptions may apply. Many groups set an age limit of 14+ years for attendance, especially those with a competitive focus.

Please be aware that any attendee who is noticeably under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be kindly asked to leave.

Do I Need a Specific Type of Saber?

That's an excellent question! Lightsaber technology can vary, and the choice of saber depends on your intended use. Neopixel technology is usually well-suited for choreography and collecting purposes, while duelists often opt for more robust RGB baselit lightsaber builds.

For more detailed information on this topic, we recommend checking out the informative video by Sulphur City Sabers, which provides excellent insights.

SAFTEY | IS IT DANGEROUS?

Safety is our utmost priority during our training sessions. We are committed to ensuring a secure environment for all participants. While it's important to acknowledge that any physical activity carries some inherent risk, we take extensive precautions to minimise potential dangers.

Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We emphasise the importance of consistent training and practice to develop skills and reduce risks associated with executing techniques.

If you have any specific concerns about safety or would like more information, please feel free to share them with us. We want to ensure that you can enjoy our training sessions with confidence, knowing that your well-being is our top priority.

Why learn a martial art with Sci-fi weapons?

Because it is fun

Some like the romance of fighting like knights and gentlemen. Some like the academic and practical pursuit of develping and refining technics .

Who would win, a knight or a samurai?

Is this a sport or a martial art?

Neither and both.

As an example a sportive version of an actual martial art or dueling art is a training tool to apply the art within safe parameters so there must be a distinction between the two similar to what you see in Japanese martial arts with Kenjitsu and Kendo.

Where are an art which is sportive in nature but may be applied to self defence situations like pugilism as more easily accurately portrayed in a sportive setting.

DUELLING

Start of Duelling Training

Participants will sportingly acknowledge each other with a friendly salute / nod / bow before taking a guard position in the centre of the arena. Once both participants are settled in guard position, either participant may initiate the first play. A play is the distinct duelling phase from the starting guard position to an eventual point score & reset, again in the centre of the arena.

Injuries

If at any point a participant is injured, they are to make it known by calling “STOP” and put their saber down. If your opponent is injured and cannot call a stop, do it for them. Look out for each other.

Illegal Hit Zones or Techniques

Making accidental contact with an illegal hit zone or employing an illegal technique will result in a warning. A second warning will result in standing down from the session.

Illegal hit zones:

Head
Groin
Throat / Neck
Illegal techniques
Thrusts / stabs
Hands on (physical contact)

Ejection from the Training:

• Any aggression towards any other individual. Instant ejection.

• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Ongoing unsporting behaviour, despite warnings.

• Failure to adhere to equipment or safety requirements, despite warnings.

Malicious Behavior or Reckless Techniques

In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, it is important to adhere to certain guidelines regarding heavy blows or dangerous techniques that have the potential to cause injury. If such actions occur, the facilitators will issue a warning. Should a second incident take place within the same round, it will result in standing down from the session.

While this is a competitive event, it is also intended to be a fun and friendly gathering. We expect competitors to maintain a certain level of self-control and respect for others. It is strictly prohibited to throw sabers, equipment, or engage in unnecessary outbursts or tantrums. Violations of this will result in a warning. If a second incident occurs then the participant will be asked to stand down from the remainder of the session.

By upholding these standards, we can ensure a positive and safe experience for all participants involved. Let's foster a friendly and respectful atmosphere throughout the meets.

TERMINOLOGY

A list of terminology used in various martial forms.

WMA:

Western Martial Arts. Martial arts from Europe and daughter colonies. Due to the popular imagination of "the wild west" this acronym is getting used less.

HEMA:

Historical European Martial Arts. European martial arts without a living tradition. A significant subset of WMA.

H.E.M.A is not one art or system, it is an umbrella term which includes Martial Arts (war arts) Dueling Arts, Martial Sports (combat sports) and Self defence systems.

Each needs to be represented in its own context to be a realistic and functional interpretation and therefor H.E.M.A.

HES:

Historical European Swordsmanship. In fairly common use in HEMA circles overseas to those that dedicate themselves solely to the historical European sword arts.

Fencing:

The art of defence. The art of striking without being struck.

SEMA:

School of European Martial Art. Denoted by geography, for example, Auckland SEMA.

Medieval martial art:

Martial arts from the Middle Ages in Europe. A term often misappropriated by numerous clubs who think wearing clothes and swinging weapons approximating historical examples somehow magically transforms it into a medieval martial art.

Fencing treatises:

Treatises on the art of defence. Sometimes written or published as manuals, but often not.

Side sword:

Modern term for the prevalent single handed sword of the 16th century that could cut and thrust. Sometimes called a transitional rapier. It differs from the earlier swords by having bars to protect the hand.

Rapier:

A long thin double edged single handed sword where the sword-hand is protected. The thrust is dominant over the cut. Despite popular imagination these swords are quite heavy.

Small sword:

A popular Gentleman's sword of the Enlightenment period. The blade is stereotypically triangular shaped. Compared to the rapier it was small. This is a sword designed for the thrust. The foil and the epee were originally designed as training weapons for this weapon.

Backsword:

A straight sword with a baskethilt where the back or false is 'thick' for most of its edge, though the top third of the back edge is usually sharp. It was a sword that was popular in both England and Scotland.

Broadsword:

The popular imagination is that this is a two handed sword. It is not. It refers to the typical double edged Scottish sword dating from the 18th century. It was broad compared to most other swords of the period (at least in Europe). For those also pedantically minded the claymore is also this weapon and is not a two handed sword.

COMPETITIVE DUELING SUMMARY

This guide is a summary of competitive lightsaber duelling in NZ.

Events will ultimately be a fun, friendly and very, very nerdy gathering of a like-minded community of people.

These are light contact, friendly social events which allow saber enthusiasts from all over New Zealand to enjoy the sport / hobby of lightsaber duelling. Combat styles developed at NZ regional meets have been developed to lower the barrier of entry re: protective equipment whilst still allowing safe, fast and exciting duels.

We duel on an honour system backed with a mutual respect for our other community members. The majority of rules are included to cover any ‘outlier’ eventualities. We’ll unlikely need all of them, but please ensure you read them all.

To participate in a competition, duellers will need to have trained and successfully graded the BASIC tier of NZLG Forms 1 & 2. This is to be deemed experienced and safe enough to participate. BASIC tiers are light in content and focus on competence & safety for one handed and 2 handed wields. There is plenty of notice to train and meet this requirement.

Participants must be 14+ years to compete.

FORMAT + RULES

Format will be a simple round robin, followed by semi-finals, then finals. Any fun challenges or scenarios (dual wield, staff etc.) will follow the finals.

Round robin duels will be conducted in the following manner.

• 1 vs 1

• 3 minutes duration. 30 sec warning at 2mins 30 secs

• Winner is the first to score 5 legal hits or the highest point scorer at 3 mins.

• After a point is scored, duellers must observe a brief reset pause before continuing.

Legal scoring hit zones

• Arms from wrist to shoulder.

• Legs from ankle to hip.

• Torso from waist to shoulders, front and back.

• Top of the shoulders between tip and neck.

Non-scoring zones

• Hands & feet

• Saber blade & saber hilt

Illegal hit zones:

• Head

• Groin / Crotch

• Throat / Neck

Illegal techniques

• Thrusts / stabs

• Hands on (physical contact)

Start of a Duel

Scoring Points

Points are won by making contact using your blade on any legal scoring hit zone of the opponent. Hits to multiple locations in the same play only score a single point. A reset back into guard position must be observed after each point to allow combatants to re centre or adjust. Hits to hands or feet are to be verbally acknowledged but do not stop the play, unless injury occurs.

Calling Points

Whilst a ref will be present, participants will respect the honour system. If you are struck, indicate so by calling ‘hit’ or you may call the part of the body which received contact eg ‘arm’, ‘waist’ etc. A point is scored and participants reset. Experienced competitors should be able to settle 90%+ of calls between themselves within a second or two, without needing the input of a referee. This is the expectation.

If you received a hit on a non-scoring zone such as a hand, just call ‘hand’ and the duel continues.

Double Strikes

Hitting each other at the same time. Both participants acknowledge this by calling a ‘double’. No score made, reset and replay. This can be a tough one to call. Be generous & reasonable. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion and call from the ref.

Dispute

Any dispute as to the validity of a ‘double’ and / or a score or non-score boundary will be quickly resolved by the ref. If the ref is not in a position to make the call due to an obstructed view, the ref may invite feedback from spectators or participants. Ref’s decision is final.

Sabers Turning Off During Combat

If a saber is turned off, the blade doesn't exist and cannot score. In the interest of good sporting behaviour, as blade deactivations are rarely intentional if deactivation occurs, the participants will stop, reset and go again. If a saber has turned off three times in a fight, it will be removed from the duel and replaced.

General

• No unsporting behaviour.

• The referees have the final say.

• Participants should employ techniques that avoid waving, moving the blade tip across the face and neck area to minimise potential injury. Exception is using a controlled guard.

Malicious Behaviour or Heavy Techniques

Heavy blows or dangerous techniques that cause or have the potential to cause injury will result in a warning from the ref. A second incident in the same round will result in disqualification from the round and a zero-ing of points for that round. The referee has the final say.

Disqualification: Not Calling Hits

If the ref believes that hits are being ignored (not called) or denied incorrectly, they will offer a warning. Any further issues will result in disqualification from the round and a zero-ing of points for that round. The referee has the final say.

Disqualification: ‘Throwing Toys’

Competitors are expected to maintain a degree of self-control. Whilst a competition, this is a fun, friendly event. No throwing of sabers, equipment or unnecessary outbursts / tantrums. Transgressions will result in a warning from the ref. A second incident in the same round will result in disqualification from the round and a zero-ing of points for that round. The referee has the final say.

Disqualification:

Delayed Calls or ‘Gaming’ the Honour Calls

If the ref believes that hit calls are being delayed or overly debated, they will offer a warning. Further action will be thus depending in the stage of the competition.

Compound Disqualifications: If you manage to be disqualified twice in a row for the same offense, or 3 times for any offense, you will be ejected from the remainder of the tournament.

Disarms

If you manage to remove your opponents saber from their hands, you have 2 possible options, all of which are time restricted.

• You disarm your opponent and land a legal strike within the same play. This counts as a point.

• You disarm your opponent and halt your attack (because you’re too nice). You are now unable

to attack your opponent as you paused. Reset and resume.

STYLE POINTS

Style is comprised of three components and will be scored in a separate category to the w/l/d points so style will not affect who wins the main tournament.

Firstly, we are looking at Flow. The graceful movement of the saber and correct posture/footwork during combat. Secondly, Flare. Flourishes and advanced skills on display during duels. Lastly, Uniqueness. Repetitive fighting is boring, perhaps you have a signature move or spin that puts you apart from the crowd.

Flow, Flare and Uniqueness. Who is going to be our most stylish fighter?

EXOTICS CLASS

The Exotics Class / Exotic Weapons ruleset allows opportunity for attendees to enjoy informal, friendly combat using a wider range of combat style options: pike, dual wield, crossguard, staff etc.

The Exotics Class has now been restructured into post tournament challenge matches

Staffs, dual wield, pikes, crossguards etc. The exotics class will use the same ruleset as above. Any compliant saber variant can be used against any other compliant saber variant, including a compliant single blade saber. The exotics class will run after the main single blade competition.

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