Lightsaber Dueling Is Officially A Real-World Competitive Sport
BY SEAN MORRISON
PUBLISHED 1 DAY AGO
The perfect sport now exists for those who have always wanted to feel like a Jedi. Here's everything you need to know about lightsaber dueling.
SUMMARY
Lightsaber dueling is now an official competitive sport recognized by the French Fencing Federation.
The sport follows rules similar to traditional fencing but emphasizes wide slashes and sweeping motions, like the moves employed by Jedi in Star Wars.
Lightsaber dueling is growing globally with competitions and schools around the world, including the United States and Europe.
Those with a love for Star Wars can now be a Jedi - or the closest thing to it - in real life, and they can do it competitively via the official sport of lightsaber dueling. Lightsabers have always played a central role in Star Wars, as they are the main weapons of both the Jedi and the Sith. Many viewers of the franchise have imagined using a unique lightsaber type and testing their skills in battle. Luckily, they can now put their dueling skills to the test and see how effective the lightsaber combat forms are for themselves in an official sport.
In 2019, the French Fencing Federation designated lightsaber fencing as an officially recognized competitive sport, according to BBC. Fighters can trade in metal rapiers for plastic sabers that glow in one of the canon lightsaber colors, a move the FFF made in the hopes of drawing in younger competitors and encouraging them to participate in a physical activity. While lightsabers can draw in younger crowds, it also makes the sport interesting for older viewers, as the glowing blades make matches easier to follow. For those who want to see how well they could fight as Jedi Knights, an understanding of the sport is necessary.
How Lightsaber Dueling Works As A Sport
The first Jedi (or Sith) to reach 15 points wins the duel, or whoever has the most points after 3 minutes of play.
According to the full rules set by the
Terra Prime Light Armory, lightsaber dueling is very similar to regular fencing, though there are some key differences that make it a more authentic Star Wars experience. Like traditional fencing, points are awarded for blows that land on the opponents' head or body, arms or legs, and hands, in increments of five, three, and one, respectively. The first Jedi (or Sith) to reach 15 points wins the duel, or whoever has the most points after 3 minutes of play.
The key difference is that in lightsaber dueling, points can only be scored if the blade starts pointing behind the attacker. That rule prevents the jabs that are key to traditional fencing, and encourages fighters to use wide slashes and sweeping motions instead, just like the best Jedi duelists. While rules may vary based on organization and location, they generally follow these broad guidelines.
Where Can You Compete In Lightsaber Dueling?
Lightsaber duels in the Star Wars trilogies.
Those who wish to participate in the dueling activities can find locations across the world. France was one of the first countries to recognize it as an official variation of fencing, and the first national championship was held in 2023, according to France 24 English. Lightsaber dueling is also spreading throughout the United States, with organizations such as the Lightspeed Saber League serving as a resource for official and unofficial teams while also sponsoring the formation of new groups across the country. There are also schools, like LudoSport International, that teach lightsaber dueling across the world, including Brazil, Italy, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and more.
Lightsaber dueling seems like a fantastic way to celebrate a franchise as beloved as Star Wars. The sport allows participants to get involved in a physical activity and join an in-person community, while at the same time showing off their impressive weaponry and skills. Until technology is able to replicate a real lightsaber like those seen in Star Wars, lightsaber dueling seems like the best option to feel like a Jedi in real life.
Sources: BBC, Terra Prime Light Armory, France 24 English, Lightspeed Saber League, LudoSport International
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