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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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Etape 13 - Relais de la Flamme Olympique - La Flamme Olympique à la découverte des secrets d’histoire de la Dordogne
Relais de la Flamme
Etape 13 - Relais de la Flamme Olympique - La Flamme Olympique à la découverte des secrets d’histoire de la Dordogne
La flamboyante Dordogne a accueilli le Relais de la Flamme pour cette treizième étape, de Bergerac à Périgueux. En point d’orgue, le passage dans le site de Lascaux IV, où le relais collectif d’escrime a célébré dans un cadre exceptionnel le sport français le plus titré des Jeux Olympiques. Près d’une centaine de porteurs de la Flamme se sont relayés dans le département, incluant des personnalités sportives et des anonymes. Thomas Chinours, champion de France cadet de tir, a allumé le Chaudron en début de soirée devant un public venu en nombre.
La Flamme part à la rencontre du patrimoine culturel, naturel et gastronomique de Dordogne
Visiter le département est la garantie d’éveiller tous ses sens dans des paysages enchanteurs. Bergerac, avec ses ruelles aux allures médiévales et ses maisons à colombages, a été le premier site traversé de la journée. À Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, la Flamme, juchée sur un coteau, a dominé la rivière Dronne depuis la bastide atypique du XIIème siècle. Ce circuit est classé parmi les dix plus beaux sentiers du Périgord.
Plus tard dans la journée, la Flamme a emprunté la route de Sarlat-la-Canéda, une cité médiévale aux couleurs ocres et les remparts moyenâgeux de Nontron, découvrant ainsi sa tradition de coutellerie. Elle a illuminé la reproduction du célèbre site préhistorique de Montignac-Lascaux, avant de se faufiler à Agonac.
La Flamme a terminé son périple à Périgueux, capitale du Périgord, cité gallo-romaine reconnue pour son patrimoine avec 53 édifices protégés au titre de monuments historiques. Parmi eux, la cathédrale romane Saint-Front, construite au XIIème siècle et inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. La Tour de Vésone, vestige d’un temple gallo-romain, et le Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, le premier musée créé en Dordogne au XIXème siècle, ont également été mis à l’honneur ce mercredi 22 mai.
L’escrime, sport français Olympique par excellence, se met en scène
D’un côté, l’escrime, sport Olympique français par excellence, totalisant le plus grand nombre de podiums avec 128 médailles. De l’autre, le site de Lascaux IV, un lieu incontournable du patrimoine historique français, où s’est déroulé ce nouveau relais collectif. Un tableau d’exception à la croisée de ces deux patrimoines. Le capitaine Paolo Bois-Rolet, jeune épéiste investi dans son club en tant que tireur, arbitre et dévoué pour la transmission de sa passion, a brandi la Flamme aux côtés de 23 autres licenciés. Parmi eux, Laurent Sabeau, qui a commencé ce sport très jeune dans le club de son grand-père à Bergerac, avant de créer son propre club départemental en 2012. Brice Perek, premier champion de France en combat sportif sabre laser, une discipline soutenue par la Fédération Française d’Escrime, ou encore Lisa Ferrandon, licenciée qui a gagné confiance en elle grâce à la pratique de l’escrime. Toutes les armes de ce sport ont été représentées, comme le sabre, le fleuret et l’épée. L’escrime artistique, ayant pour but de mettre en scène des combats chorégraphiés, présentés en compétition, a, elle aussi, trouvé sa place dans ce relais collectif.
En portant la Flamme à Périgueux, Valérie Galli, pionnière de l’escrime féminin français a une fois de plus contribué à l’éclat de cette discipline. Double vice-championne du monde par équipe, elle a intégré en 1987 la première équipe de France d’épée dames, une discipline qui était jusque-là interdite aux femmes.
Un Relais sous le signe de l’entraide et de l’inclusion
C’est Germain Pouch, membre de l’association « Vaincre la Mucoviscidose », qui a lancé l’étape en Dordogne, à Bergerac. Depuis sa naissance, ce trentenaire lutte contre cette maladie qui touche principalement les poumons. Maryse Lajonie, présidente de l’association les « P’tits Bouts », regroupant les enfants atteints du syndrome de Cockayne, lui a succédé. En début d’après-midi, à Sarlat-la-Canéda, c’était au tour d’Anne-Sophie Bobovnikoff, directrice de la Fondation de l’Isle, qui promeut les valeurs du sport adapté, avec pour devise « à chacun son défi » de participer au Relais. Annie Rubellin a eu l’honneur de porter la Flamme à Lascaux. Impliquée depuis de nombreuses années en tant que bénévole au sein de l’association Emmaüs, elle a été élue présidente d’Emmaüs Brive.
D’autres personnalités du sport et des athlètes se sont joints à ces héros du quotidien. A l’image de Brice Guyart, champion olympique de fleuret par équipe aux Jeux de Sydney et Champion olympique de fleuret en individuel aux Jeux d’Athènes. Egalement, Laurent Jalabert, l’ancien coureur cycliste aux plus de 130 titres et victoires, Gaëlle Mignot joueuse internationale française de rugby à XV, actuellement sélectionneur et entraîneur de l’équipe de France féminine, ou encore Yoann Kowal, athlète international passionné de course à pied. Thomas Chinours, a allumé le Chaudron sur la place Tourny à Périgueux. Le jeune homme, récemment intégré au CREPS de Talence, nourrit l’ambition de se qualifier pour les Jeux Olympiques de Los Angeles.
Demain, cette nouvelle journée du Relais se déroulera en terre girondine, offrant une magnifique occasion de découvrir les attraits de ce territoire mondialement réputé pour ses trésors viticoles. La Flamme partira de Saint-Émilion, puis se dirigera vers l’hippodrome du Bouscat, Libourne, la Cité du Vin et Lormont. La journée se poursuivra avec un trajet de Mérignac à Pessac, repassera à Libourne par la plage des Dagueys, pour finalement se terminer à Bordeaux.
Crédit photo : Paris 2024 / Nathan Lainé / SIPA PRESS
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Stage 13 - Olympic Torch Relay - The Olympic Flame discovering the historical secrets of the Dordogne
Flame Relay
The flamboyant Dordogne welcomed the Torch Relay for this thirteenth stage, from Bergerac to Périgueux. The highlight was the visit to the Lascaux IV site, where the collective fencing relay celebrated the most successful French sport of the Olympic Games in an exceptional setting. Nearly a hundred Flame bearers took turns in the department, including sports personalities and anonymous people. Thomas Chinours, French cadet shooting champion, lit the Cauldron at the start of the evening in front of a large audience.
La Flamme sets out to discover the cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage of Dordogne
Visiting the department is guaranteed to awaken all your senses in enchanting landscapes. Bergerac, with its medieval-looking streets and half-timbered houses, was the first site crossed of the day. In Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, La Flamme, perched on a hillside, has dominated the Dronne river from the atypical 12th century bastide. This circuit is classified among the ten most beautiful trails in Périgord.
Later in the day, the Flame took the road to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town with ocher colors and the medieval ramparts of Nontron, thus discovering its cutlery tradition. She illuminated the reproduction of the famous prehistoric site of Montignac-Lascaux, before sneaking into Agonac.
The Flame ended its journey in Périgueux, capital of Périgord, a Gallo-Roman city recognized for its heritage with 53 buildings protected as historic monuments. Among them, the Romanesque Saint-Front Cathedral, built in the 12th century and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Tour de Vésone, the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple, and the Museum of Art and Archeology of Périgord, the first museum created in Dordogne in the 19th century, were also in the spotlight this Wednesday, May 22.
Fencing, the French Olympic sport par excellence, takes center stage
On the one hand, fencing, the French Olympic sport par excellence, totaling the greatest number of podiums with 128 medals. On the other, the Lascaux IV site, an essential place in French historical heritage, where this new collective relay took place. An exceptional painting at the crossroads of these two heritages. Captain Paolo Bois-Rolet, a young swordsman invested in his club as a shooter, referee and dedicated to the transmission of his passion, brandished the Flame alongside 23 other licensees. Among them, Laurent Sabeau, who started this sport very young in his grandfather’s club in Bergerac, before creating his own departmental club in 2012. Brice Perek, first French champion in sports lightsaber combat, a supported discipline by the French Fencing Federation, or even Lisa Ferrandon, a licensee who gained self-confidence thanks to the practice of fencing. All the weapons of this sport were represented, such as the sabre, the foil and the epee. Artistic fencing, aiming to stage choreographed fights, presented in competition, has also found its place in this collective relay.
By carrying the Flame to Périgueux, Valérie Galli, pioneer of French women’s fencing, has once again contributed to the brilliance of this discipline. Double world team vice-champion, in 1987 she joined the first French women’s epee team, a discipline which was until then forbidden to women.
A Relay under the sign of mutual aid and inclusion
It was Germain Pouch, member of the Vaincre la Mucoviscidose association, who launched the stage in Dordogne, in Bergerac. Since his birth, this thirty-year-old has been fighting against this disease which mainly affects the lungs. Maryse Lajonie, president of the Ptits Bouts association, bringing together children with Cockayne syndrome, succeeded him. At the start of the afternoon, in Sarlat-la-Canéda, it was the turn of Anne-Sophie Bobovnikoff, director of the Fondation de l’Isle, which promotes the values of adapted sport, with the motto "to everyone his challenge to participate in the Relay. Annie Rubellin had the honor of carrying the Flame to Lascaux. Involved for many years as a volunteer within the Emmaüs association, she was elected president of Emmaüs Brive.
Other sports personalities and athletes joined these everyday heroes. Like Brice Guyart, Olympic team foil champion at the Sydney Games and Olympic individual foil champion at the Athens Games. Also, Laurent Jalabert, the former cyclist with more than 130 titles and victories, Gaëlle Mignot, French international rugby union player, currently selector and coach of the F team female rance, or Yoann Kowal, international athlete passionate about running. Thomas Chinours, lit the Cauldron on Place Tourny in Périgueux. The young man, recently integrated into the CREPS of Talence, has the ambition of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Tomorrow, this new day of the Relay will take place in Gironde, offering a magnificent opportunity to discover the attractions of this territory renowned worldwide for its wine treasures. La Flamme will start from Saint-Émilion, then head towards the Bouscat racecourse, Libourne, the Cité du Vin and Lormont. The day will continue with a journey from Mérignac to Pessac, return to Libourne via Dagueys beach, and finally end in Bordeaux.
Photo credit: Paris 2024 / Nathan Lainé / SIPA PRESS
“premier champion de France en combat sportif sabre laser”
Championnats de France - Sabre Laser 2024 - Metz - 8 Juin
[QUOTE=GeneChing;1326845][video]https://www.youtube.com/live/9Tj8ldqbtUo[/video][/QUOTE]
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Meet the Author! Joe Varady discusses sword-fighting, H.E.M.A and lightsabers
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Saber Arts Club
The Saber Arts Club offering a martial arts style class with a pop culture twist
By: Darren Doyle Jan 16, 2025 Updated Jan 17, 2025 0
Saber Club
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) When curiosity struck for instructor Evan Banks to get back into teaching a form of martial arts, a rise in the popularity of light fencing brought an idea. Most Sundays during the training season, the Saber Arts Club meets at Zion United Church of Christ. Banks starts each class with a check-in, stretching, and then a build-up of dueling with the special lightsabers. These classes last over an hour and offer a unique opportunity for those interested in learning this special type of sparring.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) When curiosity struck for instructor Evan Banks to get back into teaching a form of martial arts, a rise in the popularity of light fencing brought an idea.
Most Sundays during the training season, the Saber Arts Club meets at Zion United Church of Christ. Banks starts each class with a check-in, stretching, and then a build-up of dueling with the special lightsabers.
These classes last over an hour and offer a unique opportunity for those interested in learning this special type of sparring.
The club touches on forms from Lightsaber Path, along with different techniques of sparring practiced from USA Lightfencing.
“I had taught martial arts most of my young adult life and had done that for a while, and wanted to see if that was something I wanted to get back into doing teaching-wise,” Banks said. “I invited a few of my friends to come out and see how that would work out, whether I would like to be in front of people again, performing that function… and it worked out.”
The Saber Arts Club isn’t just for those looking to improve their sparring skills with the famous weapon from “Star Wars;” it’s a chance for like-minded individuals to interact with each other for some fun.
“I think people worry about being judged for being into nerdy things. Maybe not now, as much as, like, 20 years ago, but like, I think if it’s something you’re interested in doing, it’s a lot of fun,” shared Saber Arts Club member Jason Baskins. "It’s nice and athletic, martial arts, a weapon, stuff like swords, if you come out, you’ll enjoy yourself
The “General Kenobi” class returns on January 26, 2025.
Lightfencing was at Capitol Classics last weekend.
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Swing a lightsaber, get a workout: Ludosport Missouri brings intergalactic martial arts to St. Louis
From acrobatics and dueling “forms” to international competition, Ludosport Missouri combines full-body fitness with a supportive community.
By **Drew Gieseke**December 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Courtesy of Ludosport Network
Ludosport was founded in 2006 in Italy.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to step into a real lightsaber duel—and get a full-body workout while doing it—Ludosport Missouri has you covered. Led locally by instructor and co-owner Josh Ekstrom, Ludosport brings a 20-year-old Italian-born lightsaber martial art to the Midwest, blending global competition, community-driven training, and a robust fitness experience.
“I actually tripped across it on social media,” Ekstrom says. “I was looking at getting into something like fencing and some other sports. The thing that really drew me to this was the community. It seemed like a community of people who really supported each other, and it is.”
Courtesy of Ludosport Network
Ludosport is a disciplined martial arts system that draws on principles of established sword forms.
Founded in 2006 in Italy, the disciplined martial arts system draws on principles of established sword forms like fencing, longsword, and kendo, resulting in a combat sport that, yes, uses the iconic lightsaber from a certain space opera franchise that debuted in 1977. Less than two decades later, ludosport has evolved into a fully structured international discipline with schools and competitive circuits worldwide.
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Students progress through a series of ranks, or “forms,” which provide a structured approach to dueling. With each form, they gain new techniques—everything from refined footwork to more advanced acrobatics, rolls, and jumps.
Courtesy of Ludosport Network
Ludosport Missouri is led locally by instructor and co-owner Josh Ekstrom.
“It’s a great cardio workout. Not necessarily strength, but cardio, mobility, flexibility—it works all of those things,” Ekstrom says. “Don’t get me wrong, I love strength training, but I imagine those things are probably better suited later in life.”
Although Ludosport has been active in St. Louis since 2018, Ekstrom recently stepped in as one of the new co-owners after the opportunity arose earlier this year. Ludosport Missouri currently welcomes about three dozen active students in St. Louis, with approximately 200 nationwide.
Competition is regional, national, and international, and Ludosport Missouri recently sent off one of its students to compete in London. Back at home, they host beginner classes every Saturday and Sunday, with a $10, two-hour discovery class that introduces the basics to curious practitioners. Memberships start at $99 per month.
“The two things about this when it comes to fitness are that you find yourself having more fun than actually going to the gym and working out, and every single person I’ve ever met only wants people to succeed,” Ekstrom says.
Courtesy of Ludosport Network
The non-contact combat sport uses the iconic light sabers from a particularly popular franchise that debuted in 1977.
The company recently changed its name from Ludosport St. Louis because Ekstrom and team see tremendous growth ahead. They’re currently based at Mid Rivers Mall but are eyeing opportunities in downtown St. Louis and along I-70 and I-44. Ekstrom points out that participants can become instructors very quickly—typically after a 40-hour, week-long intensive—and begin teaching as soon as they pass their first form. The Ludosport Missouri team is actively searching for partners interested in growing this new and exciting sport.
As the sport expands locally, Ekstrom hopes that participants walk with a better understanding of their body and a feeling of belonging.
“Especially in today’s day-to-day, everyone can get on social media and find themselves with fake connections,” he says. “They’re super isolated. When you go to a ludosport class regularly and see each other grow through these ranks, it really builds a sense of camaraderie.”
Drew Gieseke, a Columbia, Missouri native, has spent nearly a decade writing about the state’s people, culture, and communities for publications like St. Louis Magazine, Ladue News, and Feast.
