En garde, Jedi! US to get its first lightsaber academy
Train to battle like a Jedi Master at the new competitive lightsaber academy LudoSport, opening this week in San Francisco.
Why waste precious time trying to convince Obi-Wan Kenobi or Yoda you're worthy enough for them to train you in the ways of the Force? You can learn to twirl a lightsaber and duel like you're filled with midi-chlorians on your own, thanks to LudoSport, a competitive lightsaber school for Star Wars fans.
LudoSport, founded 10 years ago, has schools all over the world, including in Italy, England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Russia. Now it's opening its first school in the United States -- in San Francisco, the same city where Lucasfilm is headquartered.
The school teaches the seven forms of lightsaber combat, including Shii-cho, Makashi, Soresu, Ataru, Djem-so, Niman and Vaapad. The classes follow rules similar to those in fencing and martial arts, and assign specific uniform colors for students' lightsaber skill levels, as with karate belt colors.
Though some might think lightsaber battles are just for kids and cosplayers, LudoSport academy takes lightsaber training very seriously and sponsors local, national and international competitions for its students worldwide.
Classes begin in San Francisco on Saturday at Studiomix on Van Ness Avenue. Good luck, and may the Force be with your training.