Here at the Academy, we offer NEPA’s first and only lightsaber club! Bridging the gap between traditional martial and hobby arts, we seek to offer valuable assets to practitioners in a fun and creative way. All lightsaber forms are based on real world martial arts and swordsmanship, and we are happy to apply our professional expertise in the arts to this fun and exciting way for our club members’ enjoyment.
Programming
- Classes are for both adults and children ages 7+. Fun activity for both parents & kids!
- There are a total of 7 classical lightsaber forms/styles, but we will be teaching a grand total of 12 counting sub-forms.
- Training begins in the basic system of lightsaber forms (Form 1) from which all other styles originate.
- Further training in other styles thereafter.
- Basic Choreography training for freestyle demos and practice.
- Light sparring and partner practice.
- Preparation for actual heavy sparring and duels with the Lightsaber Legion for those who are interested.
- Ranking for members based on skill and knowledge.
Gear
Participants are responsible for bringing their own saber that is rated for specific usage. If you don’t own your own lightsaber you can rent one if one is available for the class that day.
This means that if you are just learning movements, any saber will do, however if you are interested in sparring and choreography you are going to need a professionally rated lightsaber. Specifications for Light/Medium dueling require a 2mm wall thickness polycarbonate blade, and for Heavy you will want at least a 3mm. We advise anyone to invest in 3mm as that is the standard for participation in the Lightsaber legion.
Recommended Saber Specifications
3mm wall thickness polycarbonate blade type with RGB baselighting (not neopixel), 32 or 36 inches long. SWAsabers, and Theorysabers are our recommended saber companies for full participation.
Safety Gear
Participants in sparring will be required to use safety gear of varying degrees based on rules and intensity, and activity type. This will be gone over during classes. Students are recommended to get the type of gear necessary for the sort of practice they are most likely to be engaged in. Standard recommendations include safety glasses, fencing helmet with gorget, gloves, knee and elbow pads, forearm and shin guards, body armor (light or heavy), shoulderpads. Light sparring requires eye protection and gloves for example, whereas heavy sparring would require additional accoutrement.
Uniform
What is the dress/uniform code? Black Training Pants with the black school t-shirt. Shoes or sneakers that are solely used for class training are also required, or you may wear socks or go barefoot. No outside street shoes are allowed.
You may also choose to wear your own themed cosplay outfit/uniform, as long as it doesn’t interfere with training or pose any safety issues.
Rates and Membership
- Drop in rates (per class) are $10.
- Pro Saber rentals are $5 for the class.
- $35 a month for a 1x/week class.
- $60 for 2x/week.
- $75 for 3x/week.
Existing Memberships
Membership rates for students who are signed up with one of our other traditional martial arts programs can sign up for the following rates instead:
- $20 Month 1/x week.
- $25 Month 2x/week.
- $30 month 3x/week.
Scheduling
Classes are currently held on:
- Saturdays from 1pm-2:15ish pm
- Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 pm
- Mondays from 6:30-7:30 pm
