San Francisco's competitive lightsaber academy opens this week

LudoSport is an international network for "sporting lightsaber combat" and they've just landed their first US location in San Francisco.

Via the SF Chron:

Light saber fighting is really a thing and has been for some time. In the past, light saber classes allowed wanna-be Jedis to learn the basics of saber handling. But thanks to LudoSport, one can now actually sign up for light saber tournaments and compete locally, nationally, and internationally.


Founded in Italy 10 years ago, LudoSport's light saber academies and tournaments have swept Europe. Really. The whole concept is a bit complicated, although for "Star Wars" fans who wish to compete in international light saber duels, the detailed (and we mean DETAILED) rules, logistics, and philosophy behind the "sport" might be right up their alley.

There are seven forms of lights saber combat and ten rules. Much like karate belt colors, light saber athletes must wear the correct uniform for their level of light saber skill. Players are rated on experience, fighting skills, and technical quality (presumably by someone who fancies himself a present-day Obi-Wan Kenobi.) Points are earned by attending classes and meeting up with fellow light saber athletes in the LudoSport network for actual duels. The results must be deposited online after every battle.


LudoSport takes the whole thing very seriously. This isn't "Star Wars" camp. LudoSport is making the leap to the United States by opening an academy right here in San Francisco. Classes begin October 15th at Studiomix on Van Ness.

This seems like a fantastic way for GenX parents to connect with their younger children.