Fencers feel the force with light sabres

Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker have inspired a growing official sport in France that has won fans worldwide, with a light sabre fencing match seen in 22 countries.

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 27 March 2019 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 27 March 2019 - 15:00

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The Académie de Sabre Laser, run under the FFE fencing federation is the first in the world to recognise the Star Wars spin-off. It has 1,200 fencers in 90 clubs, most of whom are new to the sport.

Although the FFE said film sword fights always brought in new members, light sabre organiser Michel Ortiz said it “brought in new blood from a completely different leisure culture. People really got involved”.

LED-lit sabres are made from rigid polycarbonate.