Fandom and fitness collide: Feel the Force with The Saber Authority

Every Sunday evening, a dedicated group of lightsaber enthusiasts from The Saber Authority gathers at Gate 18 of the National Stadium in Singapore Sports Hub.

On this particular day, a mini-tournament was underway. I lingered at the edge of the community, watching as participants warmed up and donned gloves and full-face helmets, quiet energy palpable.

In these 1v1 duels, victory hinges on three skillful strikes: two taps to an opponent’s hands and a single, precise hit to the head, all while evading their opponent’s saber. The winner of each match advances, narrowing the field until the final showdown crowns a champion. The prize? A sleek new lightsaber.

Battery-operated lightsabers, illuminated by LED lights, are equipped with soundboards that capture the iconic lightsaber hum. The hilts are crafted from durable metals, while the blades are constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate. Prices starts below S$100 and can reach the high hundreds for fancier models.

As the sun dipped, the tournament began. Under the growing darkness, the ring came alive with flashes of colour, sabers illuminating graceful figure-eight motions, rapid lunges and dodges, and well-timed taps.

The beginning, middle and end of a duel.

These short matches, filled with intensity and precision, paired participants by skill, not gender. Even for a newcomer like me, the duels are both easy to follow and thrilling to watch.

Finally, the champion was declared and awarded.

The community gathered close. In a pre and post-session ritual known as the “bonfire,” each member raised their saber, lowering it towards a central point. Together, they reaffirmed their values out loud: “Respect! Harmony! Purpose!”

Saber “bonfire”

The moment encapsulated the spirit of The Saber Authority—a community bound by fandom, fitness and camaraderie.

It’s not every day you get to attend a lightsaber tournament and speak to someone someone who teaches lightsaber combat. Yes, young padawan (or inspiring siths, we don’t discriminate)–meet Jeremy Lim, a saber instructor with The Saber Authority in Singapore. Jeremy trains people in “lightsaber fitness”, combining the thrill of Star Wars-inspired duels with fitness.

L: Instructor Jeremy R: Jeremy (right) during a duel.

A fusion of martial arts and Star Wars fandom

The Saber Authority’s approach is rooted in the Filipino martial art of Kali, which is traditionally based on stick fighting, evasion and efficient strikes. Replace traditional sticks with lightsabers, and it allows practitioners to learn how to harness the saber’s weight and momentum effectively.

Kali sticks

Kali’s influence is evident in the way students move, emphasising dodging and quick, angular movements to evade attacks. According to Jeremy, while the glowing sabers add a cinematic feel, the techniques are authentic. “Even when you’re watching people duel, it might look choreographed, but it’s really based on practical moves.”

The unique approach of saber-dueling at The Saber Authority might raise eyebrows among some martial arts purists. With aluminium hilts and polycarbonate blades, the sabers don’t replicate the feel of traditional metal weapons but carry their own satisfying heft—like wielding a sturdy, padded rod. Though designed for durability, the equipment can still sustain dents or shattered tubes from regular sparring.

For saber fitness, it’s less about strict martial mastery and more about exploring an unconventional form of fitness, leaving space for everyone to have a good time.

The physical and mental workout of lightsaber fitness

Duels are short but fast-paced

Unlike the typical gym routine, saber training is highly interactive and requires full-body movement. Each session includes drills and ends with sparring. “No matter how many lessons you’ve had or how fit you are, the last 30 minutes are sparring,” Jeremy laughs. “It’s exhausting! You’re strategising, and it’s a workout for the body and the mind.”

Jeremy recalls his first few weeks. “I’d get to the side to catch my breath, my arms numb, my lungs wheezing. But every week, I could go a bit longer without feeling like I’d pass out.” For him, the progress was worth it.

A community of fighters and fans

Jeremy’s journey with The Saber Authority began six years ago with some friendly goading that led him and two friends to try a lightsaber training event. What started as a light-hearted venture quickly took a serious turn. “I was surprised by the level of fitness and endurance demanded,” he recalls. “But more importantly, the welcoming community. Everyone was very encouraging.”

A key factor that keeps people coming back is the sense of camaraderie. While some join as die-hard Star Wars fans, others simply enjoy a new kind of fitness challenge.

Natasha, 52, a longtime Star Wars fan who recently joined TSA classes with her friend and cousin, concurred. Fans of the franchise, they discovered The Saber Authority online, went for a trial class, and signed up right away. “We preferred this because it’s more fitness-based,” she explains. “It’s truly a cardio workout. The community is so supportive and encouraging,” she adds. “They put a lot of emphasis on bonding; there’s nothing ‘jocky’ about it.”

In saber fitness, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and Jeremy loves how it allows people of all fitness backgrounds to shine. “There’s no ‘weak link,’” Jeremy notes, “and people strategise together, like after practice over dinner, talking about each other’s styles. Some have a footwork style like boxing; others are nimble and dart around the ring. You start to pick up on everyone’s unique moves.”

What should newcomers to lightsaber fitness expect?

For newcomers, The Saber Authority offers an intake program designed to teach the basics over eight sessions. “People learn basic strikes, techniques, and safety control,” Jeremy explains. Each session emphasises form, power control, and movement. At the end of the session, students participate in duels to put what they’ve learnt into practice. In a graduation event, they’ll also go through a “trial by fire”, duelling against three senior fighters.

As Jeremy describes it, “It’s a fun way for new students to apply what they’ve learned. They get a sense of combat under pressure and a big confidence boost from going up against more experienced fighters.” After this, students can learn advanced techniques, like dual-wielding sabers or adapting their style for tournaments.

Try it, you must

For anyone considering trying lightsaber fitness, Jeremy’s advice is simple: “Just give it a go. You might come for the Star Wars vibe, but you’ll stay for the fitness and community.”

While saber fitness may or may not have the finesse of a strict martial arts techniques, it’s a fun way to push yourself to new levels of strength and endurance.

You also have to admit, there’s something exhilarating about swinging a lightsaber in a duel and feeling like you are part of a cooler storyline in a galaxy far, far away.

The Saber Authority meets at The Stadium every Sunday, 6:15pm to 7:45pm. Book a slot through the website. Walk-ins, they do not accept.

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