Sci-Fi to sport: Inside the lightsaber combat academy LudoSport Boston

At a Moody Street dance studio where ballroom music fills the air, a different kind of choreography is taking shape: lightsaber combat.

LudoSport Boston and its lightsaber warriors share the dance floor with couples practicing waltzes and foxtrots at the Super Shag Dance Studio at 406 Moody St. 

During a recent evening session, while Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was playing, both types of students warmed up — an oddly fitting backdrop for a sport that blends athleticism, artistry and a love of “Star Wars.”

LudoSport is an international combat sport founded in Italy in 2006 and now active in 14 countries. The sport uses illuminated, polycarbonate “lightsabers” and blends traditional fencing and martial arts with choreographed “Star Wars”-inspired movements. Practitioners compete in fencing-style duels under codified rules for scoring and safety. 

A real sport

Seven students trained under instructor Brendan, beginning with stretches and footwork drills that looped around cones in figure-eight patterns. With long sabers in hand, they practiced “derivata,” a technique that shifts body position to open an opponent’s guard and create new angles of attack, often flowing into strikes such as a backhand, or “rovescio.” Invented in Italy, the sport uses Italian terminology.

LudoSport training is structured around seven progressive forms, each introducing new techniques and philosophies. Students begin at the Novizio (novice) level before advancing through Accademico, Knight and Master ranks. Over time, they move from the long saber to more complex weapons, including dual sabers and staff weapons. Competitions range from local matches to international championships.

After drilling techniques, the class transitioned into sparring, with students facing off one-on-one. The session concluded with a demonstration from Brendan, who wielded a double-ended saber reminiscent of Darth Maul’s weapon, before the group gathered in a closing circle, sabers raised and touching at the tips.

For many participants, the draw goes beyond fandom. Brendan said he initially came for “the shiny sticks,” adding, “It’s a good sport by itself — the fact that it’s based on ‘Star Wars’ is cool, though.”

From the dark side to the “pork side”

Students arrive with a range of backgrounds. Some, like Stefan and Erwin, have prior martial arts experience, while others are new to combat sports. Stefan said LudoSport offered a way to reconnect with his Italian heritage; he now teaches beginner classes on Sundays. Nora, who participates in live-action role-playing, said she was drawn by the system’s use in LARP combat.

Others travel significant distances to train. Siblings David and Skye commute from Rhode Island and Beverly, respectively. Shared enthusiasm for “Star Wars” remains a common thread, with students readily debating favorite films and scenes.

Jeremy Keller, founder of LudoSport Boston, began training in 2017 and is now the U.S. national champion. A certified instructor in multiple forms, he was among a small group selected by Italian masters to help launch a school in Japan.

“Community is the biggest part of LudoSport,” Keller said. “We joke that ‘Star Wars’ has the dark side and the light side — we have the ‘pork side.’ We enjoy eating dinner together as much as training.”

LudoSport Boston has about 20 active members and offers advanced classes Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and beginner sessions Sundays from noon to 1:30 p.m. Participants are advised to wear gym-appropriate clothing and protective gloves; uniforms are required for long-term training.

As the class wrapped, the studio returned to its usual rhythm of dance and music. But for a few hours each week, the Moody Street space becomes something else entirely — a training ground where sport, fantasy and community intersect under the glow of imagined blades.