Lightsaber duels light up a park in Mexico City as enthusiasts from the Jedi Knight Academy showcase their skills and choreography. The academy, founded in 2019, offers daily sessions where participants learn lightsaber combat techniques inspired by Jedi and Sith teachings.
Instructor Ulises Vázquez, also known as the Jedi master, shared that students start off unsure of how to handle the saber but grow into excellent athletes and fighters over time. The academy provides a unique opportunity for fans of the Star Wars franchise to learn lightsaber combat in true Luke Skywalker-style.
The classes integrate elements of martial arts like kendo, aikido, and tai chi, making the duels not only fun to watch but also a complex discipline. Students use sabers made of ballistic-grade polycarbonate, illuminated in a rainbow of colors, and wear protective gear resembling a galactic fencing uniform.
The academy’s founders, Vázquez and Gabriel Mendoza, started the school with the goal of encouraging young people to engage in regular exercise. The inclusive environment has attracted students like Maroli Martínez, who described the academy as a tight-knit and lovable family.
The academy also includes a Pride faction, which focuses on creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn and practice lightsaber combat. Vázquez expressed satisfaction in the success of the training program and the positive impact it has had on the community.
Overall, the Jedi Knight Academy in Mexico City provides a unique and exciting opportunity for Star Wars fans to live out their dreams of wielding a lightsaber and engaging in epic duels under the guidance of experienced instructors.