Use the Force with the New York Light Saber Academy

When Star Wars: A New Hope hit theaters in 1977, scores of science fiction fans watched in awe as Darth Vader stalked across the corridor – lightsaber poised for battle – and spoke those immortal words to Obi-Wan: “When I left you, I was but the learner... Now I am the master.” The fight that ensued was one the world would not soon forget. Now, thanks to the New York Light Saber Academy, you too can begin a journey toward your own version that fateful moment by learning to wield the legendary weapon for yourself.

The NYLSA offers weekly classes and private lessons for interested cosplayers and light saber enthusiasts ages 14 and up, teaching stage combat techniques befitting any budding Jedi Master or Sith Lord. Trained in part by Nick Gillard (actual fight choreographer for the Lucasfilm Fight Team), the academy's crew have been sharing their fabulously geeky – and surprisingly athletic – knowledge of lightsaber battle techniques with the world since 2005.

Lightsaber classes with NYLSA are held every Thursday at Ripley Grier Studios and it only costs $10 to participate. So invite a friend along or pull a Han Solo (who actually used a blaster pistol, but you get my point, right?) and go it alone to experience one of the single coolest recreational activities in the galaxy.

Photo courtesy of wallpaperup.com.