Group joins push to make fencing with LED sabers an official US sport

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) — The clash and flash of lightsabers have been captivating audiences since the release of "Star Wars" in 1977.

Now, a Florida group is joining the push to make fencing with LED sabers an official sport in the U.S.

Gulf Coast Saber Training follows rules accepted by the French Fencing Federation. They're designed to make the sport cinematic.

Olympic fencing is very much a 'first person to hit wins,'"Desso Faulkner said. "Ours is much more theatrical. It's designed for, or rather with, the audience in mind, as well as the judges in mind."

Faulkner and his wife Anna lead Gulf Coast Saber Training.

The group is affiliated with the national organization on the forefront of developing the sport.

"Terra Prime Light Armory was instrumental in getting French Fencing Federation to accept LED sabers as the fourth weapon," Faulkner said.

This Saturday and Sunday, Terra Prime Light Armory will be in Pensacola hosting a workshop for people interested in dueling or judging the sport.

"TPLA is now in a position to begin the U.S. Certification for International LED saber combatants, meaning we would like to go to France and be part of the international tournament that's going on over there," Faulkner said.

So far, France is the only country accepting LED sabers as a weapon, but USA Fencing sent WEAR a statement saying that they're considering it.

"At USA Fencing, our mission is to grow and sustain the wonderful sport of fencing, from the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the grassroots level. We're always on the hunt for innovative ways to reach more families and engage them in the fast-paced, strategic world of fencing. To that end, we’re exploring several options for potentially incorporating LED fencing exhibitions at future tournaments and carefully evaluating the viability and impact on both the sport and its participants. Our goal will always be to illuminate the path to fencing in a smart and strategic way."

Faulkner said Gulf Coast Saber Training is looking forward to showing what they can do and shining a light on Pensacola.

"We are really hoping that this year we can showcase what we have for a more national audience, not just for Pensacola but for everybody, and get it really going. We're really excited," Faulkner said.