Hello, fellow saberites!
A partner and I are starting up regular weekend sabering sessions in Columbus, OH. We both have Japanese and European weapons experience, and I am currently a Learners in Exile knight with TPLA. We will be training based off of the Terra Prime Lightsaber Academy curriculum.
We're still deciding on a name for our club and have just started to make our presence known. It's a good time to get in on the ground floor.
The atmosphere will be one of fun and cooperation, where we all help each other in the spirit of improving as a group. It doesn't matter if you do or don't have martial arts experience - our first aim is to get Buckeyes interested in sabering as a pastime, whether it's for dueling, choreography, demonstrations, staying active, etc. Demonstrating at local conventions and performing for charities are considerations if we get a sizable group here. We may also make trips up to TPLA HQ as well.
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The Deets:
Facebook Page::
Orbital Saber ArtsGroup:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/531027336971739Location: Feddersen Community Center, Columbus, OH Time: Saturdays 3:30pm-5:30pm (autumn/winter hours)
- Time commitment: It's only 2 hours each weekend. If you can't make it on a weekly basis due to other commitments or long commutes, we totally understand. Just let us know ahead of time.
Directions:Age group: supervised sparring allowed for 18+; no sparring except drills for ages 10-17Curriculum: Some of the things we will be exploring as a group and as part of TPLA:
- Combat basics & warmups
- TPLA lightsaber forms - philosophy and application
- Translating traditional martial arts concepts to LED saber combat
- Single person drills (Accelerations)
- Two-person drills (Velocities)
- Dulon - concepts demonstrations
- Sparring: drills, flow sparring, free sparring
- Group games
- Stage combat/choreography (if there's interest)
Gear: - We are BIG on safety. Safety gear is a MUST. At minimum you should bring protective gloves (we use lacrosse gloves), and if you want to do more intensive partner stuff you should get your hands on a fencing mask or equivalent head protection sooner rather than later. I only have one loaner helmet (size L/XL). If you need help locating decently priced gear at a local shop, I can help you.
- Lightsabers: If you still haven't gotten a saber, I have a few loaner sabers you can borrow, but you'll have to get your own soon.
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So right now, aside from having your own saber and some gear, there's no other start-up cost. Any possible expenses in the future would be for contributing to indoor facility rental and maybe communal gear.
If you're interested in having fun with us, just drop me a PM, let us know that you'll be stopping by ahead of time.
Questions, advice, statements of interest, etc., are welcome!