Be mindful of your thoughts-France recognizes Star Wars Lightsaber dueling as an official competitive sport

Time to complete your Jedi training because Star Wars lightsaber duels are considered a competitive sport in France. Will America follow suit?

This may be the greatest news, aside from a Star Wars: Episode IX title release. Time to complete your Jedi training and prepare your lightsaber.

France has decided to recognize lightsaber duels as an official competitive sport. Why? As quoted by Federation secretary general Serge Aubailly from Star Wars Lightsaber Duels Now an Official Competitive Sport in France:

"“With young people today, it’s a real public health issue. They don’t do any sport and only exercise with their thumbs…That is why we are trying to create a bond between our discipline and modern technologies, so participating in a sport feels natural.”"

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There is no doubt to anyone’s mind that lightsaber duels will require physical activity. Whether you have battled a fellow friend reenacting your favorite Jedi vs Sith scenes or seen one at a convention, it’s obvious this will be anything but boring. It’s a constant battle not only against your opponent but yourself.

Having to know when to block and attack, while remaining focused and limber adds a whole new meaning to multitasking. Just because the lightsabers will not have the same effects as ones seen in the films does not make them any less epic.

The article further details that both contestants will be fighting inside a circle. The official rules are as follows:

"“Strikes to the head or body are worth five points; to the arms or legs, three points; on hands, one point. … The first contestant to get up to 15 points wins or, whomever has the highest score after 3 minutes. Additionally, if both contestants are tied, a sudden-death match is set up.”"

If these competitions prove to be a success who knows where this might lead? Maybe they will catch on in other countries? It will be exciting to see where these competitions will take our beloved Star Wars universe.

What do you think about France’s decision? Do you think lightsaber duels should be an official competitive sport in America? Leave your answers in the comment section below. I’d love to read them!