The dark side of the force had better watch out! The Forge Je’Daii association – which defines itself as “the most famous martial lightsaber school in the galaxy” – offers lightsaber initiations at the heart of the Nice Japan pop show, the Japanese culture fair which is being held from this Saturday until this Sunday evening at the exhibition center in Nice. Something to delight fans of the saga Star Wars.
Dressed in a black kimono and lightsaber in hand, Anthony Lococo, a trained sports instructor, is at the origin of this association – which has around twenty members – active in Nice for four years.
“It’s a practice that comes from the United States and was imported to Franceretrace this je’daii. The French fencing federation took an interest in it in 2018 and made the lightsaber the fourth French weapon.”
An introduction to lightsaber and sports combat
But anyway, what is a je’daii? “It’s an organization of force users that existed before the Jedi.”
Between the Pokemon figurines, cosplay costumes, video game arcades, mangas and activities offered at the show, members of the association give demonstrations. A ballet of colorful sabers mixed with different martial arts techniques.
“The lightsaber is not codified, it allows us to use all martial arts during our fights”boasts Anthony.
Visitors from the age of 8 can learn about the lightsaber by registering at the association’s stand. “In thirty minutes, we teach them the basic notions with movements and choreographies”continues Anthony, a Japanese martial art teacher who teaches katana (1).
Another space, made available for the association during these two days, allows visitors to try a sporting combat.
“We use a mix of sports and video gameshe explains. People carry out a fight with foam sabers that light up and their fight is represented on screen with life bars like in video games. Here too, the youngest are welcome.
“Our audience is made up of quite a few geeks [2] and it allows them to get out of their comfort zone a little and go spottingsmiled Anthony. We hold three to four festivals of this type per year and it is always a pleasure to introduce our art.”
The Nice Japan pop show will close its doors this Sunday at 6 p.m., which still leaves a whole day to try to become a Je’daii.
(1) Japanese sword.
[2] Person passionate about IT and new technologies.
Learn more
Exhibition center, square of Europe. 12 or 15 euros, family pass at 40 euros. Nice.fr and Forgejedaii.fr
