Frequently Asked Questions

The Rebellion is a movement against the burnout empire — corporate gyms, exhausting routines, and fitness culture that profits from your anxiety. Founded by 4 legendary masters over 10 years ago, The Rebellion offers four distinct paths to mastery based on your goals:

• Saber Smugglers: Build and sell custom light swords for profit ($400–$800/saber)
• Shadow Warriors: Train alone with AI-guided combat (15 min/day, 42% stress reduction)
• Temple Warriors: In-person training at certified academies (9-Form Curriculum)
• Academy Commanders: Build your own LSTA academy or mobile business ($3K–$25K/month)

1,500+ warriors have chosen transformation over transaction. Which path is yours?

The Light Sword Training Academy was built by 4 legendary instructors with 30+ years combined experience:

• Sijo Nathan Young: 2x World Champion, 2004 Olympics Performer, Creator of 9-Form Combat System
• Sifu Edward Armstrong: Built largest US Light Sword Academy in 6 months, Entrepreneur of the Year
• Sifu Julliana Armstrong: Military Contractor (Langley AFB, Fort Eustis), 3x National Champion, First American Light Sword Referee (Milan, Italy)
• Sifu Nick Benseman: Hollywood Stunt Director/Choreographer (Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Tenet, The 5th Wave), 101+ stunt credits

Take our 60-second Path Quiz. We'll ask you 5 questions about:

• Your primary goal right now
• How much time you can commit weekly
• Your learning style preference
• Your revenue/fitness goals
• Your risk tolerance

Based on your answers, we'll match you to your ideal rebellion path. Or explore each path on your own:

No. The Light Sword Training Academy is not associated with Disney, Lucasfilm Ltd., or any Star Wars franchise. We teach combat with generic "light swords" (not trademarked "Lightsabers"). This is a legitimate martial arts training system with real-world applications in fitness, stress reduction, and self-defense principles.

10+ years of proven results. Since 2014, we've trained 1,500+ students, operated 10 certified academies across 7 states and Japan, secured military contracts at Langley AFB and Fort Eustis, and built a global reputation in combat sports and prop-building communities.

The income figures you see throughout this site — $500–$1,200/month for Saber Smugglers, $15K/month average for Academy Commanders — represent what members at various levels have actually earned. They are real numbers from real people in the program.

They are not guarantees. Income depends on execution, consistency, market demand, and follow-through. What we provide is the system, the training, the infrastructure, and the community. What you bring is the effort.

For Academy Commanders specifically: we guarantee 15 paying students in your first 90 days — or we keep coaching you at no additional cost until you get there. That guarantee is about our system working. Your income from those students depends on your pricing and operations.

Our standard: We show you what's possible based on what others have done. We give you every tool to reach it. We don't promise outcomes we can't control.

These are Chinese martial arts titles used throughout LSTA. Here's what each means:

Sijo — The founder of a martial arts system. In Chinese, sijo means "great-grandfather teacher." Sijo Nathan Young holds this title as the creator of the 9-Form Combat System.

Sifu — Teacher or martial arts master. Derived from si meaning teacher and fu meaning father. Edward, Julliana, and Nick each hold this title. A woman instructor may also be referred to as Simu — "teacher-mother."

When you train under a Sifu, you become part of a martial arts family lineage. Your Sifu is your teacher-father. Your Sifu's Sifu is your Si-Gung — your teacher-grandfather. This isn't just tradition — it's why LSTA instructors take certification seriously. The lineage means something.

No. The Saber Smugglers program includes complete step-by-step training, video tutorials, and troubleshooting support. Even if you've never built anything before, we'll teach you everything — from electronics to finishing. Your first saber will be completed in approximately 3 weeks.

Results vary. Income depends on execution, skill growth, market demand, and follow-through. What we do provide is the kit, training, marketplace infrastructure, templates, and community to help you produce real outputs.

Common retail value: approximately $400–$800 per saber. Build cost ranges from $120–$180. Profit margins range from 70–85%. Your first sale typically covers your entire monthly kit cost.

3 weeks to build, 30 days to first sale. Most Founding Rebels build their first saber within 3 weeks and make their first $808 within 30 days using the provided marketplace, listing templates, and marketing support.

Each tier includes:

• Builder Bounty Kit ($297/month): 4 hilts, 2 XRGB3 soundboards, 2 baselit RGB kits, 4 blades, case, tools, accessories
• Pro Bounty Kit ($347/month): 4 hilts, 4 XRGB3 soundboards (upgraded), 6 blades, coupler, group coaching
• Master Bounty Kit ($397/month): 4 hilts, 3 XRGB3 + 1 Xeno 3.0 premium kit, Neopixel blade, 1-on-1 coaching

All tiers include training library access, Rebel HQ community (Sabernet), and Rebel Broadcast.

We provide a private marketplace where you list your completed sabers. The platform handles marketing, payment processing, and buyer connections. You build, ship, and keep 70–85% profit after marketplace fees. We also provide listing templates and pricing guides.

No pressure to sell immediately. You can stockpile inventory, sell at your own pace, or focus on quality over speed. Many members build collections before listing. The monthly kits are designed to provide ongoing inventory — not create pressure.

No contracts, cancel anytime. All three membership tiers are month-to-month subscriptions. You can cancel anytime and retain access through the end of your billing period.

No refunds, but unlimited support. We'll coach you until you hit your first $808. No time limit. No excuses. All sales final, but your success isn't.

However, Founding 100 benefits (FR badge, 15% profit-share, summit access, Wall of Honor) are only available to the first 100 members and cannot be obtained after the founding period closes.

The first 100 members receive lifetime perks that will never be available again:

• Permanent "FR" Badge: Visible founder status forever
• 15% Profit-Share: Earn 15% referral commission (vs 10% standard)
• Lifetime Rank Advantage: Priority placement on Bounty Board
• Founding Summit Access: Annual in-person summit with the original 100
• Wall of Honor: Permanent listing on the Founding 100 legacy page
• Pioneer Status: Your name could be #1 on the Bounty Board

After the first 100 spots fill, these benefits are permanently closed.

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time to adjust your monthly kit size and coaching level. All tiers include Founding 100 benefits if you join during the founding period.

Yes, it's legal. You're building and selling custom light swords (generic term), not "Lightsabers" (trademarked by Lucasfilm/Disney). The LSTA program and marketplace operate independently and are not associated with Disney, Lucasfilm Ltd., or any Star Wars franchise. You own the sabers you build and can sell them as custom props.

No. All necessary tools are included in your monthly kit. You can build sabers on a kitchen table or desk — no garage or workshop required. The kits are designed for home builders with limited space.

The Bounty Board is a public leaderboard tracking total sabers built, total revenue earned, fastest build times, and rank progression (Rookie → Hustler → Boss → Legend). Founding Rebels get priority placement — always at the top — and the #1 spot is still unclaimed.

No. This is a build-and-sell business model requiring consistent effort. Average members build 3–4 sabers per month and earn $808–$3,200/month depending on tier and sales volume. Success depends on your commitment to learning, building quality, and listing consistently. This is not passive income — it's an active side hustle that rewards execution.

AI Saber Sensei is revolutionary technology that transforms your iPhone 13+ or iPad Pro into an expert Shadow Warrior instructor using LiDAR sensors and advanced pose tracking.

• Tracks 27 body points in real-time
• 90% accuracy feedback
• Color-coded guidance: Green = perfect, Yellow = adjust, Red = correction needed
• Works in your living room (8ft × 8ft space required)

Yes. AI Saber Sensei requires an iPhone 13 or later or an iPad Pro with LiDAR.

Don't have one? No worries. Members get access to our approved referral source of refurbished Apple devices starting from as low as $199.

8ft × 8ft minimum. Most living rooms, garages, or spare bedrooms work perfectly. You don't need a gym or dedicated training space — just enough room to swing a light sword safely.

The 30-Day "Cortisol Crusher" Challenge is your introduction to Shadow Warrior training:

• Train 15 minutes per day
• Complete 15 AI-guided sessions
• Post 3 Forum updates
• Proven 42% stress reduction in 30 days

This challenge is included with both Apprentice and Warrior tiers.

Shadow Apprentice ($97/mo):

• AI Saber Sensei App
• 30-Day Cortisol Crusher Challenge
• Basic Forum Access
• 9-Rank Progression (White to Black Belt)
• 15 Progressive Levels (85 exercises)
• Light sword NOT included (bring your own)

Shadow Warrior ($147/mo) — Most Popular:

• Everything in Apprentice, PLUS:
• $150 Light Sword Gift Card
• Full Shadow Council Membership
• Weekly Shadow Council Broadcasts
• Community Challenge Access
• Full Bounty Board Participation
• All 8 Achievement Badges

Shadow Warriors advance through 15 progressive levels with 85 unique exercises across 4 mastery tiers:

The Shadow Council is the elite community for Shadow Warriors:

• Weekly Broadcasts: Live training sessions and Q&A with masters
• Community Challenges: Form Perfection, Daily Disciple, Speed Runner, Master Class
• Bounty Board Competition: Compete globally for top ranks
• Achievement Badges: Earn 8 permanent badges

Train in the shadows. Rise together.

Bounty Points are earned by completing challenges and advancing through levels. Redeem them for:

• Discount codes: 1,000 pts = $10 off
• Exclusive saber designs: Unlock custom builds in pro-shop
• Monthly raffle entries: Win free gear

Yes. Both tiers are month-to-month. Cancel anytime. If you chose the Shadow Warrior tier, you keep the light sword forever — even if you cancel.

The 42% cortisol reduction statistic is based on test groups who completed the 30-Day Cortisol Crusher Challenge (15 min/day for 30 days). Individual results may vary, but the stress reduction benefits are proven and consistent across participants who follow the program.

Temple Warriors is for those who thrive in community and prefer in-person training. Train at certified LSTA academies with instructors trained by the Founding Masters.

• 9-Form Curriculum: Master all 9 traditional light sword forms
• Certified Instructors: 10+ years combined experience, max 15 students per session
• Community & Events: Monthly tournaments, quarterly showcases, annual conference
• Flexible Scheduling: Morning, evening, and weekend classes

LSTA has 10 certified academies operating across 7 states and Japan, including a contracted location at Langley Air Force Base. Visit our Locations page to find the academy nearest you.

If there's no academy in your area, consider the Shadow Warriors path for AI-guided home training, or explore opening your own academy through Academy Commanders.

The 9-Form Combat System was created by Sijo Nathan Young and is the foundation of all LSTA training. Each form builds on the previous, progressing from Foundation (White Sash) through Adept to Master (Black Sash):

• Stances, footwork, and guard positions
• Striking and defensive techniques
• Flow, transitions, and combinations
• Advanced forms including dual-weapon techniques
• Master-level integration of all 9 forms

Most Temple Warriors train 2–3 classes per week. Schedules vary by academy, but most offer morning, evening, and weekend options. Drop-in sessions and monthly memberships both available.

Pricing varies by academy location. Contact your nearest LSTA academy for specific rates. Most academies offer:

• Drop-in rates: $20–$30 per class
• Monthly memberships: $100–$200/month (unlimited classes)
• Family packages: Discounted rates for multiple family members

Most academies provide training sabers for beginner classes. Once you commit to regular training, you'll want your own. Many academies sell equipment on-site or can recommend trusted suppliers.

• Monthly Tournaments: Friendly sparring competitions
• Quarterly Showcases: Demonstrate mastery and earn rank advancements
• Annual Conference: Train with all 4 Founding Masters, network with warriors worldwide

Yes. Many warriors train across multiple paths. A common progression:

• Train as a Temple Warrior for in-person instruction
• Supplement with Shadow Warriors AI training at home
• Build sabers as a Saber Smuggler to fund training
• Eventually become an Academy Commander and open your own temple

Academy Commanders is for those who want to teach, build, and create a legacy. Choose from 3 business paths:

• PATH 1: Instructor Certification ($2,997) — Teach at existing academies
• PATH 2: Mobile Saber Tag License ($9,997) — Build a mobile events business
• PATH 3: Franchise Lite Program ($47,997) — Open your own rebellion outpost

Investment: $2,997

• 90-Day Instructor Certification
• Complete 9-Form Combat System Training
• Teaching Methodology Mastery
• 15 Students in 90 Days Marketing System
• Insurance & Legal Documentation
• LSTA Certification Badge
• Ongoing Support ($197/month optional)

Average Instructor Income: $3K–$8K/month (part-time)

Investment: $9,997

Build a mobile events business. Parties, corporate events, festivals. High-margin, high-demand.

• Exclusive Territory License
• Complete Mobile Equipment Kit ($15K value)
• Events Marketing & Sales Training
• Event Operations Manual & Booking Software
• Ongoing Support & Territory Protection

Average Event Revenue: $500–$2K per event. Book 5–10 events/month = $5K–$20K/month.

Investment: $47,997

Open your own rebellion outpost. Full territory rights. Complete system. Build a legacy.

• Exclusive Territory Rights (50-mile radius)
• Complete Branding & Marketing System
• Full Curriculum & Instructor Training
• Launch Marketing Campaign ($10K value)
• CRM & Operations Software
• 15 Students in 90 Days Guarantee
• Ongoing Support & Mastermind Access

Average Commander Income: $15K–$25K/month. 15 students guaranteed in 90 days.

It helps, but it's not required. All three paths include the training you need. What matters most is leadership, business acumen, and passion for teaching.

• PATH 1: We'll train you in the 9-Form Combat System during the 90-day certification
• PATH 2: Focus is on event operations — basic training included
• PATH 3: Full curriculum training included; you'll also hire certified instructors

Yes, for PATH 2 and PATH 3. Mobile Saber Tag includes an exclusive territory license. Franchise Lite includes a 50-mile radius territory. Once you secure a territory, no other LSTA Commander can operate in your area. Assignments are first-come, first-served.

• Marketing Support: Templates, campaigns, social media content
• Operations Training: CRM, scheduling, payment processing
• Instructor Training: Recruit, train, and certify your team
• Mastermind Access: Monthly calls with other Commanders and Founding Masters
• Tech Support: Software, equipment, troubleshooting

Yes. Many Commanders follow this progression:

• Step 1: Instructor Certification (PATH 1) — Earn $3K–$8K/month teaching
• Step 2: Add Mobile Saber Tag (PATH 2) — Scale to $8K–$20K/month with events
• Step 3: Open your own academy (PATH 3) — Build to $15K–$25K/month

We offer upgrade credits when you advance to a higher path.

• PATH 1 (Instructor): Part-time — 10–20 hours/week
• PATH 2 (Mobile Saber Tag): Flexible — 5–10 events/month (20–40 hours)
• PATH 3 (Franchise Lite): Full-time — 40+ hours/week