A Structured Combat Discipline — Est. 2015
The World's First
Light Sword Martial Art
9 combat forms. 12+ martial arts traditions. A complete rank system from White Sash to Black. Created by a 2X World Champion with 30+ years of cross-disciplinary training.
9 combat forms. 12+ martial arts traditions. A complete rank system from White Sash to Black. Created by a 2X World Champion with 30+ years of cross-disciplinary training.
Building toward international recognition and the World Games.
The Founder
Sijo Nathan Young
2X World Champion with over 30 years of martial arts training across 12+ disciplines — from Kenjutsu and HEMA to Wushu, Kali/Escrima, and Western Fencing.
In 2015, Sijo Nathan Young asked a question no one in the martial arts world had answered: "What if the light sword wasn't a toy — but a weapon? And what if we built a real martial art around it?"
The result is Light Sword Martial Arts (L.S.M.A.) — a structured combat discipline with a complete 9-Form curriculum, a sash-based rank system, a code of honor, and a competition framework. Not cosplay. Not choreography. A martial art.
"Every legitimate martial art has a founder, a system, and a code. Light Sword Martial Arts has all three."
The Curriculum
9-Form Combat System
Each form draws from real-world martial arts traditions. White Sash to Black Sash. Apprentice to Master. A complete progression system built on proven combat principles.
Foundation Strike
Kenjutsu, Iaido, Iaijutsu
Flowing Defense
Western Fencing (Épée, Foil, Sabre)
Circle of Power
Dao, Chinese Broadsword
Iron Will
Wushu, Capoeira, Parkour
Lightning Speed
HEMA, Kenpo, Jiu-Jitsu, Ninjutsu
Dual Harmony
Japanese Sword, Kali/Escrima, Bo Staff
Phoenix Rising
Japanese Sword, Kali/Escrima, Bo Staff
Dragon's Breath
JKD, HEMA, Kenpo, Ninjutsu, Kali, Wushu
Master's Unity
Mastery of All 9 Forms
Competition & Recognition
Tested in Combat
A martial art proves itself in competition. LSTA practitioners have competed internationally, and the discipline continues to build toward formal recognition on the world stage.
International Competition
LSTA practitioners have competed in international light sword combat events, testing the 9-Form system against other combat styles.
World Games Pathway
LSTA is actively building the organizational infrastructure required for recognition by the International World Games Association.
Global Alliance Initiative
Working to unite light sword combat organizations worldwide under a shared competitive framework with standardized rules and ranking systems.
Academies across the United States. 4 Founding Masters. A certified instructor program. And a community of practitioners who train with the same discipline and respect found in any traditional dojo.
See the Art in Action
This Is Light Sword Combat
Not choreography. Not cosplay. Watch real practitioners execute real forms drawn from real martial arts traditions.
Training footage coming soon
Why We Exist
10 Million Collectors.
Zero Training.
There are over 10 million light sword collectors worldwide. They buy the light swords. They display them. They post photos. And then the light swords sit on a shelf, waiting for a purpose they'll never fulfill.
Because owning a weapon doesn't make you a warrior. Training with it does.
The Light Sword Training Academy exists for the people who feel that gap — the distance between collecting and becoming. We built the world's first structured martial art around the light sword. Real forms drawn from real combat traditions. A rank system earned through demonstrated skill. A code of honor that governs every practitioner.
Training Paths
Four Paths. One Discipline.
Whether you train digitally, in-person, build sabers, or open an academy — every path is rooted in the same 9-Form system and governed by the same Code of S.A.B.E.R.
Shadow Warriors
Virtual Saber Academy
AI-guided digital training with 85 exercises across 15 levels. Train anywhere with the AI Saber Sensei. Belt ranks, badges, and bounty challenges.
Explore this pathTemple Warriors
In-Person Academy Training
Hands-on instruction in the complete 9-Form Curriculum. White Sash to Black Sash. Instructor-led classes with live sparring and rank testing.
Explore this pathSaber Smugglers
Build & Sell Custom Sabers
Turn your passion into a business. Monthly saber kits, builder progression from Rookie to Legend, and the Founding 100 exclusive program.
Explore this pathAcademy Commanders
Open Your Own Academy
Three business ownership paths from $2,997 to $47,997. Full curriculum, marketing support, and territory rights. Build the art in your city.
Explore this pathOur Code of Honor
The Code of S.A.B.E.R.
Every legitimate martial art is governed by a code. Ours defines who we are, how we train, and how we carry ourselves — on and off the training floor.
Protect yourself and others. Control precedes power.
Bring discipline and respect to every session.
Face challenge. Growth lives outside comfort.
Pursue mastery in every form, every rep.
Honor the art, the instructor, and your opponent.
From Our Practitioners
60+ Five-Star Reviews. Zero Exceptions.
"As someone with 15 years in traditional martial arts, I was skeptical. After one class, I realized this is the real deal. The forms are technically sound and the instruction is world-class."
Marcus T. — 3rd Dan Karate
"My son has ADHD and struggled in traditional sports. Light sword training gave him focus, confidence, and a community. He hasn't missed a session in 6 months."
Jennifer R. — Parent
"I've been collecting sabers for years but never knew what to do with them. The Shadow Warrior program turned my collection into actual training tools. The AI Sensei is incredible."
David K. — Shadow Warrior
Stop Collecting.
Start Becoming.
You didn't buy that saber to hang it on a wall.
You bought it because something inside you
said "I was meant to wield this."
We're the only ones who'll teach you how.
60-second Path Quiz
Rank progression
60-second Path Quiz
Rank progression
Tribe + accountability
“LSTA created and promotes The Code of S.A.B.E.R.
This is our way of life.”
© 2026 Light Sword Training Academy All Rights Reserved
Not associated with DISNEY, LUCASFILM Ltd. or any Lightsaber franchise.