Can 7 Lightsaber Fights Be Real Martial Arts if We Want to Actually Make Them Martial Arts?
Can 7 Lightsaber Fights Be Real Martial Arts if We Want to Actually Make Them Martial Arts?
While 7 lightsaber fights have become a popular spectacle in movies and games, the physical and electrical properties of light sabers make them impractical as real weapons. However, we can explore the possibilities of turning lightsaber duels into a form of martial arts and a combat sport. This article will examine the feasibility and potential of incorporating lightsaber techniques into martial arts and combat sports.
Why Light Sabers Cannot Be Real Weapons
Light sabers, as depicted in the Star Wars universe, are clearly fictional devices. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, himself acknowledged that he never gave much thought to the physics behind them. Let's delve into the reasons why light sabers cannot be real weapons:
Physical and Electrical Challenges
Even if we assume that a magnetic field could contain a plasma to mimic the shape of a sword, the power requirements to maintain such a field would be enormous. Shaping a magnetic field to contain a plasma and make it look like a sword is a highly complex and energy-intensive task. Additionally, when two light sabers come into contact, a phenomenon called magnetic reconnection occurs. This would result in the release of both plasmas and vaporize the fighters and their surroundings. Similarly, using a light saber to block blaster bolts would lead to similar catastrophic consequences.
Blade-Based Martial Arts
Despite the impracticalities of light sabers as weapons, there are already martial arts that focus on blade-based combat techniques. These styles, such as kendo and iaido, could serve as excellent models for a hypothetical lightsaber martial art.
Kendo and Iaido
Kendo and iaido are traditional Japanese martial arts that primarily focus on the use of bamboo bamboo (kendo) and real katana swords (iaido). These arts stress precision, speed, and control. The techniques and forms in kendo and iaido could be adapted to simulate light saber duels.
Designing a Combat Sport with Lightsabers
While a lightsaber fighting style cannot be a practical martial art, it can be adapted into a combat sport. Here’s how:
Rules-Based Fencing
Imagine a combat sport where the blade can score regardless of the angle of contact, force, or velocity. This rule would mimic the futuristic nature of light sabers, which can cut through any material quickly and efficiently. The distinction would be in the size, shape, and weight of the simulated light saber. The goal would be to make the sport visually appealing and exciting while maintaining a sense of authenticity in the combat techniques.
Potential Ruleset
There might already be a fencing ruleset that aligns with this concept. For instance, the rules could allow for scoring from any point of contact, emphasizing the fluid and dynamic nature of the weapon. The unique shape and weight of the light saber would add a layer of strategy and skill, making the sport more engaging for both participants and spectators.
Conclusion
While light sabers cannot be real weapons due to their impossible physics and electrical requirements, we can explore their potential as a form of martial art and combat sport. By adapting existing blade-based martial arts like kendo and iaido and designing a ruleset that emphasizes precision and fluidity, we can create a captivating and visually stunning light saber fighting style.