![France Officially Recognizes Lightsaber Dueling As A Sport [Video]](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2019/02/GettyImages-520358080.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
France Officially Recognizes Lightsaber Dueling As A Sport [Video]
Star Wars popularity is bigger than ever, and France is fully in.
The country's fencing federation has sanctioned lightsaber dueling as a sport. There's even a police officer that is a 20 year fencing veteran who switched over to lightsaber dueling two years ago.
As you'll see in the video, there are generic lightsabers that are used that simply light up, or they've got more complex sabers that have sound and light effects.
Essentially, much like fencing, competitors are awarded points for strikes on their opponents. You receive fight points for a head strike and three points for a leg strike. The first to 15 points wins.
The matches take place in a dimly lit room, assuming so that the lightsabers can shine.
The French Fencing Federation is hoping that the popularity will pull youngsters away from video games and television screens.
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