“A group of 'veteran' age men and women, living in The Villages, Florida…
“the core of our lightsaberists are also members of The Villages Fencing Club, which has been thriving for six years. Fencing activities have included conducting bi-weekly practices, hosting an annual club tournament and an open USFA sanctioned tournament each year in the Veteran 50+ age group.
Although the sport of lightsaber fencing is an attractive and 'colorful' activity, it is understandable that many fifty and over residents would take a hard look at participating. But The Villages lays claim to over 122,000 residents, many of whom are in great shape and welcome the chance to take on even something as energetic as lightsaber. After researching the sport, Lightspeed Saber League appeared to have the best and most logical style with which to affiliate. Lighter, longer, faster blades, with a life-like combat format, specific rules, and rigorous safety standards were just too good to say no to. We decided to form a club, purchase equipment, and adopt the rules and style of Lightspeed-saber fencing in Spring of 2019— the first club to do so in Florida!”
Mark Ackerle
The Villages Light-Saber Club
Lead representative
mackerle@hotmail.com
Membership with The Villages Light-Saber Club is restricted to residents of The Villages retirement community. Neither The Villages nor The Villages Light-Saber Club are owned or operated by Lightspeed Saber League.
VILLAGE MEMBERS & OFFICERS
MARK ACKERLE— LEAD REP
Mark is a driven, highly motivated former educator, artist, businessman, avid pickleball player, and now the lead Lightspeed-saber fencer and representative in the state of Florida. His status as a veteran fencer further makes him an invaluable contributor to the league with a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills.
RICH R— CO-REP, HEAD LIGHTSABER INSTRUCTOR
Rich is a quick witted man of many voices and talents. A former home theater installer, he has traded the audio and video cables for LEDs and battery cages, now designing and fabricating his own inexpensive training lightsabers. While he is still an avid traditional fencer, that hasn’t stopped him from picking up Lightspeed-saber fencing and helping others pick it up too!
VILLAGE HIGHLIGHTS
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