Among Star Wars fans, May 4 is an observance of their fandom, thanks to a pun that turns “May the forth” into the Jedi blessing “May the Force be with you.”
The classic catchphrase is the ritual ending of Lightsaber Club classes at the Academy of Asian Martial Arts in the Marketplace at Steamtown in Scranton. The classes began in February and are offered Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
They are open to ages 7 and up and draw children and adults, including parent and child pairs. Some participants have martial arts experience, but many are drawn there by the Force.
“The goal of the club is to teach people swordsmanship in a more casual environment,” said owner and instructor Jason Vo. “Especially for people, if you are a big nerd like l am, it provides a nice connector between something that is for entertainment and casualness, but also has actual utility and usefulness in real life.”
Star Wars characters have their own fighting styles, many of which echo real skills. The club teaches seven forms and some offshoots.
Lightsaber Club is a perfect fit for Treat LaRusso, a “Star Wars” fan with a background in martial arts who is into cosplay, or dressing as characters at events such as comics conventions. She owns three lightsabers. The one shown sells for around $150 online. It’s not necessary to have your own to take the class. LaRusso, of Scranton, works in the insurance industry. She began attending the classes when they first started in February. Her 8-year-old daughter also sometimes takes the class. “It felt amazing,” she said. “You get to feel you’re living it.” (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Hemi Mcfetridge, wearing a cat face shield, practices dueling with Treat LaRusso. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lightsaber Club members at the Academy of Asian Martial Arts in Scranton. (Academy of Asian Martial Arts)
Lightsaber Club at the Academy of Asian Martial Arts in Scranton. (Academy of Asian Martial Arts)
Lightsaber Club at the Academy of Asian Martial Arts in Scranton. (Academy of Asian Martial Arts)
Instructor Jose Legaspi shows participants how to wield their lightsabers.
(REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Jackson Mcfetridge, front, and his sister Hemi practice. Hemi is not a big “Star Wars,” fan, but enjoys martial arts. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Participants step across the mat, spinning their sabers during Light Saber Club class at the Academy of Asian Martial Arts in the Marketplace at Steamtown in Scranton on Monday, April 14, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Real-life lightsabers are not plasma beams, but made of a material similar to police batons. The sound effects can be turned down for classes.
Lightsabers can be rented by the class, but some students have their own. A single class is $10, with discounts available on memberships.