Beyond the Force: French Middle Schoolers Master the Art of the Galactic Saber

In the town of Grisolles, France, the traditional silence of the dojo has been replaced by the hum of fluorescent tubes and the rhythmic shouts of students. On Friday, April 10, 2026, a group of students from Collège Jean-Lacaze gathered on the tatami mats of the Ours de Grisolles dojo, but they weren’t there for standard judo or taekwondo. They were there to practice sabre galactique, or galactic saber.

The initiative is the result of an unusual partnership between the local middle school and the Ours de Grisolles association. This six-week cycle, open to volunteer students, blends the discipline of martial arts with the imaginative appeal of science fiction, creating a sports program that prioritizes both technical skill and engagement.

From Medieval Canes to Galactic Blades

The path to the galactic saber was not a direct one. According to Nicolas Menard, a judo black belt and volunteer with the Ours association, the club initially attempted to introduce “canne française”—a medieval European sport and ancestor of modern fencing. However, the traditional approach failed to capture the students’ interest.

Seeking a way to attract more participants, the club pivoted to the galactic saber. The transition proved to be a decisive success, transforming a struggling class into a high-demand activity. By utilizing sound-emitting, fluorescent tubes, the program bridged the gap between historical combat techniques and modern pop-culture interests.

The Technicality of the Galactic Saber

While the equipment may look like a toy, the discipline is far from random. The curriculum emphasizes technique, manipulation, and choreographed movement. Menard integrates several legitimate martial arts foundations into the training to ensure the students are learning actual combat mechanics.

The program incorporates basic movements from kendo, specifically the one-handed posture. To add complexity and physical demand, Menard also integrates projections—throwing techniques common in grappling arts—into the saber training. The goal is to teach students how to fight and defend themselves while maintaining the “pleasure of the game.”

For the students, the experience is often a revelation. One student noted being “shocked” to discover the depth of the techniques involved in the discipline, highlighting that the activity offers more than just superficial play.

Galactic vs. Laser: Defining the Discipline

To the casual observer, “galactic saber” might seem identical to “laser saber,” but in the world of French sports regulation, there is a distinct difference. Nicolas Menard clarifies that the French Fencing Federation holds the monopoly over the “laser saber” (sabre laser) academy.

The Federation’s version is more strictly focused on direct confrontation and operates under the direct influence of the Star Wars universe. In contrast, the “sabre galactique” practiced at the Ours de Grisolles dojo is designed as a broader educational tool, focusing on self-mastery and fun rather than strict adherence to a cinematic franchise’s rules.

This distinction allows the program to function as a hybrid of sport and play, appealing not only to the students but also to their families, who have noted the positive impact of the activity on the children’s engagement with physical education.

Key Program Details

As the students continue their six-week journey, the program serves as a case study in how traditional sports clubs can evolve to meet the interests of a younger generation without sacrificing the core values of martial arts: discipline, respect, and technical mastery.

The program continues its current cycle through the spring. For more updates on unique sports initiatives in France, follow our ongoing coverage of regional athletic developments.

Do you think integrating pop-culture elements is the best way to get students back into traditional martial arts? Let us grasp in the comments.