This is Lightspeed Saber’s biggest event of the year! Fight fencers from around the USA to become the national champion, win prizes, learn, and have a great time.
This is an OPEN championship event, meaning that anyone of any grade— or lack thereof— may enter. Qualified male competitors receive a bye into the second day.
ACCOMODATIONS
Book your room at OrleansCasino.com.
PASSES
The convention is mainly made up of 3 activity groups. You can attend some or all the events for which you are eligible, and purchase the appropriate passes accordingly.
Spectator: For those who just want to watch.
Basic fencer: You may spectate and participate in up to ONE fencer activity group for which you are eligible.
Premiere fencer: You may spectate and participate in up to TWO activity groups for which you are eligible.
THE ACTIVITY GROUPS
Please note that all of these are subject to changes.
MEN’S TOURNAMENT
The men’s event will occur in three stages:
STAGE 1 QUALIFIER
This event is open to all men, aged 15+, with a Lightspeed competition grade of D or lower (or none). The 25th percentile of placers will qualify to move on to the Stage 2 Qualifier.
This stage will use modified rules for power & safety. See below.
STAGE 2 QUALIFIER
This event is attended by pre-qualification or invitation only. To enter, you must have done one of the following:
earned an adult competition grade of C or higher,
placed in the 25th percentile of the Stage 1 Qualifier, or
been invited to participate at this level
This stage will use standard Lightspeed competition rules.
STAGE 3 MEN’S ELIMINATIONS & FINALS
This event is attended by selection only. To enter, you must have placed in the Top 8 of the Stage 2 Open Selector. Standard Lightspeed competition rules will be used.
WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT
The women’s event will occur in two stages:
STAGE 1 WOMEN’S QUALIFIER
This event is open to women aged 15+ with any Lightspeed competition grade (or none).
This stage will use modified rules for power & safety. See below.
STAGE 2 WOMEN’S ELIMINATIONS & FINALS
This event is open to the Top 4 of the Stage 1 Women’s Selector. Standard Lightspeed competition rules will be used.
WORKSHOPS
We’ll be offering a variety of workshops throughout the convention:
MENTOR WORKSHOPS
Specifically designed for Lightspeed Saber captains to help them develop their team
Power moderation - Reducing power without reducing effectiveness
Drills - Fundamental exercises every team should run, every day
FENCER WORKSHOPS
Tailored more for the individual intermediate fencer
Strategy - Timing, Tempo, & Traps
Fighting Styles - And Making Your Own
Basic defense - Shields, deflectors, and displacements
REFEREE WORKSHOP
This workshop is “semi-mandatory” for all fencers.
MODIFIED RULES FOR STAGE 1 SUB-EVENTS
The rule modifications are designed to maintain a friendly and accessible atmosphere for beginners and novices:
Power level is more strictly watched and enforced.
Pommel gripping on any saber is prohibited. Sabers must be held in the standard grip (near the top of the hilt) or be reasonably placed with the middle knuckle no lower than the midpoint of the hilt.
Two-handed grips are allowed.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(Subject to change)
FEE SCHEDULE
The prices will increase monthly. Spectator passes will be sold at the door.
INSTRUCTIONS
If you have not filled out the online waiver in the last 12 months or if any personal information has changed in the last 12 months, go here to complete it, whether you plan to compete, attend workshops, or both. If you fail to complete the waiver your ticket will be returned.
If planning to compete, check your rating so you know which events you are eligible for.
Select a pass depending on what you plan on participating in (see above for info on passes)
Add to cart and fill out the pre-checkout information.
Go to checkout and complete your purchase (you need to do this even if you have a free coupon).
Within 24 hours you will receive a group discount code for your hotel booking at The Orleans Hotel. Go to OrleansCasino.com/Groups to book.
REFUND POLICY
If you need to cancel your attendance due to illness or COVID-related reasons you may request a full refund on or before June 17. For any other reason, you will be refunded 75% of your ticket.
Should the event be cancelled you will receive a full refund regardless.