In a galaxy far, far away… or rather, in Mexico City, lies Iztli Kyber, an academy that draws on the teachings of Star Wars to guide young apprentices of the Force in the use of lightsabers.
Its story began on November 2, 2022, when a group of Jedi students decided to share the teachings of their masters and keep the philosophy of the Force alive in the lands of the Navel of the Moon.
The academy blends elements of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic roots with Mandalorian culture, and its name perfectly reflects this fusion: “Iztli” means obsidian in Nahuatl, while “Kyber” refers to the crystals that give life to lightsabers. Furthermore, “Academy” is written in Aurebesh, one of the most iconic alphabets in the Star Wars universe.
What is lightsaber combat?
For some, using a lightsaber and dressing up as Luke Skywalker might seem like just a game. But for those who practice this discipline, it goes far beyond a characterization or a love for the saga created by George Lucas: it’s a sport.
In other parts of the galaxy—or rather, the world—lightsaber combat is already a professional practice. The clearest example is France, a country that officially recognized this style of combat as a sport in April 2018 through the French Fencing Federation. Tournaments are even held, and there are official rules for competitions.
Although in Mexico that still seems like a distant dream, there are clubs and academies like Iztli Kyber that seek to offer a space for sporting and artistic recreation, always promoting values such as respect, discipline, and teamwork.
“It brings together communities and many people from all walks of life: couples, families, children, siblings; we have all kinds of people in the community. It’s a very important part of personal growth,” said instructor Anna Abril Aranda in an interview with Chilango.
In addition to practicing lightsaber combat inspired by Star Wars, the academy in Mexico City incorporates various disciplines and martial arts, such as fencing and weapons combat. It also seeks to introduce its students to other physical and cultural expressions, such as capoeira.
What do they teach at the Star Wars academy in Mexico City?
As part of the program, Iztli Kyber students use a ranking system to show their progress, as if they were part of the Mandalorian warrior culture. Similar to taekwondo, students receive a white belt upon starting, which changes color as their experience increases.
“Beginners learn like children arriving at the Jedi Temple: basic cuts, defenses, and sensing the Force. We even have a philosophical aspect… we meditate and reflect on the classes,” he explained.
There are around seven ranks, which can be achieved with dedication in a relatively short time. However, everything depends on the students’ skill and the trust they place in the Force to guide them on their path.
“It depends a lot on the consistency they give to what they want to dedicate themselves to. In terms of time, I would say approximately a year to advance to the next rank,” he mentioned.
Like Jedi warriors, students must make their own lightsaber. However, they don’t need to acquire a crystal like in the saga: they can buy a commercially available one with built-in LED lights and sounds, or even try to build one with their own materials.
During the classes, the students perform a basic warm-up to prevent injuries. Furthermore, they can choose between the athletic side, participating in fights, or the artistic side, becoming part of a choreographed performance.
But the learning doesn’t stop at the academy. Students also compete in tournaments and perform at pop culture events, such as Star Fan Day in Mexico City.
Where is the Star Wars Academy in Mexico City?
All you need is a medical certificate and to sign the internal regulations, accepting the risks inherent in a contact sport. The first class is free; afterward, each session costs $80, or you can purchase a monthly membership for $600, which includes 12 classes.
The academy has two locations. The first is in Parque Pípila, where classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It is located on José María Roa Bárcenas, in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of the Cuauhtémoc borough, very close to the Chabacano Metro station.
The second location is at Umbral Dance Studio, located at San Antonio Abad 306, Suite 11, in the Asturias neighborhood of the Cuauhtémoc borough. Classes at this location are held only on Saturdays from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
In a city as vast as Mexico City, spaces like Iztli Kyber demonstrate that the passion for Star Wars can go far beyond mere fandom. Here, the Force isn’t just imagined: it’s trained, shared, and becomes a tool for personal growth. Because, in the end, no matter which galaxy you’re in, the path of the Jedi always begins with the first step.
Source: chilango
