14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re a fan of “Star Wars” and have always dreamed of wielding a lightsaber much in the manner your favorite characters do onscreen, but you’re also looking to get more toned or even lose some pounds, then the New York Jedi class could be your answer. Where geek meets fitness, Master Flynn, 38, has invented this lightsaber workout class that takes place in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and, from what he tells That’sFit, the routine actually works. Plus, it’s loads of fun, no doubt about it.
Flynn, a longtime fan of “Star Wars,” came up with the idea as he was thinking about a way of making fans more familiar with the franchise. A Karate, Kendo and Kung Fu expert as well, Flynn devised this original concept of teaching people how to recreate the choreography of the fight sequences in “Star Wars” – in a manner that also lay plenty of emphasis on losing weight. So far, the New York Jedi classes have proven to be an immense hit, and not only with fans of the franchise, as most of his clients are women, according to his own admission.
“I’ve seen people lose anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. It’s not surprising since fencing and martial arts tend to be grueling workouts that incinerate calories. A 150-pound person can burn more than 400 calories after an hour of fencing and more than 600 through martial arts. But the changes in participants aren’t just physical. They’ve come in very meek and within a month really built up their confidence and self-esteem. It’s also been a gateway for them to try other martial arts.” Flynn explains for the aforementioned source.
So, Luke Skywalker wannabes engage in two-hour long sessions of fencing, martial arts and play-acting, complete with costumes and, of course, lightsabers. So far, reportedly no client has left one such class disappointed, but that could also be because Flynn incorporates a “Blade” routine in it as well, just in case “Star Wars” is not to everyone’s liking. All in all, this is one fun, and definitely unique, way of working the extra pounds off.
“Star Wars” fans can go here for more information on classes, as well as for registration to the New York Jedi community.