By Moses Leos III

From an early age, Buda resident and New York native Paul Trupia has been a fan of the “Star Wars” mythos ever since he saw the original film in theaters in 1977.

But as a fan of costuming and lightsaber fighting, Trupia discovered a group that could help him and many others make their dreams of living in the Star Wars universe a reality. 

Through the Saber Guild, a Lucasfilm recognized international non-profit lightsaber performance group, Trupia and other Central Texans not only perform in costume at conventions, but also for worthy causes.  

“Being able to act out and perform choreographed lightsaber combat, the kids love it,” Trupia said. “It’s performing for kids and fans and being able to raise some funds for worthy causes, which is a huge part of what we do.”

Trupia’s interest in lightsaber fighting began after attending comic conventions in New York in 2008. It was at that time he interacted with a group of New Yorkers who were in Jedi Knight costume.  

The group piqued Trupia’s interest, as its choreography went beyond what other Star Wars groups did, he said. He cited groups such as the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, which attend conventions and movie premieres in costume.

“You just support the event in costume. You stand and take pictures,” Trupia said. “But a storm trooper can’t fire a blaster. An X-wing pilot can’t fly an X-wing. But a Jedi has a lightsaber and can do stuff with it. That’s what the Saber Guild allows.”

It wasn’t until after moving to Texas in 2010 when Trupia decided to commit and join a lightsaber fighting group. Once Disney acquired Lucasfilms, Trupia said the company began to “tighten the reins” on costuming groups.

It led Trupia to join Saber Guild in 2014. A year later, he was elected as the local director of Jakku Temple, which services the Central Texas area.

Through the Saber Guild, interested members learn the “nine count” technique for lightsaber fighting using “padded sabers,” which are PVC pipes wrapped in insulation, Trupia said.

Members progress and learn the techniques, which Trupia said takes about four weeks. Students are introduced to the various techniques used by Star Wars characters such as Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi.

But the primary focus above all, Trupia said, is on safety. He said the intent of the nine count technique is to never to hit anyone.

“When you look at performances, it’s totally choreographed and not martial. You’re not trying to hit someone,” he said. “You may take a strike, but when everything goes according to plan, no one’s ever hit. That’s the beauty of it.”

While training only lasts roughly four weeks, Trupia said the most time consuming aspect is creating a costume, which must meet standards. Trupia said creating a costume can cost upward of $275. The cost doesn’t include “combat sabers,” which range from $150 to $1,200.

San Antonio resident Stephanie Pena, who is currently creating her costume, said she has budgeted $300 for her costume. While she said it’s been a challenge, obtaining a costume that meets the standard is her goal.

“I don’t want to have a half-done costume,” Pena said. “I want to have one that’s to the standards and me getting approved.”

Through Jakku Temple, Trupia, along with his wife, Heather, and other members have performed at various events and venues.

Those range from attending various comic-cons, to Round Rock Express baseball games, to the Buda Wiener Dog Races, and the premier of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”.

“It’s nice to be able to get together with your brothers and sisters to perform on an international level,” Trupia said.

Cass Garcia, assistant local director at Jakku Temple and also an avid Star Wars fan, said he enjoys the thrill of live performances on big stages.

“From hockey games to baseball games, to performing in San Antonio and Austin, that roar of people when you’re doing your best and you strive for excellence, it’s amazing,” Garcia said.

Giving back to the community, whether it’s visiting children in hospitals or fundraising for charitable causes, is paramount for the members of Jakku Temple. Garcia said the Saber Guild works with non-profits such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“It’s not only engaging your passion and having a wonderful time, but also to make a difference,” Garcia said. “The opportunity to raise funds and awareness for different charities.”

The philanthropic aspect of the Saber Guild was a “huge reason” for Pena to join.

“It does mean a lot to me. It’s more than just Star Wars fans performing,” Pena said. “That’s why I wanted to join these guys. They’re like the real life Jedi.”