James Keith
Biography coming soon.
Your people.
Your practice.
Indy Lightsaber Academy brings Central Indiana together through structured martial arts, movement and a shared interest in the extraordinary.
Arrive curious. Build a skill. Find people who are glad you came.
There’s a method
to the movement.
Structured lightsaber training based on Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) principles. Training brings together weapon forms, exercise and instructor-approved sparring.
Complete beginners and people of varying fitness levels are welcome. Regular classes are for ages 15 and older.
Start with control.
Your first class introduces Form I basics and proper weapon handling, along with an initial Academy waiver. Instructors help you learn the foundations before adding complexity.
Find your form.
A 7-level progression gives you room to explore different forms or focus on mastering one. Practice can be about developing skill, getting moving and being part of the group.
Work toward sparring.
Instructors determine readiness based on control, following instructions and consistent attendance. You can participate for exercise and community without pursuing competition.
Regular classes are on hiatus.
The new day, time, and location are still being confirmed. The Fall Clinic has its own venue and age groups; its arrangements do not establish the regular-class schedule.
Class and event updatesThe people behind
the practice.
Built through a shared interest.
Michael Tucker’s founding work and development of the Academy’s systems and lightsaber forms helped shape its training. Doug Trefun was a co-founder and is no longer involved.
This is a brief account of the confirmed history. The Academy’s fuller history and final narrative are still being reviewed.
For independently reported historical background, read Towne Post’s March 25, 2026 coverage. Historical articles do not establish the current schedule, location or leadership.
Read the Towne Post articleA question before your first step?
The same Academy inquiry channel serves newcomers and event organizers.
Visit ContactMeet the instructors.
Select an instructor to read their story.
Kelly Snyder
Kelly Snyder’s journey with Indy Lightsaber Academy began 10 years ago, when she saw its first Star Wars Day demonstration at the Fishers Library. She was immediately jealous that the fun was for kids like hers instead of adults like her!
After a decade of classes, sparring, tournaments and more than a few well-placed saber strikes, Kelly is now ILA’s Form VI instructor.
Her favorite thing about the Academy? “Besides poking people in the belly? Being with the people, of course!” The most important thing Kelly has learned is that she’s more capable than she once gave herself credit for. To her, Indy Lightsaber Academy has never been only about lightsabers. It’s about challenging yourself, building confidence and finding a community that makes every class, match and adventure better.
Jennifer Campbell
Jennifer has been with the Indy Lightsaber Academy since 2018: first as a student then as an instructor. She loves the confidence and strength the Indy Lightsaber Academy has taught her. Her favorite style is Form IV, a two saber technique that skates around an opponent’s defense.