For fans attending Star Wars Celebration IV this May, Master Replicas is hosting a competition that will test the saber skills of both Master Jedi and Padawans alike!

In the Jedi Order, the Jedi Trials are challenges which are undertaken by Padawans to earn the title of Jedi Knight. These tests are very often retaken by those Jedi Knights who aspire to earn the rank of Jedi Master, and a seat on the Jedi Council.

The Trials are formal tests administered by the Jedi Council on any Padawan deemed worthy. The Padawan is tested by the Jedi Masters themselves in a controlled setting.

Now, for the very first time, the Council at Master Replicas has opened up the trials for all aspiring Jedi Knights (or, should they choose the path to the Dark Side -- Sith Lords) to come and show their skills with a Force FX Lightsaber.

There will be three separate competitions, and Padawans may enter any one, two or all three. Padawans, please see the rules and regulations for each to determine your eligibility.

FORCE FX BATTLE EXTREME
The first trial is designed to show the dueling skills of a Padawan or Apprentice (or team of Padawans or Apprentices). The competition is to be entered upon by a team of two or more, with a pre-choreographed Force FX lightsaber duel. This controlled dueling demonstration will show not only the skill of the entrants, but also their discipline in learning their routine and their ability to cooperate with their fellow aspiring Jedi Knights or Sith Lords.

FORCE FX MASTER EXHIBITION
Maybe you're a Padawan who finds whacking away at one another simply barbaric... after all, the lightsaber is a refined weapon. In that case, this second trial is for you! The Force FX Master Exhibition is designed for master swordsmen (or swordswomen) to show off their stuff, either as individuals, or as a synchronized team! The competition is to be entered upon by individuals or teams of two or more, with a pre-choreographed Force FX lightsaber exhibition -- highlight your finesse without fighting! This controlled, civilized demonstration -- think of it like synchronized swimming or ice skating, but with sabers! -- will demonstrate not only the skill of the Padawans, but their discipline, their grace, and their flare for the dynamic and dramatic!

FORCE FX FREESTYLE CHALLENGE
Or perhaps, you want the best of both words for your trials -- the adrenaline of competition, combined with the expertise of a solo lightsaber demonstration. If so, then the Force FX Freestyle Challenge is for you! Think of it as a freestyle rap battle, but instead of words and strong beats, you get to use your lightsaber to best your opponent!! (Please, no "yo momma" jokes -- that's not the Jedi way!)

For this trial, our competitors will be randomly inserted into a traditional bracket. Each will be pitted against another Padawan in a Freestyle Lightsaber battle. The first combatant (Padawan A) will have 30 seconds to show his or her stuff, while their opponent watches. (There is to be no contact between sabers during this competition!) Then the second combatant (Padawan B) will have 30 seconds to rebut. Then Padawan A has 30 seconds, and finally Padawan B once again.

Actual competitions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. For official rules and regulations, please visit the official Master Replicas site.