ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- This weekend, from May 5 to May 8, the 2023 U.S.A. National Ludosport Tournament is taking place in Elmira Heights at the Center in the Heights. 

Ludosport is a competition similar to fencing that spawned in Italy about 20 years ago. Since then, it has spread to over 12 countries. Participants wear clothing similar to costumes worn by actors in the Star Wars franchise.

"It is more of a fencing, it's less of a martial art, it's more of a fun fencing. We're fighting with each other rather than against each other," said Jeremy Keller, the head of the Finger Lakes Ludosport Academy.

The National Ludosport Tournament features contestants from Ludosport academies across the country. Referees officiating the event will be traveling to the Southern Tier from oversees.

The tournament will be live-streamed here.

You can find more information about Ludosport here.