This episode I recorded in a park with theatre combat instructor and owner of Sons of Obiwan Saber Academy, Luke Boyton. I met Luke and was introduced to his school whilst filming at Sydney’s Comicon last September. Intrigued by the school’s ethos of teaching its students life skills and resilience through theatre combat and lightsaber skills, I visited their ‘The Temple’ training facility in Tuggerah, New South Wales. I shot a short doc about the school which you can see here. Whilst filming I learned about the great work Luke and his staff are doing through the school, but I also got a glimpse at the fascinating life that Luke has lived so far.

In our chat we trace Luke’s life and influences; from ‘the fire in which he was formed’ - dealing with his mum’s psychopathic behaviour as a child, to DJing professionally around Australia and the World from the age of 15, until later in life when he came to teaching. He’s an incredibly interesting, well-read and humble guy who had much wisdom to bestow, so I hope there’s some pearls that speak to you and if nothing else, a few reading recommendations to get around. I finished Dune recently and give it 3 thumbs up!

For those who don’t know; Theatre combat is a safe, non-contact activity that is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities for those aged ten years and above. Sons of Obiwan staff provide training in European Longsword, Balintawak (Filipino Stick Fighting), Spinning and Tricking combined with movement, athletic and performance skills.

You can look up Luke’s school and keep up to date with everything they’ve got going on via their website here.

Thanks as always for listening and I’ll catch you in the next episode.