Toggle Background Video Playback Campus & Beyond Stage Combat Group Wields Swords, Staffs—Even Lightsabers Stories You May Like Student-Run Group Helps Local Residents Who Lack English Fluency Big Red Men’s Rugby Has a Winning Record—and an Inclusive Spirit Plants, Paleontology, and Pickleball Paddles: Student Groups in Photos Founded by a Class of ’06 alum, Ring of Steel trains members to fight—dramatically—with authentic-looking weapons By Melissa Newcomb Most couples have a first dance at their wedding reception. Jacob Lehman ’06 and Jennifer Wholey Lehman ’10 had a sword fight. To music from a Pirates of the Caribbean film, the couple dueled in full bride-and-groom attire in front of their guests—a moment that was years in the making. The two had met through Ring of Steel, a student-run stage combat club that blends martial arts and theater using steel swords, wooden staves, and even lightsabers. John Simpson ’10Jennifer Wholey Lehman ’10 (right) defeats Chris Romeo ’10 on Ho Plaza in 2008. “There’s an intrinsic need for play that never goes away,” says Jennifer, who majored in communication in CALS and now works in Alumni Affairs while serving as Ring of Steel’s staff advisor. “I think that everyone, at least a little bit, wants to feel like a badass, and that you can be the hero in your own story.” I think that everyone, at least a little bit, wants to feel like a badass, and that you can be the hero in your own story. Jennifer Wholey Lehman ’10 Founded by Jacob during his freshman spring in 2003, Ring of Steel trains its members to choreograph and recreate fight scenes inspired by films like Star Wars, Highlander, and The Princess Bride, using replica weapons and costumes. It puts on performances at events like ClubFest and Spring Fest, as well as on May the 4th—a.k.a. “Star Wars Day”—when lightsabers take center stage. David KesslerJacob Lehman ’06 leads combat exercises on the Arts Quad during a Ring of Steel reunion in 2013. (Although Ring of Steel formerly practiced in Risley’s Great Hall, it’s not to be confused with other combat-based pastimes of previous eras—including the staged battles at the hall’s popular Renaissance fairs in the 1970s and the Ithaca chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, known for recreating medieval fights on the front lawn.) While some routines have been passed down through members, new choreography often begins with watching—and rewatching—movie scenes in slow motion, breaking down each movement and reconstructing it step by step. The group trains its members to choreograph and recreate fight scenes inspired by films like Star Wars, Highlander, and The Princess Bride, using replica weapons and costumes. “The majority of fights you see in movies use aluminum weapons that can be moved much more quickly than real, steel weapons,” observes Silochanie Miller ’26, a biological engineering major in CALS who has studied martial arts. “Ours are more historically accurate—but that requires modifications for safety and to make sure the scenes look right.” The group meets three times a week to rehearse, with new members first training with Japanese wooden practice swords called bokken. Stories You May Like Student-Run Group Helps Local Residents Who Lack English Fluency Big Red Men’s Rugby Has a Winning Record—and an Inclusive Spirit Oliver Kennedy, PhD ’11Practicing in Risley in 2008. Members must demonstrate proficiency in footwork and safety protocols—like keeping a proper distance apart—before moving on to steel weapons including rapiers, broadswords, and quarterstaffs. The emphasis, members say, is not on competition, but on ensuring movements are precise, safe, and visually compelling. “Sword performances are collaborative, so we only look good if we’re in sync,” says Jacob. “It gives people that feeling of camaraderie that they may not have found in traditional sports.” Sword performances are collaborative, so we only look good if we’re in sync. It gives people that feeling of camaraderie that they may not have found in traditional sports. Jacob Lehman ’06 A former English major in Arts & Sciences, Jacob developed a passion for stage combat while in high school in Ann Arbor, MI, where he joined the original Ring of Steel—an experience that would inspire him to found the Hill’s group. Over the years, members of the Cornell club have traveled to Michigan during breaks to train with that founding group, learning advanced techniques like wire work, high falls, and fire stunts. Sreang Hok / Cornell UniversityCurrent students train in RPCC. “What attracted me to Ring of Steel is what brings everyone there: the swords,” admits Sadie Shen ’28, a mechanical engineering major in the Duffield College. “You get the promise of swinging swords at your friends—and probably making new ones that you’ll swing swords at, too. But what made me stay was the people.” That sense of connection extends beyond campus. Sherwood TriartThe Lehmans cross swords at their 2011 wedding reception. Many Ring of Steel alumni return to Ithaca for "Ringunions," and five couples who met in the group—including the Lehmans—have tied the knot. (Their reception duel can be viewed here.) “It’s an incredible community,” says Shen. “It’s a specific flavor of very dedicated nerd—but it’s a great flavor.” Top: Current students rehearse with lightsabers. (Sreang Hok / Cornell University) Published April 27, 2026 Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Rocket Science Can Be a Roadmap for Life, Says this Astrophysics Alum Campus & Beyond Remembering Minnie—a Little Horse with a Big Following Bear Hugs Generations Apart, Ice Dancers Are in Perfect Rhythm