Buffalo Saber Academy

Buffalo Saber Academy

Buffalo Saber Academy blends the excitement and imagination of science-fiction saber combat with the proven principles of traditional martial arts weapon systems from around the world. This is not simply a lightsaber club. It is a true martial arts academy dedicated to the study of blade movement, combat strategy, timing, distance, footwork, and weapon mastery.

Students will explore concepts inspired by the elegant cutting methods of the Japanese Katana, the battlefield traditions of the Burmese Dha, the powerful and fluid techniques of the Chinese Saber, and the dynamic stick and sword systems of the Filipino Martial Arts. These time-tested warrior traditions provide the foundation upon which our saber curriculum is built.
Every class combines authentic martial arts principles with the energy and excitement of modern saber combat, creating a training experience that is both educational and unforgettable.
What truly sets Buffalo Saber Academy apart is its instruction.
Classes are taught by world-renowned Filipino martial artist Datu Tim Hartman, one of the most respected weapon-based martial arts instructors in the world. With decades of experience teaching internationally, training thousands of students, producing generations of black belts, choreographing fight scenes for film, and preserving traditional weapon arts, Datu Hartman brings a depth of knowledge rarely found in any weapon-based training program.
His passion has always been helping students discover that a weapon is more than something held in the hand-it is a teacher of timing, focus, awareness, discipline, and personal growth.
Buffalo Saber Academy is designed for students of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you are picking up a training weapon for the first time, a lifelong fan of science-fiction adventures, or an experienced martial artist looking to expand your understanding of weapon combat, there is something here for you.
This is truly a school for the weapon martial arts connoisseur.
At its core, Buffalo Saber Academy is a combat-oriented training program. Students who wish to challenge themselves will learn practical application and eventually participate in controlled sparring environments where strategy, skill, and timing come to life.
Yet combat is only one part of the journey.
Some students are drawn to the beauty of forms and flow drills. Others enjoy choreographed demonstrations, performance opportunities, fitness training, or simply the joy of learning something unique. Whether your goal is sparring, demonstrations, forms, exercise, self-improvement, or pure enjoyment, there is a place for you within our academy.
No matter where you begin, you will discover a welcoming community of students united by a shared passion for the blade.
Ancient warriors trained beneath castle walls, in jungles, on battlefields, and in temples.
Today, we train among the stars.