'Star Wars' Lightsaber Club Practice -- The Force Is Strong in Battle for Central Park!

We didn't realize it was "Star Wars" week, but after TMZ posted two sets of awesome photos from the set of Episode VII -- we've now captured a real-life "lightsaber" battle in Central Park ... well as real as possible.

These aren't just some random nerds with toys ... they are the Empire Saber Guild, a group that performs at "Star Wars" events around the world and claims to have the blessing of Lucasfilm.

The ESG dudes say the photos we posted of the Millennium Falcon have them super excited for J.J. Abrams' new flick.