RSS Feed
 Saber Light Knights Shine at The Kumite Classic This past weekend, Saber Light Knights sent three fighters to The Kumite Classic, held at the Pittsburgh Power Open. Representing the academy were Headmaster Ryan McKenna, Instructor Em Watson, and Padawan Matthew McKenna. The team competed across multiple divisions, including kata, foam saber, and LED saber events, bringing home strong performances, podium finishes, and championship gold.
The day began with Instructor Em Watson striking gold in the Adult LED Kata Division, where she captured the championship with a powerful rendition of Shii-Cho Kata. Her performance impressed the judges and set the tone for the weekend. The only note for improvement? We’ll keep working on that exit bow. Next, six-year-old Matthew McKenna stepped into the ring for the Ages 6–10 Foam Standard Saber Division. Despite some early reluctance, Matthew found his courage, entered the ring, and won his first match convincingly. From there, he never looked back. He battled his way through the division and finished with an outstanding second-place performance after a sudden-death loss to ten-year-old Rei Stagmena. Matthew returned to competition in the Mixed Weapons Foam Saber Division. Despite having no prior experience using Jar Kai, his footwork, movement, and ring awareness allowed him to excel once again. After several hard-fought matches, Matthew once more found himself facing Rei in the finals. Rei came away victorious again, but Matthew’s performance was excellent and showed tremendous growth, courage, and competitive spirit. Then it was time for the Adult LED Standard Division. Em faced a tough field and battled her way to a strong fourth-place finish. Headmaster Ryan McKenna won both of his matches, ultimately taking the championship after a dramatic sudden-death face-off. The final event for Saber Light Knights was the Mixed Weapons LED Division, where both Em and Ryan competed using Jar Kai. The division featured several epic battles, with McKenna finishing first overall and Em earning third place. Overall, Saber Light Knights had an outstanding showing at the Pittsburgh Power Open. The team competed with honor, grace, and determination, bringing home championships, podium finishes, and valuable experience. We truly enjoyed The Kumite Classic and look forward to returning next year.
0 Comments
 Starfighter 2026: A Night of Champions in Fishersville, Virginia
This past weekend, fighters from across the country converged on Fishersville, Virginia for Starfighter 2026—a showcase of elite talent, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. The festivities kicked off Friday evening with a series of Championship Exhibition Matches, pitting Virginia’s finest against some of the best fighters in the nation. Kennedy vs. Gordon — Precision vs. Defense Kevin Kennedy and Matthew Gordon opened the night with a nail-biting contest. Kennedy fought with calculated aggression, consistently applying pressure while staying just outside of Gordon’s defensive comfort zone. Quick leg shots paired with sharp uppercuts allowed Kevin to control the pace. Gordon, known for his strong defense and crisp footwork, answered with several beautiful parry-ripostes, but couldn’t quite close the gap. Result: Kevin Kennedy wins 2-0 Jerome vs. Litvin — Adjustments and Resolve Next up, Kristi Jerome faced Katriel Litvin of Kyber Kai Academy in a bout defined by adaptability and grit. Kristi came out strong, landing precise strikes that slowed Litvin early. Katriel, however, made key adjustments—utilizing lateral movement and exceptional ring awareness to shift momentum. Once she found her rhythm, she never looked back. Result: Katriel Litvin wins 2-0 Cameron vs. Sprague — A Battle of Timing Andy “Mr. Fabulous” Cameron squared off against Michael Sprague in a technical duel of positioning and timing. Sprague edged out the first match with well-placed wrist shots. Cameron responded in the second with aggressive pressure and near-perfect distance control, forcing a decisive third match. In the final seconds, trailing 5-4, Andy launched a bold sliding attack—only to be met with a perfectly timed counter to the head. Result: Michael Sprague wins 6-4 and takes the series Cole-Cameron vs. Pritchard — Clash of Titans In one of the night’s most anticipated matchups, Women’s World Champion Shannon Cole-Cameron faced Virginia’s own Liz Pritchard—ranked #1 and #2 in the world.
Main Event: Wu vs. Smith — A Chess Match of Legends The headline bout featured two icons: Jie Wu and “The People’s Champion” Chicco Smith. This was a masterclass in adaptation and strategy. Jie Wu, renowned for his tactical brilliance, carefully tracked Chicco’s explosive speed and lightning-fast thrusts.
A Night to Remember Every fighter brought their best to the floor. The skill was elite, the intensity undeniable, and the sportsmanship exemplary. Win or lose, each competitor stepped off the mat having proven something—not just to the crowd, but to themselves. At Starfighter 2026, everyone fought like a champion—and left as one.  ⚔️ Saber Light Knights Invade GalaxyCon ⚔️This past weekend, Saber Light Knights Charlottesville and the Hampton Roads Dojos descended on GalaxyCon for a weekend of community, training, and high-level competition. What began as a demonstration quickly turned into a full-scale showcase of skill, drawing a massive crowd of attendees eager to see exactly what Saber Light Knights is all about.
From the first ignition of blades, it was clear—this wasn’t choreography. This was combat. 🔥 The Saber Light Knight Invitational 🔥The main event of the weekend kicked off Saturday with a single-elimination tournament, featuring some of the academy’s most dynamic fighters. Opening Round Battles The day began with David Graham vs. Joe Balmediano, a clash of styles that immediately set the tone. Joe abandoned his usual Jar’Kai in favor of the pike, leveraging its reach against David’s crossguard. David showcased excellent defensive structure and footwork, staying composed under pressure—but Joe’s range and speed proved decisive. Joe advanced, 41–36. Despite the loss, David’s performance marked clear progression, displaying the kind of control and discipline that signals the next level is within reach. Next came Roland Balmediano vs. Mychal Mendoza in a pure Jar’Kai mirror match—a technical duel defined by precision and timing. Every strike met a block, every opening closed instantly. When it ended, even the fighters themselves weren’t sure who had taken it. **Mychal edged it out, 48–47—**the closest match of the day. Semifinal Showdowns Joe returned to face Em Watson, switching back to Jar’Kai to meet her on equal ground. What followed was one of the most electric exchanges of the tournament. Strikes came too fast to track—yet somehow, nearly every one was met with a parry. Joe pressed forward with relentless aggression and surprising fluidity, while Em countered with disciplined defense and lightning-fast ripostes. In the end, Em’s composure and timing carried her through. Em Watson advances, 51–44. On the opposite side, Mychal Mendoza faced Headmaster Kristi Jerome in a fascinating clash of systems--Kali vs. Silat, both expressed through Jar’Kai. Kristi fought with precision and control, but Mychal’s adaptability and pressure proved too much to overcome. Mychal advanced, 44–37. 🥉 Third Place Match Kristi squared off against Joe for third place, and Joe returned once again to the pike. As with earlier matches, the weapon’s reach and Joe’s footwork created a difficult puzzle to solve. Kristi battled hard but couldn’t close the distance effectively. Joe Balmediano secures 3rd place. 🏆 Championship Match The final saw Knight Mychal Mendoza take on Apprentice Em Watson for the Championship Ring. Mychal made a strategic shift to the pike, while Em stayed true to her Jar’Kai. Coming off a grueling semifinal, Em showed signs of fatigue—but her defense remained sharp. Mychal capitalized on range and precision, landing clean, efficient strikes while controlling distance. Em rallied late with aggressive beat attacks and forward pressure, but the gap proved too great to close. Mychal Mendoza claims the Championship, 38–23. ⚔️ Beyond the Tournament The action didn’t stop with the finals. Following the tournament, Saber Light Knights opened the floor to the crowd—running drills and inviting attendees to step into the arena for foam melee combat. Participants chose their knight and entered the fray, with several proving surprisingly formidable. It wasn’t just a demonstration—it was an invitation. And many answered. 🌌 Final Thoughts By the end of the weekend, one thing was undeniable: Saber Light Knights didn’t just attend GalaxyCon—we made an impact. From high-level competitive bouts to hands-on engagement with the crowd, the event showcased not just what we do—but who we are. A community. A discipline. A proving ground. And for those who stepped in… The beginning of their journey.  Tennessee Claims the Appalachian Cup Championship Series, While Virginia Dominates at the Tri-State RegionalThis past weekend, fighters from across the East Coast gathered for the Tri-State Saber Legion Regional Event, held alongside the Appalachian Cup Championship Series. While the regional tournament welcomed competitors from around the country, the Championship Series itself was reserved for elite fighters from West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, all battling for the title of Best in Appalachia for the coming year. Hosted by the West Virginia Moffman, the event was exceptionally well run and a pleasure to attend.
Virginia entered the weekend as the defending Appalachian Cup champion, having claimed the title last year. While another state ultimately walked away with the Cup in 2025, Virginia’s depth and consistency were on full display throughout the weekend—a theme that unfolded across multiple divisions and disciplines. Saturday: Standard Division (Regional)The weekend opened with a 30-fighter Standard Division, beginning with pool play before splitting competitors into elimination and redemption brackets. The top two fighters from each pool advanced to eliminations, setting the stage for several high-level matchups early in the bracket. One of the first major upsets came when Nevan Lucas (TN) edged out reigning World Champion Bobby Zavala (TN), 6–5, in a contest defined by timing and precision. Lucas’ ability to capitalize on small openings proved decisive. Ryan McKenna (VA) faced Akaya Robey (WV) in a clash of styles—McKenna’s precision versus Robey’s disciplined defense and measure. McKenna advanced, continuing Virginia’s strong showing. Lucas’ run was halted by Isaac Coffey (VA), whose superior range and athleticism secured the victory. Meanwhile, Michael Sprague (VA) outdueled Clayton Baggett (TN) in a cerebral exchange of timing and distance. One of the most anticipated bouts of the early rounds featured Jieyu Wu (MA) against Anthony Robertson (VA). Wu’s experience and timing collided with Robertson’s speed and precision in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw Robertson advance, 7–5. SemifinalsThe semifinals featured four Virginia fighters, underscoring the state’s dominance.
The championship bout featured McKenna vs. Robertson, a fast-paced clash marked by Robertson’s relentless pressure and McKenna’s measured counters. Regulation ended tied at 5–5. In sudden death, Robertson maintained his aggression, cornering McKenna and landing the decisive point to secure his first Standard Division championship. Redemption DivisionThe Redemption Division featured 12 fighters, delivering a series of stylistic contrasts. Highlights included:
In the final, Pajares built an early lead, but Adcock adjusted mid-fight, matching speed with superior timing and measure. Adcock emerged as the Redemption Division Champion. Sunday: Tag Team DivisionThree teams remained undefeated after pool play:
In the championship match, Clobby built an early lead and ultimately held off a late surge by Smoking Wreckage to win 9–7, claiming the Tag Team Championship. Exotic Weapons DivisionThe Exotic Weapons bracket featured an exceptionally strong Virginia presence. Early rounds saw:
ChampionshipThe final featured Zavala vs. Sprague, and Sprague wasted no time. Unleashing relentless pressure and superior range, he overwhelmed Zavala to claim the Exotic Weapons Championship, marking one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. Final TakeawayWhile Tennessee ultimately captured the Appalachian Cup Championship Series, Virginia’s dominance across the Tri-State Regional divisions was undeniable. With championships, podium finishes, and deep bracket runs across every division, Virginia reaffirmed itself as one of the most formidable forces in modern saber combat. The rivalry continues—and the road to next year’s Appalachian Cup has officially begun. Praxeum 2025 – A Wrap-Up Praxeum 2025 is officially in the books! This year brought together an incredible array of talent, featuring fighters and instructors from six states and seven academies/organizations. Over three action-packed days, we celebrated community, skill, and the love of saber combat in all its forms. Event Highlights Friday kicked off with classes from six world-renowned instructors, offering fighters the chance to level up and sharpen their skills. Saturday featured: Our Standard Continuous Tournament The exciting Aiken Saber Academy Foam Tournament Sunday closed out with: The Mixed Weapons Continuous Ruleset The debut of the Tornado Ruleset with lighter blades Followed by exclusive 1-on-1 instruction with: Alan Venable Richard Marsden Candace Blascke Alec Martinez Each tournament format spotlighted different aspects of combat, which was clearly reflected on the podium when the dust settled. Gratitude & Shoutouts Massive thanks to all of the fighters and instructors — your presence and passion made this event possible. Tony Negron and Aiken Saber Academy. Thank you for teaching us a new ruleset and all the hilarity that ensued. Richard Marsden, thank you for donating your time, traveling across the country, and teaching a new generation of students without stepping onto the competitive floor. Jared Graham, your perseverance, expert instruction, and officiating made a huge difference. Melodie Graham, thank you for traveling, organizing, and stepping in to direct when needed. Candace Blaschke, your classes and extra instruction during free sparring were phenomenal. Alec Martinez, you continue to embody everything we strive for — cool, collected, kind, and deadly. Tripp, your guidance and presence at just the right moments are always appreciated. Alan Venable, Saber Journeyman, thank you for your excellent classes and the joy and light you bring to every event. Thank You to Our Sponsors We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their continued support: Rebel Sabers & Niki Figgins – for your generosity and top-tier sabers at a fair price. Shabby Sabers – makers of carbon fiber pikes and universal saber chassis (hint hint). Aetherium Anvil – thank you for backing Starfighter and for the awesome projects in the works. Celtic Customs – for your fantastic staffs and sabers and ongoing support of Saber Light Knights. SaberNeo – for Alan’s new gorgeous shelf queen (and yes, the 15 minutes of internet fame)! Tournament Results Standard Saber Podium 1st: Chicco Smith (Saber Light Knights) — undefeated 2nd: Ryan McKenna (Saber Light Knights) 3rd: Clint Darby (Maryland TSL) Standard Saber Academy Awards 1st: Saber Light Knights – Charlottesville 2nd: Aiken Saber Academy 3rd: Maryland TSL Aiken Foam Tournament 1st: Vince DelVecchio (Saber Light Knights – Hampton Roads) 2nd: Ryan McKenna (Saber Light Knights – Charlottesville) 3rd: isaac DesRocher(Aiken Saber Academy) Mixed Weapons Division 1st: Vince DelVecchio (Saber Light Knights – Hampton Roads) 2nd: Alec Martinez (Crossroads Saber) 3rd: Ryan McKenna (Saber Light Knights – Charlottesville) Tornado Division 1st: Alan Venable (Phoenix Saber Academy) 2nd: Ryan McKenna (Saber Light Knights – Charlottesville) 3rd: Mychal Mendoza (Saber Light Knights – Charlottesville) Thank you all for making Praxeum 2025 such an incredible event. We look forward to seeing you again next year! May the saber guide you, and may your strikes always be true. — The Praxeum Team   Zavala Dominates Saber Light Summer Open This past weekend, 16 fighters from Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia converged on Laughing Dragon Kung Fu in Charlottesville, Virginia, for the Saber Light Summer Open. Representing six schools, the event drew some of the East Coast’s finest competitors. The battles were fierce, but in the end, only one fighter could claim the title of Champion. Pool PlayPool A featured TSL World Champion Bobby Zavala against Saber Light Knights standouts Mychal Mendoza, Joe Balmediano, and Kevin Kennedy. Zavala swept the group 3-0, though Mendoza’s stout defense and quick footwork nearly forced an upset. Joe claimed second with victories over Mendoza and Kennedy, while Kennedy fought hard, gaining valuable experience. Pool B showcased Light Speed National Champion Ryan McKenna, joined by Josh Isom (Tennessee), David Cook (SLK), and Nathaniel Early (Fredericksburg, VA). McKenna narrowly escaped an upset, edging Isom 10-9. Isom’s strong footwork carried him to second place. Cook displayed sharp attacks and trademark mobility, while Early impressed with quick lateral movement despite going winless. Pool C—nicknamed the party pool—featured Roland Balmediano and Vince DelVecchio (SLK), alongside Ally Fournier (Tennessee) and Ken Myers (Rockville Saber Academy). In one of the tournament’s most entertaining groups, Roland kept spirits high with his trademark sportsmanship: “Great shot, so good!” After a three-way tie at 2-1, Roland advanced on point differential. Pool D demanded patience and precision. Michael Sprague (Freedom Fighters/SLK) squared off with David Graham, Kristi Jerome, and Em Watson (SLK). Watson broke from her usual acrobatics, relying on measured counters to win the pool. Sprague advanced second with clinical precision, Graham placed third with raw aggression, while Jerome showed poise and resilience throughout. Elimination Rounds With all fighters advancing, the bracket quickly intensified.
The FinalsThe championship bout pitted TSL World Champion Bobby Zavala against Light Speed National Champion Ryan McKenna in a clash of styles. Both opened cautiously, probing for the smallest opening.
3v3 Annihilation The day closed with the high-energy 3v3 Annihilation event, a single-elimination team battle where strategy mattered as much as skill. Each team chose a fighter for each exchange, like a live-action chess match.
Special thanks to SaberNeo for sponsoring the event and to Laughing Dragon Kung Fu for hosting an unforgettable tournament. Saber Light Knights Bring the Heat to Las Vegas at TSL IX!
Las Vegas saw sparks fly last weekend as the Saber Light Knights stormed The Saber Legion’s TSL IX World Championships at the Flamingo Casino — the final CombatCon in history! Headmaster Ryan McKenna, Paladin David Graham, and Initiate Em Watson clashed with some of the best saber fighters from across the country, battling in multiple divisions and delivering standout performances.
Next stop: TSL X – Minneapolis, 2026. The Knights will be ready. Will you? Saberstrong 2025
Five members of the Saber Light Knights traveled to Nashville, Tennessee last month to compete in the 4th annual Saberstrong event. Hosted at Mount Juliet Taekwondo, a regional powerhouse, the tournament featured over forty fighters from across the country. The beautiful facility provided a fair and fun competition environment, as always. Master’s Division (50+) Michael Sprague and David Graham represented Saber Light Knights in the Masters division. In a tough match between teammates, Michael bested David in pool play and advanced to the semifinals. There, he faced Mikael Pfeiffer of Chattanooga, Tennessee. With his trademark patience and precision, Michael claimed the victory. In the finals, he met Vince Toscano of West Virginia. Despite a valiant effort, Sprague couldn’t find an answer to Vince’s explosive attacks and secured a well-earned second place. Women’s Division Em Watson competed in the women’s round-robin tournament, where each fighter faced every other in the division. Em displayed poise and her signature superhero stances throughout the day. She finished with a 2-3 record, earning fourth place. The division was won by Natascha Silva of Nashville, followed by Nikki Figgins of Rebel Sabers in second and newcomer Katriel Litvin of West Virginia in third. Exotics Division The exotics division boasted a stacked field. Headmaster Ryan McKenna took on Vince DelVecchio of SLK Virginia Beach in an intense clash of pike masters. Ryan’s experience and precision earned him the win. He next faced Clayton Baggett of Nashville, a former world #1 in mixed weapons. In a thrilling match of range and speed vs intelligence and precision, McKenna prevailed again. Ryan’s next challenge came from reigning World Champion Bobby Zavala. In a highly technical bout, Ryan edged out a 3-2 win. The final match pitted him against Vince Toscano, where Ryan’s superior timing and distance control proved decisive. Dodging Vince’s aggressive strikes, McKenna countered effectively and claimed 1st place in the division. Redemption Bracket Em Watson and David Graham entered the redemption bracket for another shot at glory. Em faced rising star Katriel Litvin in a fierce match where Katriel’s athleticism narrowly edged Em’s precision, 7-6. David Graham, buoyed by coaching from Sprague and McKenna, found his rhythm. With quick footwork and deep experience, he defeated Adam Tucker, James Knox, and Enrique Rodriguez. However, like Em, his run ended at the hands of Katriel Litvin in another nail-biter, with Katriel winning 6-5. Standard Division (Main Event) Michael Sprague, Vince DelVecchio, and Ryan McKenna competed in the standard division. Vince started strong against Aaron Nichols of Kentucky, using speed and range to secure the win. He then faced World Champion Bobby Zavala but couldn’t overcome Bobby’s formidable defense. Sprague opened against Isaiah Pajares, a HEMA fighter from Chattanooga known for lightning speed and acrobatic attacks. Michael countered with calm precision and took the win. In his next match, he faced Nashville’s own Nathan England. Despite a strong performance, Sprague couldn’t surpass England’s precision, and Nathan advanced. McKenna opened against Zachary Topping of Kentucky. Despite Zachary’s aggressive style, Ryan’s patience paid off. He then faced Vince Toscano, whose powerful offense once again clashed with McKenna’s tactical defense. Ryan triumphed, advancing to the semifinals. However, Bobby Zavala ended McKenna’s championship run with characteristic control and technique. McKenna then faced Nathan England in the third-place match. This time, Ryan’s defense held strong, securing the win and third place. Championship Match In one of the day’s most exciting matchups, Andy Cameron of Wisconsin faced Bobby Zavala in the championship. Andy’s relentless two-handed attacks tested Bobby’s signature defense. The match was fast-paced and featured numerous simultaneous hits. In the end, Bobby edged out Andy 5-4 to take the championship title.  Saber Light Knights: Spring Tournament Highlights
The past few months have been action-packed for the Saber Light Knights, with standout performances across multiple prestigious events. GalaxyCon Richmond – March In March, the Saber Light Knights attended GalaxyCon in Richmond, Virginia, where we proudly hosted our 5th Saber Light Knight Invitational Tournament. The event featured a mixed weapons competition in a continuous, single-elimination format. Liz Pritchard emerged victorious, claiming the championship title after a nail-biting pike duel against Mychal Mendoza. Em Watson and David Cook competed for third place, with Em's speed and agility securing her spot on the podium. Starfighter 2025 – Odentown, Maryland Next, we traveled to Odentown, Maryland, for Starfighter 2025, where 36 fighters put their skills to the test. In the Standard Division, Headmaster Ryan McKenna clinched 3rd place after an intense sudden-death bout with World Champion Bobby Zavala. Mychal Mendoza delivered another stellar performance, finishing 2nd in the Redemption Bracket. Despite a relentless offensive from Lane Cash of Freedom Fighters, Mendoza adapted skillfully, narrowly missing the top spot. Kristi had battled Akaya Robey of Kyber Kai for 3rd place, but Akaya’s speed proved too much to overcome. In the women’s bracket, Liz Pritchard continued her winning streak, taking 1st place after a decisive victory over Women’s World Champion Shannon Cole-Cameron. Kristi Jerome of Saber Light Knights Hampton Roads fought valiantly but fell short against Natascha Zavala in a close contest, finishing 4th. In the Mixed Weapons Division, Ryan McKenna earned 3rd place following a technical duel with Maryland’s Jay Madan. Meanwhile, in the Masters Division, Michael Sprague fought fiercely to secure 2nd place against Vincent Toscano of West Virginia. Ragnarok – Minneapolis, Minnesota Headmaster McKenna then journeyed to Minneapolis to compete in Ragnarok. There, he partnered with World Champion Bobby Zavala in the tag team division as “The Other Guys.” The duo delivered an impressive performance, taking 1st place. Ryan also took 2nd in the mixed weapons division, once again facing Zavala in a thrilling final. Pittsburgh Power Open – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Last weekend, Ryan McKenna and Em Watson competed at the Pittsburgh Power Open. McKenna earned 3rd place in the Forms/Kata Division and triumphed in Standard Point Fighting, defeating Nik Palmer of Twin Ravens Fencing Academy to take 1st. Em Watson also delivered a strong showing, besting Clint of Ohio to secure 3rd place. In the Continuous Division, McKenna and Palmer met again for the championship. This time, Palmer came out on top in a tightly contested match. Looking Ahead: SaberStrong in Nashville At the end of the month, Vince DelVecchio, Chicco Smith, Michael Sprague, Ryan McKenna, and Em Watson will head to Nashville to compete in SaberStrong, a premier Saber Legion event. We look forward to representing the Saber Light Knights with honor and excellence—and we hope to see you out there cheering us on! Saber Light Knights Shine at the Arnold Classic
Seven knights attended the Kumite at the Arnold Classic this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio. This was a massive tournament featuring fighters from around the country, and it was a landmark event for LED sabers, thanks to the efforts of the Saber Martial Art Practitioners. Special thanks go to Mark Stagmena, Alan Venable, and Kay Sakue for their hard work in making this tournament possible. The SLK roster included Headmaster Ryan McKenna, Sensei Roland Balmediano, Acolyte Clayton Sims, Marauder Chicco Smith, Consular Kristi Jerome, Initiate Em Watson, and Apprentice David Graham. Day 1 - Mixed Weapons Continuous Combat The tournament kicked off with Mixed Weapons Continuous Combat. David Graham impressed with his quick footwork but was ultimately outpaced by Jonathon Pena's experience. Kristi Jerome faced off against Giant John McBrayer of West Virginia and his formidable greatsword. Despite her agility, Kristi couldn't overcome John's range and power. Roland Balmediano squared off against Matthew Dominguez of California in an epic dual-wield showdown. Roland's precise strikes and impeccable timing weren’t quite enough to overcome Dominguez's impressive display of technique. Dominguez advanced. Chicco Smith fought Vince Toscano in a fast-paced match, and Chicco's lightning strikes proved too much for Vince, sending Chicco into the next round. Ryan McKenna faced Matthew Dominguez in a highly anticipated match. Dominguez’s nearly perfect form clashed with McKenna's sharp, quick thrusts, but in a close battle, McKenna advanced. Round 2 - Close Matches and Advancements In round two, Chicco Smith’s saber faced Jonathon Pena’s dual-wielding style. In a tightly contested match, Pena narrowly edged out Chicco with quick parry ripostes. Next, Ryan McKenna faced the Mountain, Jonathon McBrayer, in an intense match. McKenna’s feints and thrusts proved decisive, and he advanced. Round 3 - Climbing the Ranks Chicco Smith faced McBrayer in a battle for third place. With lightning speed, Chicco was able to slip past McBrayer’s greatsword and secure third place. In the final, Ryan McKenna faced Jonathon Pena for the championship. This time, Pena couldn’t find a way around McKenna's long pike, and McKenna claimed the title of champion. Novice Mixed Division - Em Watson's Journey Em Watson competed in the novice mixed division, starting with a strong performance against Rebecca Williams, showcasing solid defense and quick ripostes. Next, Em faced Nick Palmer in the championship match. Despite her best efforts and well-timed ripostes, Palmer's greatsaber was too much for her to handle. Em took second place. Second Tournament - Standard Continuous Format The second tournament featured the standard continuous format. David Graham faced John McBrayer in a tough first match. McBrayer’s Makashi style overwhelmed David’s Shi Cho, securing John the win. Ryan McKenna faced West Virginia’s Grand Moff Akaya in a closely contested battle. Akaya’s patience and defense carried him through, and he advanced. Chicco Smith fought Brian McNeil next, securing victory with his quick feet and precise thrusts. Roland Balmediano faced Anthony Wazelle of West Virginia in an epic showdown. Roland's precise thrusts and perfect footwork overwhelmed Anthony, allowing Roland to advance. Round 2 - Kristi Jerome and Roland's Journey In round two, Kristi Jerome brought a relentless aggression against Akaya’s defense. In a nail-biting match, Akaya narrowly edged out Kristi. Chicco Smith faced Vince Toscano in a rematch of their previous encounter. Once again, Chicco’s speed and precision won out. Roland then faced Chicco in a battle of skill and endurance. Roland's impeccable timing and thrusts overcame Chicco's relentless assault, sending Roland into the semifinals. In the semifinals, Roland faced Toscano, who displayed patience and strategy to edge out Roland, advancing to the final. In the battle for third place, Roland climbed the metaphorical Mountain McBrayer and secured a close victory. Novice Division - Em Watson’s Final Performance In the novice division, Em Watson advanced to the finals once again. Though she adjusted her strategy and fought well, Nick Palmer’s experience proved too much, and Em took second place once more. Additional Events: Foam Weapon Point Fighting and More The tournament also featured foam weapon point fighting, both standard and mixed divisions. This offered fighters a chance to learn new techniques and experiment with different weapons. There were also Kata and choreography divisions, as well as youth competitions, making it a well-rounded event. Overall, the tournament was a fantastic success, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Saber Martial Art Practitioners for hosting such an epic weekend! |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2026
Categories |