Saber Light Knights Shine at Kumite!

​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!