August 17th, 2025

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.

• Round 1 Highlights:
  • Isom’s relentless offense outlasted DelVecchio 17-15.
  • Fournier edged Cook 12-11 in a lightning-fast clash.
  • McKenna held off Myers 12-9 after a late rally.
  • Early overwhelmed Roland Balmediano 18-9 with explosive attacks.
• Round 2:
  • Zavala neutralized Isom’s aggression, winning 17-5.
  • Watson upset Fournier 16-8 by adopting a patient, counter-heavy style.
• Semifinals:
  • Zavala met Sprague in a battle of titans, controlling the pace to win 14-6.
  • McKenna countered Watson’s pressure, advancing 9-5 despite a brilliant mid-fight rally from Watson.
• Third Place Match:
  Watson, confident after beating Sprague in pools, couldn’t replicate the result. Sprague used his reach and defense to shut her down, securing third place.

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.

• Zavala struck first with a sharp wrist shot.
• McKenna answered with a hilt strike.
• Zavala leapt left, landing on McKenna’s shoulder.
• With seconds left, McKenna lunged to tie—but Zavala sidestepped and countered cleanly.

With that, Bobby Zavala claimed the Saber Light Summer Open Championship and the SaberNeo saber prize.

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.

• Team Empire (Roland Balmediano, Vince DelVecchio, Michael Sprague) went undefeated to seize the crown.
• Team Nally Joe (Ally Fournier, Josh Isom, Nathaniel Early) fought their way to second.
• Southern Comfort (McKenna, Zavala, Watson) rounded out the podium in third.

Special thanks to SaberNeo for sponsoring the event and to Laughing Dragon Kung Fu for hosting an unforgettable tournament.