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 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.
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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! This past weekend, the Saber Light Knights (SLK) made a notable appearance at the Rockville Saber Academy's Light Speed tournament, showcasing their skills against a competitive field of fighters. The event, which attracted both seasoned veterans and newcomers, proved to be a thrilling display of talent and determination.
In the red pool, Kevin and Emily Watson represented SLK. For Kevin, this tournament marked his debut, and he advanced out of the pool before losing a closely contested match to one of Rockville’s top fighters. Emily, on the other hand, dazzled throughout the tournament with her acrobatic attacks and precise defensive maneuvers, earning respect from both competitors and spectators alike. The blue pool featured a strong lineup, including SLK members Roland Balmediano, Kristi Jerome, Ryan McKenna, and Mychal Mendoza, alongside former member Robert Wharton. Each fighter demonstrated their prowess, successfully advancing out of the pool and securing spots in the elimination rounds. As the eliminations commenced, the competition intensified. Roland faced off against Fredricksburg's Benjamin Brokowski but was unable to secure a victory. Kevin's journey ended similarly as he lost a hard-fought match to Rockville's Ken Myers. The standout match of the round came when Kristi Jerome faced Mychal Mendoza, culminating in a close contest that saw Mychal emerge victorious. Mychal’s next challenge was against Eric Pellicci, a rematch of the finals from the previous Fredricksburg tournament. In a clash characterized by near-perfect defense and aggressive lunges, Eric ultimately triumphed, showcasing the high level of skill present at the tournament. The semi-finals featured a thrilling matchup between Ryan McKenna and Robert Wharton. In a fast-paced duel, Ryan's precision and experience allowed him to overcome Robert’s reach and measure. Down 23 to 18, Ryan executed a series of well-timed strikes, securing a dramatic comeback victory. The finals pitted Ryan McKenna against Maryland's Alex Sackett, who employed lateral movements and lightning-fast strikes to keep Ryan on his toes. However, with clever feints and dodges, Ryan managed to wear down his opponent. In a nail-biting finish, Ryan emerged victorious, solidifying his place as a top contender in the tournament. This year’s tournament not only highlighted the skills of experienced fighters but also welcomed many newcomers eager to prove themselves. The Rockville Saber Academy did an exceptional job hosting the event, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment for all participants. The Saber Light Knights left the tournament with their heads held high, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. With strong performances across the board, they made their school proud and look forward to future competitions. East Coast Rumble
This past weekend, a confederation of best fighters the East Coast has to offer descended on the sleepy town of Middlebrook, Virginia to compete in a set of Championship Series matches. Bragging rights for the Eastern USA were on the line and a chance to compete in an unranked tournament as well. Tennessee, West Virgina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania faced off against a team of Saber Light Knights and Freedom Fighters, Virginia Sentinels all. First , there was an unranked single elimination tournament, including a redemption bracket. The fighters were split into two divisions to meet for the championship. In the Blue ring, newcomer Young Cao travelled from Northern Virginia to compete in his first tournament. A young fighter with plenty of speed to spare, he faced off with Timothy Shaak from Pennsylvania. Young put a fantastic display of speed and precision, but ultimately could not topple Tim’s reach, figher IQ, and patience. Next we had a meeting of old Rivals. Anthony, the bear, Robertson vs Mychal Mendoza. Anthnoy fought as his namesake indicates with ferocity and aggression, Mychal danced like a ballerina. Unfortunately for the bear, Mychal’s mastery of measure and quick counter attacks won the day. Candace Blaschke faced off with Akaya Robey next. This was a fierce battle that pitted Candace’s skill, measure, and fighter acumen vs Akaya’s speed and precision. Ultimately Akaya’s speed was too much and he won 9-8. The final match pitted two veterans. Vince DelVecchio faced off with Natascha Silva in a dance of dives and dodges. Vince’s patience won out and he advanced. In the red ring, the day started with Mikey Toscano facing off with Em Watson. A light speed fighter of renown, this was her first TSL battle. Both fighters were young , athletic, and fast! Mikey achieved victory in a close match. Next David Graham met Elizabeth Orb. This was Elizabeth’s first TSL match, although she is a longtime SCA fighter. Elizabeth fought well and with great precision, but it was not enough to get past David’s relentless attacks. Michael Sprague found himself without an opponent, I mean he is terrifying, and moved to round two with a bye. Lastly James Rucker met Cole Robertson to see who would advance. At 6’7, James’ reach makes Sprague look small. Cole while used to fighting larger fighter was facing a literal mountain to climb. After the first exchange, Cole settled in and slipped by James to reach the next round. Round 2 blue side started with Bobby Zavala vs Timothy Shaak. This time Shaak was unable to overcome Bobby’s speed and a superman leaps. Bobby advanced. Mychal found himself facing another giant in the form of Ryan Minnich. While his counters were crisp and measure near perfect, he was unable to counter Ryan’s reach and precision. Next Ryan McKenna clashed Akaya Robey. Both fighters were fast and familiar with each other. Ryan’s precision won the day vs Akaya’s speed and aggression. Finishing off round 2, Vince DelVecchio faced Kristi Jerome. Vince unleashed a barrage of well timed, lighting fast attacks. Kristi met each with a crisp counter or void. Vince’s speed paid off and he advanced. Red ring got spicey for round 2. Chicco Smith entered the arena vs Mikey Toscano. This was a low scoring chess match. Chicco’s patience paid off and he was able to clinch victory and moved to round 3. High off his 1st round victory, David ran into the anvil of Isaac Coffey. Isaac lateral movement and speed secured his advancement into round 3. Next Anthony Wazelle met Michael Sprague. Sprague fought with his characteristic patience and precision, Anthony with speed and measure. Sprague advanced in a close match. Facing another giant, Cole this time was unable to find an answer to Vince Toscano. This fight came down to the last point, Vince advanced. Zavala and Ryan Minnich kicked round 3. Ryan’s reach and precision were not enough to stop Bobby’s speed. Bobby advanced 9-6. Next Ryan McKenna faced off with Vince DelVecchio. Vince used lateral voids to slide by McKenna’s attack and took an early lead. Ryan adjusted and countered with feints and voids of his own. Ultimately McKenna advanced in a very close match. Chicco Smith clashed with Isaac Coffey next. Isaac’s speed was not enough to overcome Chicco’s trademark thrust, Chicco advanced. In a clash of Titans, Sprague met Toscano. Toscano’s aggression was not enough to topple Sprague mountain. Sprague advances. Semi finals featured Bobby Zavala vs Ryan McKenna. Bobby pulled ahead early. McKenna rallied and closed to within 1 point with ten seconds left. A quick bolt to the head from Bobby shut that down and Bobby advanced. In another very close match Chicco met Sprague. Sprague’s fighter iq and patience stymied Chicco’s initial attacks. Chicco adjusted and responded with patience and measure. Chicco advances 6-5. Closing out the tournament, Ryan McKenna faced Michael Sprague for 3rd place. This time Sprague had an answer for everything McKenna threw at him. Sprague pulled ahead and won 7-5. The finals showcased Bobby Zavala vs Chicco Smith. Chicco pushed in aggressively. Bobby parried and voided, showing uncharacteristic patience. Patience paid off and Bobby secured the championship 6-5. The redemption bracket allowed fighters another chance to compete and claim some medals. Each fighter gave everything they had. Ultimately, the finals featured a family affair with Anthony Robertson vs Cole Robertson. Anthony pulled ahead early, frustrating the younger fighter. Cole responded with a relentless attack. Aggression proved stronger this time, Cole won 9-8. Anthony Wazelle met Mychal Mendoza in the hunt for third. Another close battle, Anthony’s speed secured him third place. This tournament was a different kind of tournament. With no rank on the line, each fighter was free to try new techniques and relax a bit more than a full ranked tourney. This was evident in the quality of fights achieved and fun had. This group came together, fought well, and fought with honor. Monitor the Smokey Armory’s youtube channel for video evidence this fantastic event. The main event featured championship series matches pitting Virginia vs the East Coast. A series of eight matches pitting hand picked fighters for what turned out to be spectacular battles. On the line was domination of the East Coast Saber scene. Up first Anthony Wazelle of the Kyber Kai Acadeemy, West Virginia faced off with the Virginia Freedom Fighters’ Isaac Coffey. The first match was fought under Standard TSL rules. Isaac, while new to the TSL scene, was not new to the pressures of competition, being the Dragon’s Way Karate Circuit 2023 champion. Anthony, with several years of experience in LED combat would otherwise have known a great advantage. Anthony fought with skill and determination, Isaac with speed and counters. Ultimately Isaac persevered winning the first match 10-7. The second match was fought under the Saber Light Knight continuous ruleset. This fight was one minute of pure magic. Each strike was met with a counter or void in a series lightning fast exchanges. Isaac’s speed again paid off as he slipped by with a score of 21-19, securing Virginia’s first victory. The second fight featured Mychal Mendoza of the Saber Light Knights vs Candace Blaschke of Maryland TSL. The first match featured standard TSL rules. Mychal danced, voided, and countered, but could not match Candace’s measure and precision. Candace won 6-3. For the second fight, they chose to switch to TSL exotic weapons. This time, Candace’s dual wield could not stop the onslaught of Mychal’s pike. Mychal won 7-5. For the final match they decided to do TSL exotics, but switch weapons. Initially Mychal scored a few quick points while Candace adjusted to an unfamiliar weapon. Ultimately measure and precision won the day again with Candace securing a win for Maryland with a score of 5 to 3. Michael Sprague of the Virginia Freedom Fighters and Saber Light Knights faced Timothy Shaak of TLS Pennsylvania next. Both fighter are known for their reach and precision making this more of a chess match. Timothy won the first match, 10-9. Sprague hit his stride in the second match closing out at 9-6. Tim rallied in the third match and pushed to an early lead. Spague’s mustard kicked in the last minute he caught and passed Shaak with aggressive advances.. A quick hand shot ended that match with Sprague winning 9-6 and Virginia’s second victory. Youth and aggression dominated the fourth match. Cole Robertson of the Freedom Fighters of Virginia crashed into Mikey Toscano of the Kyber Kai Academy. Both fighters agreed to fight under the TSL standard ruleset. Mikey unleashed a barrage of ferocious attacks controlling the center pushing Cole back. Cole countered with excellent field awareness, voiding and slipping shots before counterattacking. Cole secured victory in both matches earning Virginia another win. Our fifth fight featured Akaya Robey of Kyber Kai Academy vs Vince DelVecchio of the Saber Light Knights. Vince jumped at the chance to fill in for Tony Saffioti, the green ranger, who was unfortunately sidelined by covid. The first match featured standard vs standard. Akaya launched attack after attack at DelVecchio. Vince met each with a parry or quick side step. Vince won 7-2. The second match featured Vince’s saber and dagger vs Robey’s kali sabers. Akaya continued his aggressive tactics and slipped into an early lead. Ultimately a few well timed parry riposte’s by DelVecchio secured the win, 6-4. The next battle was a nail biter. Vincent Toscano of the Kyber Kai Academy faced Anthony Robertson of the Freedom Fighters in a clash of titans. Both feature a style with an emphasis on timing , reach, and aggression. This was the beginning of a rivalry of two perfectly matched fighters. Vincent won the first match 10-6. Anthony the second 10-4. For the final match, they chose to fight under the Saber Light Knight continuous format. Ever see two bulls lock horns? Each strike was met with a ferocious counter or parry. No voids here! In the end Anthony managed to win by the narrowest of margins, 31-30 thereby securing the win. Speed and dives met measure and timing for the seventh match. Kristi Jerome of the Saber Light Knights was pitted against Natascha Silver of Saber Strong, Tennessee. These two were well matched. Natascha’s dives and speed were met with Kristi’s determination. Kristi won the first fight, but Natascha adjusted and managed to win the second. Natascha’s willingness to adapt and skill in reading her opponent ultimately won the day with a final sliding dive. Each fight was only decided by a single point! The main event featured Bobby Zavala of Saberstrong vs Chicco Smith of the Saber Light Knights. This was a standard TSL ranked match. The first fight was a repeat of the finals match from the tournament. Close fight with Chicco’s aggression countered by Bobby’s patience. Bobby won 7-6. The second match, Chicco adjusted with more lateral movement and well timed thrusts. Bobby met these with voids and a few feints. Chicco won 7-5. The final match, Bobby adjusted. Early in the match several well timed counters put Zavala ahead 5-1. And then, in the last 20 seconds, Chicco proved his nickname and entered Beast Mode. Launching out his corner, Smith put up 3 unanswered points in 10 seconds. As Smith closed to tie, Bobby struck the wrist in a series of rapid fire parry ripostes thereby sealing the victory. Virginia ended up coming out with 5 wins in the series to 3 losses. Tennessee went undefeated with 2 wins zero losses. Maryland was also undefeated with 1 win. Special thanks goes out to Akaya Robey for bringing judging batons, Liz Pritchard for organizing the event, Roland Balmediano and Clint Darby for donating their time and volunteering while not fighting! I would also like to thank Sooner BBQ for catering the event for us. It was delicious. Lastly , Anthony Robertson and the Freedom Fighters for securing and allowing us to use their wonderful venue. |
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December 2025
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