​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.