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 This past weekend, Saber Light Knights celebrated its first annual Vortex Tournament at the Mid Atlantic Fantasy Convention in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Fighters from SLK schools in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Hampton Roads came together to compete for the first-ever Vortex Championship title belt.
The tournament was run under the SLK Continuous Tornado format and featured a double-elimination bracket, giving fighters a true test of endurance, adaptability, and strategy. The first round opened with several epic matchups. Mychal Mendoza of Charlottesville faced Em Watson of Fredericksburg in a battle between two evenly matched defensive counterfighters. Both competitors favored patience, timing, and precision, but Mychal was able to squeak by with several well-timed parry-ripostes, taking the win 23–16. Next, Matthew Taylor of Hampton Roads SLK faced Kevin Kennedy of Charlottesville. Though Matthew is a newer student under Master Jerome, he proved to be one of the most dynamic fighters in the tournament. He unleashed a barrage of fast, aggressive attacks that Kevin initially struggled to overcome. Halfway through the match, Kevin found his footing, using lateral movement to void and counter Matthew’s pressure. It was not enough. Matthew advanced with a hard-fought 15–13 victory. David Cook and Daniel Lowdermilk of SLK Charlottesville clashed next in a cerebral match full of feints, traps, and carefully timed strikes. David pulled off the upset, defeating Daniel 15–9. Sentinel Liz Pritchard then faced Battlemaster Roland Balmediano. This was a fast-paced fight filled with lightning strikes, counters, and Roland’s booming laugh echoing through the ring. In the closest match of the day, Liz edged out the Battlemaster 27–26. In the second round, Matthew Taylor ran into the anvil that is Mychal Mendoza. Primed from his win over Kennedy, Matthew once again unleashed rapid-fire attacks and impressive footwork. Mychal, however, patiently waited for mistakes and punished each opening with trademark counters. His strategy paid off, and Mychal advanced with a 38–23 victory. David Cook then clashed with Liz Pritchard in an exciting match. David pushed forward aggressively, while Liz used footwork and timing to dance just out of reach. Liz advanced 33–22. Em Watson faced Kevin Kennedy next. Kevin overcame his slow start from the opening round and came out with renewed aggression. He controlled the pace and advanced with a decisive 42–23 win. The final match of the round featured Battlemaster Balmediano against Daniel Lowdermilk. Roland attempted to take the fight to Daniel in his usual fashion, but Daniel slowed the match down with smart footwork and seized openings as they appeared. Daniel advanced 19–15. In what could easily have been a finals matchup, Liz and Mychal battled earlier than expected. Liz used timing and footwork against Mychal’s precision and trademark counterpunching. As usual between these two, the match came down to the wire. Mychal advanced 31–28. Kevin continued his aggressive run against David Cook, pushing the pace and earning a 19–15 victory. In the final match of the round, Daniel faced Matthew Taylor. Daniel again used feints and timing to slow Matthew’s fast-paced attacks, countering effectively and advancing 35–16. Now the tournament was down to the wire. Daniel faced Kevin in a battle of contrasting approaches. Kevin tried a more measured strategy this time, hoping to pace himself against Daniel’s cerebral style. It did not pay off. Daniel controlled the match and advanced 22–15. Next, Liz and Daniel faced each other in a true house-divided matchup. This was a fun, competitive, and even match between two fighters who train together — and live together. Daniel advanced 32–24, making Liz one very proud fiancée. Then came the final round — or so it seemed. Because the tournament was double elimination and Mychal remained undefeated, Daniel would have to defeat him twice to claim the championship. Mychal only needed one more win. Daniel came into the first finals match with patience, measure, and a clear plan: force Mychal out of his comfort zone. What followed was a chess match between two masters of timing and tactics. Daniel’s strategy worked. By forcing Mychal onto the offense, he took control and won convincingly, 25–15. But in double elimination, one final encore remained. In the deciding championship match, Daniel and Mychal both relied on positioning, range, and patience, attacking only on their own terms and leaving no room for error. Daniel led until the final seconds. Then, in one decisive exchange — one shot, one parry-riposte — Mychal Mendoza seized the moment and became the first-ever Vortex Champion. What an incredible display of tactics, patience, and heart. The Mid Atlantic Fantasy Convention was a pleasure to attend, and we hope to see it continue to grow into its full potential. The Vortex Tournament ran smoothly and showcased some of the academy’s most impressive fighters. Saber Light Knights looks forward to returning next year.
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 Virginia’s best fighters descended on Nashville, Tennessee, for the Saberstrong tournament, and Saber Light Knights was proudly represented by Ryan McKenna, Chicco Smith, Liz Pritchard, Kristi Jerome, David Graham, Em Watson, David Cook, Vince DelVecchio, and Michael Sprague. Anthony Robertson, Cole Robertson, and Lane Cash also made the trip from the Freedom Fighters, adding even more Virginia strength to the field.
Saturday featured the Standard and Redemption divisions. Ryan McKenna, Chicco Smith, Liz Pritchard, Lane Cash, Michael Sprague, Vince DelVecchio, Cole Robertson, Anthony Robertson, David Cook, and David Graham all advanced from their pools into the elimination rounds. The quarterfinals opened with Vince DelVecchio facing Jared Graham of Florida in a close, hard-fought match. Vince fought with poise and courage, but Jared edged him out, 8–6. Next came a clash between Headmaster and Dark Lord, as Ryan McKenna and Chicco Smith met in a fierce battle. Smith narrowly defeated McKenna, 10–8, in one of the most intense matches of the day. Anthony Robertson then put on a dominant performance against Vince Toscano of West Virginia, winning 10–5 and advancing to the semifinals. The first semifinal featured World Champion Bobby Zavala against prior World Champion Jared Graham. It was a fight of patience, discipline, and defense, with both fighters probing carefully and waiting for an opening. Bobby’s defensive precision paid off, earning him a 6–4 victory. The second semifinal saw Chicco Smith face Anthony Robertson in a match defined by raw speed and aggression. Both fighters were evenly matched, but Robertson’s reach gave him the slight edge, and he took the win, 10–9. In the third-place match, Jared Graham faced Chicco Smith. Chicco fought hard, but Jared’s experience and range secured the win, 10–4. The championship match brought Anthony Robertson and Bobby Zavala together in a dramatic final. Robertson’s power and speed clashed with Bobby’s patience and vaunted defense. Both fighters played to their strengths, and the match came down to sudden death. In the final exchange, Bobby flipped the script, attacked with a leaping strike, landed to Robertson’s right shoulder, and secured the championship. Em Watson and Kristi Jerome competed in the Redemption division. Both fought well and made it to the quarterfinals. Kristi lost a heartbreaker to Natascha Zavala of Tennessee, securing fourth place. The Masters division featured Virginia fighters Michael Sprague and David Graham. Both performed well in pools, with Sprague advancing into the elimination bracket. From there, he never looked back. Sprague stormed through the bracket and defeated Vince Toscano of West Virginia to claim the Masters Championship. The Women’s division featured SLK fighters Em Watson, Liz Pritchard, and Kristi Jerome in a double-elimination tournament. Watson faced World Champion Shannon Cole-Cameron right out of the gate. She fought well but was defeated, 10–6. Em then went on a tear, defeating both Lana Toscano of West Virginia and Melodie Graham of Florida before eventually falling to Natascha Zavala of Tennessee. Jerome opened strong, defeating Talhia Qureshi and Melodie Graham before losing a razor-close 5–4 match to Shannon Cole-Cameron. Kristi then defeated Autumn Nichols of Kentucky before falling to the Knight Killer herself, Natascha Zavala. Liz Pritchard unleashed a dominant run through the bracket, defeating Niki Figgins of Tennessee, Natascha Zavala of Tennessee, and Shannon Cole-Cameron of Wisconsin. Shannon battled her way back through the bracket to face Liz again in the finals. This time, Shannon was able to defeat Liz, 10–7. Since the tournament was double elimination, they had to do the thing a third time. In the final match, Liz used off-line attacks to regain control, winning 10–7 and taking the Women’s Championship. Virginia continued its strong showing in the Exotic Weapons bracket. Ryan McKenna, Chicco Smith, Anthony Robertson, Lane Cash, Vince DelVecchio, Cole Robertson, David Graham, and Liz Pritchard all advanced from pools. McKenna fell to Vince Toscano in the quarterfinals, while Pritchard fell to Bobby Zavala. Anthony Robertson defeated Andy Cameron of Wisconsin, and Chicco Smith avenged his Standard division loss by defeating Jared Graham, 10–9. In the semifinals, Robertson defeated Toscano, 10–5. Chicco then faced Bobby Zavala in a close, cerebral match, narrowly falling 5–4. Anthony Robertson and Bobby Zavala clashed once again in a rematch of the Standard finals. This time, Anthony left no doubt, defeating Bobby 10–7 and claiming the Exotic Weapons Championship. Chicco Smith went on to defeat Toscano, 10–8, to claim third place. Saberstrong was an outstanding tournament. Virginia fighters posted an amazing record across multiple divisions, brought home major wins, and, most importantly, had fun doing it. Congratulations to everyone who competed, represented, and supported the team.  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.  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. |
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