Saber Light Knights Headmaster Ryan McKenna believes that training with LED sabers—and practicing martial arts in general—is one of the best ways to reduce stress, stay fit, and have fun in a supportive community.
After years of participating in lacrosse, paintball, and other sports, Ryan joined Saber Light Knights when his friend Brooks Baseler invited him to attend a free class. He was immediately hooked. He had discovered what he had been searching for: an exciting way to exercise, relieve stress, challenge himself, and connect with a community of like-minded students.
Alongside Roland Balmediano, former Headmaster Courtney Monroe, and other members of the academy, Ryan helped develop Saber Light Knights’ original tournament ruleset. The system focuses on continuous combat while emphasizing adaptability, creativity, and individual fighting style.
After eight years of training under Headmaster Courtney Monroe, Ryan assumed leadership of Saber Light Knights. As Headmaster, he has worked to expand the academy and restore its Youngling and Padawan divisions. He believes that structure, exercise, discipline, and fun are essential to helping children grow into happy, confident, and well-adjusted individuals.
Throughout his competitive career, Ryan has held international championship belts in The Saber Legion’s Heavy Exotic Weapons, Light Exotic Weapons, and Tag Team divisions, earning titles in 2021, 2024, and 2025. He has consistently maintained a position among The Saber Legion’s top ten fighters and won the Light Speed National Championship in 2025. He is currently ranked number one in both the Light Speed and Saber Light Knights Standard divisions.
Ryan’s goal is to create an inclusive environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can train together and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of martial arts in a unique and entertaining way.
Outside of the Academy, Ryan runs a goat and chicken farm with his family. He enjoys leatherworking and makes his own armor as well as armor for many members of SLK and the wider community.
After years of participating in lacrosse, paintball, and other sports, Ryan joined Saber Light Knights when his friend Brooks Baseler invited him to attend a free class. He was immediately hooked. He had discovered what he had been searching for: an exciting way to exercise, relieve stress, challenge himself, and connect with a community of like-minded students.
Alongside Roland Balmediano, former Headmaster Courtney Monroe, and other members of the academy, Ryan helped develop Saber Light Knights’ original tournament ruleset. The system focuses on continuous combat while emphasizing adaptability, creativity, and individual fighting style.
After eight years of training under Headmaster Courtney Monroe, Ryan assumed leadership of Saber Light Knights. As Headmaster, he has worked to expand the academy and restore its Youngling and Padawan divisions. He believes that structure, exercise, discipline, and fun are essential to helping children grow into happy, confident, and well-adjusted individuals.
Throughout his competitive career, Ryan has held international championship belts in The Saber Legion’s Heavy Exotic Weapons, Light Exotic Weapons, and Tag Team divisions, earning titles in 2021, 2024, and 2025. He has consistently maintained a position among The Saber Legion’s top ten fighters and won the Light Speed National Championship in 2025. He is currently ranked number one in both the Light Speed and Saber Light Knights Standard divisions.
Ryan’s goal is to create an inclusive environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can train together and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of martial arts in a unique and entertaining way.
Outside of the Academy, Ryan runs a goat and chicken farm with his family. He enjoys leatherworking and makes his own armor as well as armor for many members of SLK and the wider community.
