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, improve fitness, and have fun within a supportive community.
After years of participating in lacrosse, paintball, and other sports, Ryan discovered Saber Light Knights when his friend Brooks Baseler invited him to attend a free class. He was immediately hooked. He had found what he had been searching for: an exciting way to exercise, relieve stress, challenge himself, and connect with a community of like-minded people.
Alongside Roland Balmediano, former Headmaster Courtney Monroe, and other members of the academy, Ryan helped develop Saber Light Knights’ original tournament ruleset. The system centers on continuous combat while encouraging adaptability, creativity, strategic thinking, and the development of each fighter’s individual 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 revitalize its Youngling and Padawan divisions. He believes that structure, exercise, discipline, confidence, and fun are essential to helping children develop into happy, capable, 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 ranked among The Saber Legion’s top ten fighters and captured 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 training environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of martial arts in a unique and entertaining way.
Beyond the academy, Ryan serves as a national director for The Saber Legion and works alongside leaders throughout the wider saber community to encourage cooperation, development, and continued growth within the sport.
Outside of saber combat, Ryan operates a goat and chicken farm with his family. He is also an accomplished leatherworker who designs and creates his own protective armor, as well as custom armor for members of Saber Light Knights and the broader saber community.
After years of participating in lacrosse, paintball, and other sports, Ryan discovered Saber Light Knights when his friend Brooks Baseler invited him to attend a free class. He was immediately hooked. He had found what he had been searching for: an exciting way to exercise, relieve stress, challenge himself, and connect with a community of like-minded people.
Alongside Roland Balmediano, former Headmaster Courtney Monroe, and other members of the academy, Ryan helped develop Saber Light Knights’ original tournament ruleset. The system centers on continuous combat while encouraging adaptability, creativity, strategic thinking, and the development of each fighter’s individual 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 revitalize its Youngling and Padawan divisions. He believes that structure, exercise, discipline, confidence, and fun are essential to helping children develop into happy, capable, 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 ranked among The Saber Legion’s top ten fighters and captured 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 training environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of martial arts in a unique and entertaining way.
Beyond the academy, Ryan serves as a national director for The Saber Legion and works alongside leaders throughout the wider saber community to encourage cooperation, development, and continued growth within the sport.
Outside of saber combat, Ryan operates a goat and chicken farm with his family. He is also an accomplished leatherworker who designs and creates his own protective armor, as well as custom armor for members of Saber Light Knights and the broader saber community.
