Author: sabermartialaf

It is with a heavy heart, I announce that one of our own has passed from this world. Ben, former student of PSA and Head Instructor of Pitbull Saber Academy, has passed from this world earlier this week.

Ben was there on day one for us, supported and helped us grow and expand. He learned quickly and was more than excited to pass on all the skill, techniques and knowledge that he had learned. From intense sparring matches, to drinking Thursday nights at the Reef in Palm Springs, to competing in tournaments, to late night demonstrations at street fairs, and always willing to pick up a boffer and play spar with kids. Ben was a staple for us in those early stages of PSA.

When he left to lead and instruct Pitbull Saber Academy in Las Cruces New Mexico, PSA felt a little bit emptier. But in the time that he spent in Las Cruces, he gave the gift of Saber Martial Arts to those who were fortunate to sign on for such a new and novel sport. When I spoke with him one month ago, he beamed with pride with how his students had matured over the months and years he worked with him. He loved his students, he loved this community, and he loved Saber Martial Arts.

Ben, you will be missed. I enjoyed our talks, our debates, our matches, and all the time we enjoyed playing Black Jack at the bar. The Sabering community just became ever so dimmer without you in it. Goodbye. And May the Force Be With You.

– Secretary Nick Richardson, Head Instructor of Penguin Saber Academy

Happy Labor Day Everyone! Today we are bringing you another affiliate feature! Today we are showing off Kenny Novero from Phoenix Saber Academy!

Kenny has been an affiliate with SMAF since day 1, having been a part of one of the founding schools. He has a wealth of background in Martial Arts, starting with Tae Kwon Do then moving on to Kung Fu and even some Boxing! Kenny has fought at many tournaments throughout the sabering world with his last appearance landing him a podium finish at the PSA Open in their Honor Bracket.

When he isn’t slapping people with oversized glow sticks, he is a Martial Arts and Wellness instructor, continuing to pass on his knowledge to others. He is also a cosplayer whom is well known for his Darth Maul Cosplay, as well as his Kung Lao Cosplay. If you haven’t seen his stuff you should check out his Instagram, it’s an amazing scroll-binge!

Thank you so much for being apart of SMAF Kenny! Keep doing what you’re doing!

Today we have our first Affiliate Spotlight, Kristi Jerome from the Saber Light Knights! Kristi started swinging sabers back in October of 2019, during SLK’s free class day. She has been hooked on SMA ever since. Currently, the form she favors is Form 1, however she is looking to learn Soresu so she can emulate her favorite Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

When Kristi is not swinging sabers, she works as a Library Paraprofessional helping people find their way through the vast amounts of books as well as assisting with research projects! Fun fact: Kristi was also the first Affiliate to earn the SMAF Scholarship, which she was awarded with at the first Saber Light Knights Open Tournament just a couple months ago. She was awarded the scholarship due to her level of dedication and willingness to learn Saber Martial Arts.

Thank you for being apart of SMAF Kristi! You are an amazing and dedicated person and we are proud to have you as a part of SMAF.

We are honored to announce our affiliation with Ki Sabers!!

This independent saber company has been a favorite to many SMAF fighters in affiliated schools, like Hawaii Saber Academy and Saber Light Knights, and as individuals all over. We encourage everyone to check out this awesome company!

Also, welcome Kyle Vaz, the head of Ki Sabers, as one of our individual affiliates!!

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