The Lightspeed Saber competition ladder is back, after being largely absent for 2019. In addition to returning the ladder to national prominence, we’re also introducing the grading system. The grading system groups competitors for the purposes of stratification in their progress and for more appropriate and better balanced competitive divisions.

We are also pleased to finally announce the first cadets officially in recognized Lightspeed competitions. Younglings have been a part of Lightspeed since Light Force’s first comp in early 2019. But they did not come to a head with any sizable roster until later that summer, finally becoming official at Engage I. So congratulations to Jeremiah Rodriguez and Corbin Allen, both from Lightspeed Saber Academy, for being the first cadets to earn the E grade!

We also wish to recognize Krait Captain Tony Zaldua, who, after finally having a chance to return to competition in December of last year, overtook champion Matthew Dominguez, and is now the official #1 in the league, after a meteoric rise in 2018. Well done, Tony!

Meanwhile, Skull Saberist Thom DeMartino, despite receiving a rough loss to Tony at Engage I, has risen to third place in the league overall, his highest achievement in his Lightspeed career.

Outside California, Kyber Captain Kevin Bustamante is now in the Top 8 in the United States, also his highest achievement thus far. Well done Kevin!

In the women’s division, despite losing to Erin Isbell at Engage I, Jowanna Lewis remains at the top, ranked 14th overall. But she’d better watch out. Isbell went undefeated at Engage I, and will surely be a force to be reckoned with as she makes her way up the ladder from 6th position. At least all the other ladies— including Elizabeth Panos (#2), Patricia Bauler (#3), Wendy Watson (#4), and Amy Rooney (#5) are standing in her way.

To learn more about the grades and competition points, head over to the ladder section. Remember that this system is still a work in progress and could see some modification and adaptation as we move forward. We’re all about evolution at Lightspeed Saber League, to better serve our members and to create the galaxy’s best light-based fencing organization.

Cang Snow
Chief Executive Officer