Meet Our Team
Kurtis ‘Yoda’ - Grand Master
“Your Perception Determines Your Reality.”
Kurtis is the Owner/Founder and Head Instructor of Saber Combat Academy Ltd. With more than 20 years of martial arts and swordplay experience, he has created the syllabus that our combat classes follow. With a focus on fair play, good swordplay skills and a grounding in mindfulness, Kurtis has engineered a unique but effective combat system over the past decade.
A life-long fan of Star Wars, Kurtis was introduced to the films by a TV screening of the sixth movie and was instantly hooked. By the time the prequels arrived, he was a massive fan and that love continued to grow with each installment in the epic franchise. By the time Lord of the Rings was released in cinemas, Kurtis had a budding love of swordplay and this was cemented by the clean choreography of Bob Anderson in both franchises. From picking up a stick in the woods as a child to now, Kurtis has never stopped learning and looking to improve not only his skills, but those around him. A natural teacher and a kind soul, Kurtis embodies the role of Grand Master with considered wisdom and an open mind to change.
Rhys ‘Goblin’ - Combat Master
“Feel, Don't Think."
Rhys is the longest running Combat Master at Saber Combat Academy Ltd. With more than 15 years experience in various martial arts and weapons training, he has a passion for technical skills and a flair for the dramatic. Preferring to go by his nickname, Goblin will strive for the coolest or most technical duel, winning doesn’t matter so long as its a good fight.
A stalwart Star Wars fan, Goblin was a part of the prequel generation and has a special place for them in his heart. After falling in love with the swordplay choreographed by Bob Anderson, and performers like Ray Park, Goblin always looked for the best swordplay in movies and TV. Favourites include The Lord of the rings and The Duelist, The Mummy and the Princess Bride for their breathtaking choreography. From the moment he joined his first fencing class, Goblin was hooked and always looked for ways to improve and add skills to his repertoire.
Goblin embodies the role of Teacher in all his classes, nurturing and guiding students through their learning with calmness and clarity. Always on hand to assist students in whatever they may need, quick with a joke and a memorable character.
Tasanee ‘Taz’ - Combat Master
“Try Spininng. That’s a Good Trick.”
Joining Saber Combat Academy Ltd. in 2018, Tasanee took to the hobby quickly and found a love for the community as much as the combat and competition. The resident Queen of Style, triple crowned champion within our internal tournaments, Tasanee moves with grace, elegance and precision in combat.
Their love of Star Wars was planted in their teens and was cemented when she met the SCA group. Tasanee brings a love of Costuming and Cosplay to the instructor team, often creating outfits and accessories that elevate the aesthetics of the convention crew and now contributes to The Armoury.
Tasanee is a fun, energetic instructor and is often cited as the favourite of the Younglings. Always kind, caring and eager to assist all in their learning, it was this spark for teaching that encouraged Tasanee to lead The SCA Nightsisters, a female-focused lightsaber group that was aimed at creating a female-led space for safe learning and confidence building.
You will often find Tasanee at events and conventions leading Flow & Orbit classes, or getting involved on extended media such as our own short films, BBC segments and radio!
Max - Combat Master
“We Make Our Own Decisions, Our Own Choices.”
Max joined Saber Combat Academy Ltd. in 2016, at the very first session hosted in Plymouth. He took to the hobby quickly, citing a great enjoyment of the interpretation of the Forms and physicality of the hobby. Max competed in multiple tournaments and has been crowned Champion twice in his tenure. A formidable opponent and a fierce warrior, Max’s skills have increased over the years training with SCA to a point where he was then invited to join the Combat Master team.
Max has a strong love of Star Wars and Nerd Culture as a whole, often going to conventions to Cosplay (with many costumes from Spider-Man to The Joker). Max has always been a fan of franchises such as Dr Who, Marvel, DC and a growing interest in the wider world of WarHammer.
As an instructor, Max is fair and calm. He brings with him the energy of peace and focus when teaching Younglings and is always happy to have fun in class. A good balance to the series nature of the classes, Max is often found coaching students as well as monitoring their mental health throughout classes.