Armored Combat Sports: MMA Meets Game of Thrones
We’ve all seen it before, two brave fighters facing off in the octagon for little more than thunderous applause and glorious victory in battle. Now, imagine those two fighters sporting medieval weaponry and a full set of armor. This may sound like a scene straight out of the history books (or off the silver screen), but its actually a very real sport that is quickly taking the world by storm.
Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Mickey Gallus, owner of Nashville Armored Combat, an armored combat sports organization located in, get this, Nashville. After seeing a poster for one of their regular “Fight Nights”, we reached out to Mickey to learn more.
(Image credit: Nashville Armored Combat)
What are Armored Combat Sports
To boil it down, Armored Combat Sports are effectively MMA with weapons and armor. Athletes don period-accurate armor and weapons against each other in multi-round, scored combat. Despite being a relatively new sport, Armored combat organizations such as Nashville Armored Combat provide a solid curriculum dedicated to success. This includes a strict timeline designed to ease fighters into armor, getting them into “fight shape” to ensure they are fully prepared before they face off against a live opponent.
“We’ve all seen the movies, warriors screaming and flailing about with unlimited stamina and little regard for their own well being. Well, forget all that. ”
Above all else, Armored Combat Sports offer a community for these athletes. These brave fighters literally shed blood, sweat, and tears for their craft, and they insist on respecting each other’s sacrifice. As with any sport, fighters work incredibly hard and suffer the occasional injury. Regardless of success in the ring, just putting on that armor and giving it everything they’ve got makes them all warriors.
Forget what you’ve seen on the big screen
Even if you are unfamiliar with Armored Combat Sports, you, no doubt, have a preconceived idea as to what these fights should look like. We’ve all seen the movies, warriors screaming and flailing about with unlimited stamina and little regard for their own well being. Well, forget all that.
In order to get the “Hollywood” out of new fighters, Nashville Armored Combat offers free introductory classes. It is important that people know exactly what to expect before they commit to the sport. The best way to get hurt is to jump into a fight thinking you are Maximus from Gladiator.
Steadily growing in popularity
Armored Combat Sports have exploded on the global and domestic scene. With an ever increasing number of organized competitions and events, teams are popping up across the country and new fighters are joining every day. For example, Nashville Armored Combat first started two years ago as a home gym. Since then, they’ve expanded to their renovated gym which is home to over 60 fighters. While NAC has grown to be one of the largest organizations, other teams like the Houston Horde and the Cincinnati Barbarians are seeing increases in interest.
Unconventional Exercise
Anyone who’s participated in a 1 v 1 combat sport can attest that conditioning is everything. Especially while carting around pounds of leather and metal, combatants undergo an extensive conditioning regimen. Typical workouts consist of high interval circuits, weight training, and intense sparring of several consecutive rounds against fresh fighters. The newness of the sport has prompted Mickey and team to invent new ways to exercise. It’s one thing to do burpees, it’s another to do them while wearing a full-face helmet. Understanding physical toll the equipment places on the body, it is imperative that these athletes train as they fight, in armor.
“It’s one thing to do burpees, it’s another to do them while wearing a full-face helmet.”
Of course, not everyone who exercises is interested in seeing actual combat. Nashville Armored Combat is steadily adding new members who have no intention on ever stepping into that cage. People are encouraged to join the group as a source of exercise and a means to a healthier lifestyle.
Opportunities Abound
The ever increasing popularity of armored combat sports offers a wealth of opportunity for bladesmiths and armorers. Historically, much of the weaponry and armor purchased for armored combat sports had been sourced internationally, especially from eastern Europe. With the supply chain issues hindering nearly everything we buy today, the influx of armored combat equipment has been significantly limited.
“Many armored combat teams are consistently in the market for new weapons and armor.”
That’s where you local smiths come in. As you can imagine, these battles reek havoc on equipment. Many armored combat teams are consistently in the market for new weapons and armor. Also, while these athletes can repair their own equipment to an extent, they are not able to re-temper their damaged armor. Bladesmiths and armorers are encouraged to get in contact with these athletes and organizations. They have a need and you have a skill.
What’s Next?
Nashville Armored Combat can be found at all the usual places. You can check them out on the web at www.nashvillearmoredcombat.com, on Instagram @nashville.armored.combat and Facebook @NashvilleArmoredCombat. You can connect with Mickey Gallus on Instagram @Mick.the.Merc. Tickets for their events, including their biggest fight yet coming up at the Nashville Palace on November 30th can be purchased here. Interested in doing more than just watching the action? All the information you need to get involved can be found on their website.
You can also get involved with NAC’s Armored Hearts Inc. non-profit outreach program as they set about their mission to promote physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship through armored combat. Learn more about Armored Hearts here.
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