When deciding on a fighter to feature for our monthly article for the ACS website, I look to getting suggestions from people who have extensive knowledge of the sport, and even guiding me towards the right people to potentially interview. Jaye Brooks Sr. had approached me after ACS Nationals in October and highly suggested me reach out to Jason Puerta – who also goes by “Jay Tesla” – saying he is a great fit for an article. Jay was very humbled by his nomination, and his experiences in armored combat shows in his many achievements within the organization.
| NAME: Jason Puerta NICKNAME: (Jay Tesla) | REGION/TEAM: Los Angeles Golden Knights |
| Notable Wins | 2016 Western Conference Championship 5 v 5 Bronze Medal* 2017 – Battle of the Roses – 5 v 5 Gold Medal 2017 National Championship Lake Havasu, AZ 5 v 5 Gold Medal * 2018 National Championship Lake Havasu, AZ 5 v 5 Gold Medal* 2018 International Medieval Combat Federation (Scotland) 16 v 16 Gold Medal 2018 New World Cup 5 v 5 Silver Medal* 2019 Contestant on History Channel’s KNIGHT FIGHT 2019 Armored Combat Worldwide – 1st Annual National Championship 5v5 Silver Medal* * (All Star Pacific Grizzly team) |
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I’ve been training for armored combat for about 5 years now. Combining cardio and strength training along with as much “Helm Time” as possible.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
Before Armored Combat, I was into boxing. I broke my hand while sparring one day, crushing my second Metacarpal. It required two operations to rebuild and ultimately allowed me to regain most of my range of motion. I can no longer make a full fist. Following that injury, about a year later I began to practice Capoeira with my wife and competed in that world for about 4 years. High intense cardio chest match to catch your opponent through technique and movement. I could not reach out and simply grab, tackle and pound my opponent. I remember still searching for something more, something different.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I always had a stronger interest than most around me for Medieval history and the Medieval Knight. What kid doesn’t at some point pick up a stick and make believe it’s a sword? This doesn’t go away as an adult. I remember searching Youtube for medieval fights, or combat. It turns out I was watching IMCF 2015 16 v 16 USA v Denmark. My life was never the same. I began to search online for fight clubs and any information. Seeing American colors on guys wearing steel armor and fighting for real, not some fake show, just kept me going for weeks. About a few months later I was put in contact with a guy called Lance Hoffman. He reached out to let me know there was a light practice in Burbank in a few weeks.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first time in armor was an experience I’ll never forget. I couldn’t see, or breath. It was 100 degrees that day in Burbank. Ron, a veteran fighter that still fights with us locally, gave me my welcome to armored combat beating. I was not prepared to swing a weapon let alone thing about anything other than how hard it was to move.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I’m a big fan of two handed Axe or Mace. My fight style matches well with that type of weapon in 5v5 Melee fights. I used a Shield and Mace for the 16’s. That choice was specific to the needs of the team.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
This sport will challenge you physically, mentally and spiritually. There will be times when you surprise yourself in this sport. You last longer than you expected or you fight through a particular tough fight and walk out the other end mentally stronger. Personal growth and a sense of community are huge positive aspects of this sport. There is a bond that is formed when you fight together, struggle and win together.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I don’t have a particular fight style, Well Rounded is how I best describe my style.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
Yes, I believe fighting does change you. I run a sales organization and I remember having a conversation with a colleague regarding staying calm and stress free while others seem so stressed. I remember replying, there were few things in life more stressful than seeing 16 guys in steel armor standing across from you seconds away from going all out battle with each other.
I’m actually a more humble human after 5 years in the sport and I believe I have better professional and personal relationships because of it.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Do it, don’t think about it too long. Life is too short, you will kick yourself for waiting to try it.
You don’t have to purchase a suit of armor to get started. Getting yourself into fighting shape will be the largest part of your fight career. Start there…
Don’t purchase armor until you check with veteran fighters.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
My hope is to help grow the sport on the West Coast. For Too long we had divisions and childish attitudes that fractured the sport. I hope the new generation of fighters that joined with me or after me are helping shape the future of this sport. There is no limit to the potential of this sport. I’d like to see each fight club have a full male and female team. I’d also like to see children get involved, soft kit classes for boys and girls and organizing competitions around this growing segment of our sport. Ultimately I would love to see our sport reach more mainstream awareness. The future looks bright, the USA is getting organized and we will be sending the strongest teams to compete internationally.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
Thanks for this great honor. Shoutout to all fighters, team captains and support staff keeping our sport alive and spreading awareness. Long Live Armored Combat Sports.
