When looking for the right fighter to interview for Armored Combat Sports, I usually look for one with a history in armored combat and have been known for their well defined skillset. Sometimes, it involves reaching out in the community and asking those whom they feel deserves the recognition. This month, I asked the ACS community for a fighter they felt was worth mentioning for December. In less than an hour, I received two individual messages from fighters nominating Tanner Cox, captain of the San Jacinto Knights in Houston.
Teammates describe Cox as down to earth, respectful, and is “not afraid to crack a dumb joke every now and again.”
In addition, they praise how Cox has managed to “[taken] our team from less than 10 last year, to nearly approaching 30 now. He spends nearly every day trying to better the rest of his team.” Teammates have also mentioned his efforts “going out of his way to make sure every single person no matter their interest level or skill entering is treated and empowered equally.”
It just so happened the day prior of his nomination the San Jacinto Knights ran a successful toy drive and fighting demonstration for their community. The news brought much warmth to my heart and it was without a doubt that Cox was most deserving for this spotlight.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I’ve been training for 2 years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I played football my entire life including 4 years of college football. I trained in MMA for about 2 years after college.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I found out about it on YouTube in December of 2018 and at the time I was looking for something physical to compete in. I’ve always loved medieval armor and weaponry so this sport combined that with the physical competition I was looking for. I was instantly hooked when I joined in January of 2019.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
Other than excitement and adrenaline I remember having that weird feeling knowing I was going to be swinging a real weapon at somebody. It was an absolute blast.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I prefer halberds and poleaxes. I absolutely love my halberd.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
The community overall is a great group of people all with the common goal to compete and have fun. It is a different feel from any other sport I’ve competed in because everyone is willing to help each other. Personally it gives me somewhere to compete and push myself. It’s also given me the opportunity to meet a lot of people I wouldn’t have otherwise, including people from other countries and cultures that happen to love the same sport I do.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
Being a somewhat smaller fighter I prefer to fight in open field where I can be elusive and not get pinned against the list by someone that has a major size advantage on me. Plus being out in the open allows me to find opportunities to swing my Halberd.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I think it can change some people because they learn that they can get hit and not break. They realize they aren’t made of glass which provides them with a different type of self confidence they may not have had before. For me personally it gives me something to focus on. Being someone that has always been in sports it is tough when I don’t have a physical activity to motivate me.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Be coachable. Listen to the people around you that have more experience. If you refuse to intake coaching because of your pride or ego you put a cap on how good you can actually be. Also, ask questions.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I’m excited about the community coming together to unite the various leagues and break down some of the boundaries for the sake of growth and competition. The recent deal between the ACS and Canada was amazing news to hear. Things like that will continue to push the sport further.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I’m honored to be selected for this spotlight and I’d like to thank the people that nominated me and my team for their support. I’m also looking forward to 2021 and seeing how much the competition grows.
