Look at a picture of Brandon and you would instantly think: “Muscle Jesus.” It is a nickname I have heard all too often, and it is very fitting. Brandon Ross, a US Army Veteran, has made his way into this sport as a great fighter and a teacher to all who fight alongside with him or train with him during class at The Knights Hall. In the time I have gotten to know him these last three years, he has been so helpful in my growth as a fighter, and for his humbleness in general, is well respected in the community for his contribution and skills he has brought to the organization.
Credit: Strike Exposure Combat Photography
| Region/Team | Executioners – Team Captain Nashua Knightmares Northeast Regional Commander |
| Notable Wins | 2 gold medals IMCF 16v16, Bronze medal IMCF 5v5 |
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
6 years
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
Played Baseball and Hockey, but no formal martial arts training.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
Saw some similar fighting at the NH Renaissance Faire once. Started looking up videos as soon as I got home. I found a great video from the 2014 IMCF Championships in Spain and I was hooked. Found out that The Knights Hall was only about 25 minutes from my house; been training there ever since.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first fight in armor was a practice fight against Lane Atteridge. I was extremely excited to get my first taste of battle. I was also a little nervous about getting hit with steel weapons. It was disorientating and exhausting and I couldn’t have been happier. Lane and I went on to fight against and alongside another for many years.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
My preferred weapon is a 2 handed axe. My go to is a 3 footer with a low profile blade and heavy langets for strength and a bit extra weight.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
First, it is a great motivation to work out and get in shape. You have to have some level of fitness to be competitive. Second, the comradery and friendships you build through this sport is one of the great things that keeps me coming back. I have made many lifelong friends here.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
Not sure if I really have a fighting style, but the best way I would describe my fighting would be “Guerilla Warfare”. I like to be patient and wait for my opponent to make a mistake or wait for the right opportunity to make my move. Then strike ruthlessly!
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I think you gain some overall confidence in your life after fighting for a while. That has happened for me.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Start training now. Don’t buy armor until you get involved with a group and have been training for a while. I just trained for 6 months before I got anything.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I hope for continued growth for our sport. I can’t wait ‘til we can have regular large tournaments and Mass Battles in all corners of North America and beyond!
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I’d like to give a huge thanks to Jaye Brooks. From day 1 he has been a phenomenal coach and mentor. He and Cat Brooks have shared a lifetime of knowledge for which I am extremely grateful. I am very proud to call them Teammates and Friends.
Follow Brandon on his Facebook page The Medieval Athlete!
