In honor of our most recent Rookie Rumble V, we will be recognizing the winners from the event. For July we are recognizing Everett Swan, Rookie Rumble V Rumble Pit winner. Everett has been training for armored combat for a few months up in New Hampshire at The Knights Hall, and Rookie Rumble was his first taste in a steel competition. For his first time fighting in a large scale steel event, Everett stood his ground fighting off heat and exhaustion from the weight of his kit and physical activity, and still ended strong winning the Rumble pit. We also would like to congratulate Everett and his wife on the arrival of their son who was born only a few days ago!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I’ve been training for armored combat since February 2020, but had my first steel practice February 2021. The Rookie Rumble was my first competition and second time in armor.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I have trained and competed in a variety of martial arts including Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai on and off for the past 20 years, since I was 15. I also grew up playing football and basketball and in my 20’s I competed in roller derby.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
In 2014 or 2015 I stumbled across a video on YouTube of the USA Knights competing at that year’s IMCF world championship. From that moment on I was hooked. For years I would watch videos and follow different teams as a super fan of the sport until a year and a half ago my wife bought me a month’s worth of classes at the Knight’s Hall as a birthday gift and that was it took for me to know this was something I wanted to do for years to come.
YOU RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN ROOKIE RUMBLE AND WON THE RUMBLE! DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT FOR YOUR FIRST ROOKIE RUMBLE FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
Exhausted and euphoric, not because of winning any title but for pushing myself beyond what I thought I could handle, for getting back up every time I thought I couldn’t take anymore and continuing anyway. I shared an incredible day with my friends in the community and that’s what mattered the most. Watching all of us break past our limits and grow together.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
That is something I’m still trying to figure out. I have a limited amount of experience trying different weapons, but that just means I have to have more fights until I find what feels just right, and that is something I’m looking forward to learning.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
I’ve struggled with clinical depression for most of my life and I have never found anything that quells those feelings as well as strapping on a suit of armor and getting hit with an axe.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I’m still trying to figure that one out myself.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I wouldn’t say it has changed me, but it does make me a happier person. It allows me to get out my emotions and frustrations in a healthy and productive manner.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Don’t be worried about trying new things. Don’t worry about how others perceive the sport, don’t worry about the cost. Find a team and start training. Eventually you’ll put together a kit or find teammates that will loan you pieces so you can fight. You only have one life to live. Live it with as much passion and excitement as you can.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
More standardized seasons and professionally filmed events.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
We all die with scars, better to have them on the outside.
