I have fought alongside with Chuck in numerous Chapter War Matches on the Nashua Knightmares. Chuck is an overall humble fighter – not only is he a fun teammate, he is also a very talented fighter. For only being in this sport for 3 years, he has shown so much potential! His journey into the sport is fun to watch and also be a part of when I am with him at practices here at The Knights Hall. Seeing this gifted fighter grow and share his journey on his social channels, it honestly is worth the follow!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I have been training for almost 3 years and fighting for over 2 and a half years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I have done some karate, pankration and boxing but Armored combat was the first time I took combat sports seriously.
I played football and basketball in high school and have also been involved with tournament paintball and mountain biking.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I found a video on youtube while looking up a board game review of people fighting at BOTN I think. I thought it was so cool and looked up the nearest place for me to try this which was The Knight’s Hall in Nashua. I’ve been hooked since.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first fight was a longsword tournament at the hall. I was very nervous and figured being my first fight I would lose and be eliminated from the tournament. I remember driving to the event and trying to hype myself up in the car. I had never even held a longsword till that week so I went in swinging as hard and as much as I could with no technique. I amazingly won that fight which was awesome, but then meant I had to keep fighting in the tournament and I was totally out of gas. I didn’t think I would need to fight anymore to I left it all out there on that first fight. By the end of the day I had 5 fights I believe and took third in the tourney. I could barely stand up at the end. I was so tired but I was proud as hell that I made it through the event and won multiple fights until getting into the final four and then taking Silver.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
My preferred weapons is the two handed short axe. I have three axes named “Live, Laugh, and Love” They are all a little different but I think of them like different clubs in the bag I can choose from. I don’t get to fight with a two hander as much as I would like in melee right now so am always excited when I get to take one out and swing!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
I think the best part of any violent sport, but particularly one like this with weapons is that it strips away any pretense or bravado. When you get in the list the person who trained harder, has more grit, and is willing to fight harder usually wins. I like the honesty of violence. I stayed away from other fighting sports that I felt always had to many rules where with armored combat I can do almost anything I want to my opponent and it is legal (with exceptions) so the better fighter wins. Also when someone does annoy you, I can hit him in the face. That wasn’t allowed in other sports, like basketball.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I would describe myself as a grinder. I am a challenging take down. I am still developing all of my offensive tools but I know that people have a hard time winning against me and even if my team loses a round I am often the last man standing. I can swing an axe, and am a threat with a weapon. I am not the fastest out there, but more of a relentless fighter. I like to grind people down or chop them down when I can.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I am a much happier person as a fighter. I think I am calmer as well. I have a place to be aggressive and let loose and I really like that. It helps balance the rest of my life where i spend much of my time in a more intellectual role with my day job. I have always felt like I belong in two worlds. My degree is in philosophy and I have worked in finance and then higher education but I have also been drawn to dangerous and risky sports like mountain biking, and even tournament paintball. I think fighting completes that other more barbarian side of my personality.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Find the closest group of fighters and get started! Do not worry about armor or what you need to participate. Just start training and getting to know people. Also take the foundational skills seriously. The people who excel at this sport seem to understand that this sport take time to learn and it is walk and then run.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I hope to travel overseas at some point and fight at a national event. That is one of my biggest goals. I also hope to keep helping newer fighters join this sport and see it keep growing.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I have a youtube channel where i focus on helping new fighters learn basics and answer questions about armored combat. Follow me at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUYGIEIOfdv30rdmKUrJsg
You can also find me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/woodchuckknight
Finally help support me and my page by buying some of our awesome woodchuck Knight merch www.woodchuckknight.shop
