While on the lookout for February’s feature, I reached out to Joshua Kearney inquiring about potential candidates to interview. After much thinking, Kearney felt Jacob Bowman deserved recognition for the work he has done with the Cincinnati Barbarians.
“The Crew in Cincinnati is doing amazing things. Building Barbarian Academy, developing not just their own club but also supporting the growth of the Marion club, getting involved in their states Renn Fest Scene. They are getting the word out and it needs to be known what they are doing. They do not get enough recognition for the great things they are doing. The driving force behind ALL of that is Jacob Bowman. Everything has spawned from the amazing work he’s been doing, and I can’t think of anyone right now who, on a personal level, deserves more recognition.”
Such dedication to his team does deserves a spotlight in our community.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I started training in armored combat at the end of 2018.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I have trained in MMA when going through high school and have recently dived in japanese and brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
A group of my friends and I found videos online of fights way back in 2017 when we were all juniors in high school. I have always loved fighting sports and fell in love with it after just seeing videos. Seeing as we were all under age at the time, we all waited till we turned 18 and I was the only one to follow through. I contacted the closest team to me at the time and went to give armored combat a try.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
I do. Thinking back on it, it was a mix of emotions and feelings. I was more exhausted than I have ever felt before, I could not breathe or see. But everything just felt right. I remember the smell of a used coif and copper running through my helm that I am sure every fighter knows. It just felt right being in a kit surrounded by new friends wailing on each other.
After three sword and shield rounds with a fighter I still considered a very close friend to this day, I knew I was hooked and have not stopped since.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I have a two handed axe that came from Buhurt Technology called “the butcher.” I have always taken that axe with me and use it for every melee event that I am in.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
This sport has quite a few. I have met several dear friends I would not have met any other way. I have been able to build a great community that has been nothing but supportive of one another and is always welcoming to new members. And I have been able to go places and attend events that I most likely would have never gone to before.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
Mine is just making sure i am still on my feet and moving.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I think it does. It has made me react better in stressful situations and taught me how to keep my cool when everything is weighing down on you, physical or mentally.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Try it before you buy it. Fighters are more than happy to help to you test drive the sport to see if you like it. Always reach out to a team before you start purchasing equipment, it can save you quite the headache.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I am excited to see the weekly and monthly fight nights that seem more and more teams are able to do. It’s exciting to think this will be a Monday night sword fight that will be in most cities in the not so far future.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I just want to give a shout out to all the people that I have met so far along the way. I have gotten to meet so many new people that I would have not gotten to meet otherwise. I am very thankful to help them and the support they have given me these past couple years and give me reason to work harder as a fighter
I also want to thank all my team members, because without them, I definitely would not be where I am today.
