Our featured fighter for August 2022 that I am very pleased to share is Meaghan Slottje, a fighter up here at the Hall, and also my Captain. Meghan stepped up as the Banshee’s Captain a few years back when the team was still in its developing stage.
She has grown incredibly as a fighter and as a Captain who is always open to ideas for personal and team growth. Despite sustaining an injury last fall which required surgery, Meaghan is a hard worker and puts in the work, and while still recovering manages to show up to Hall classes and practices to learn and put into practice once she is ready to kit up in the near future. It will be exciting to see her back in action!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I have been fighting for 3 years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
4 years of roller derby.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
A friend joined before me, then introduced me to the sport by showing me the show Knight Fight. I had stopped playing roller derby due to an injury and missed doing something aggressive. After attending a fight I was hooked, I think I started training the following week.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
Excited, terrified but mostly sweaty. My first fight was the 2019 Women’s Warlord tournament at The Knights Hall. For those who don’t know, it’s on the fourth floor of a mill building with no air conditioning. It was the most physically challenging thing I had ever done. At the end of the day, I felt strong, accomplished, and also incredibly aware of the places I needed to improve.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I love fighting with an axe, and I do have a favorite!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
To realize your mind and body are capable of more than you think. You get pushed to your limits, then realize those limits were self-imposed. If you’re willing to push past them you can.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I don’t know if I do! I feel like I’m still figuring that out. I’ve been told my style is ‘aggressive and scrappy’
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
Yes! I think it has taught me both patience and aggression. Both have a time and place.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
I’ve met a lot of people who want to join but are scared that it’s too tough or they wouldn’t be good at it. My advice is to just jump in! There’s a spot for everyone on a team regardless of size, speed, or experience! Just start training.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I look forward to watching the women’s teams grow. I’ve seen so many people join and excel in the relatively short time I’ve been here. I’m seeing women’s teams start to work together more, train harder and fight harder. I’m excited to be a part of it.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I’m so grateful for the community I’m a part of, and for all the amazing people I’ve met.
