A Happy New Year to our fighters and fans! We shall kick off the year with a fighter to feature for our Fighter of the Month series. For January, we are recognizing Chris Wilkins. Chris has been in the community for a few years and has shown progress as a fighter, for his hard work and dedication to growing the Portland, Maine team earned his spot as captain for the Portland Reavers in August 2022.
Photo Credit: Strike Exposure Combat Photography
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I started my individual training loosely towards the end of 2019. We had only just started the Reaves at this time, so there weren’t many of us to train together. This consisted of mostly pell work, interval running, and some muay thai and crossfit. In late spring of 2021, when outdoor Covid restrictions started to loosen, the Reavers had a boom in participation and we were able to create group practices routinely.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
Growing up we didn’t have enough to go around for me to participate in sports or martial arts, but I was very active in Scouting. Out of High School, I joined the Bowdoin Fencing Club. BFC was a great peer-led club where I focused on mostly epee and saber for about 4 years. I also have about 10 years of experience in lightest touch boffer combat through larping in the northeast.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
Some of my great friends through larping introduced me to the sport. They had been attending events at The Knights Hall in Nashua, NH, and invited us along. I think it took about 2 events before I was sold and started getting involved.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first real fight was a knight fight with Xander. We went for five 2 min rounds, though a couple of rounds were cut short for armor failure. I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder in my life. In the end, I felt so fully spent and accomplished. Also my buttcheek hurt, cus I fell on my crossguard.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I like variety, but I did get to borrow Evan Ringo’s saber for a few months. I took quite a liking to it and I hope to get myself one.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
There is a deep catharsis that can be found in fighting. Life can be filled with so many distractions and complications; when you fight all of your consciousness exists in the moment without distraction. When you finish you will often find you’ve left behind burdens you didn’t even realize you were carrying.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
With a background in fencing and larping, I have a lot of experience in technical/finesse-based fighting. A lot of that experience informs my technique, even if the skills take a lot of tweaking. I would say I also throw more kicks than most.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
There is a unique perspective that can be gained after becoming an armored combatant. Pushing yourself to physical and mental limits, training to keep composure under attack, and overcoming pain and discomfort. It helps to put in perspective things like getting the wrong food order.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Get involved! Even if you don’t have the cash for armor up front, even if you’re not “armor fit” yet, get involved now. I started out as a support staff for events long before training myself. I learned a ton about the armor and weapons, the rules, the meta, the way people train, and the techniques all from being a squire, counter, or as part of the media team. Every team NEEDS these people to hold events; it is a huge way to up your fight IQ.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
With the growth in popularity, I’m looking forward to more Flyweight/lightweight fighters. I may be 6’2”, but I usually sit at 155 lbs. It’s that much more of a challenge to compete when your armor is 50% of your body weight.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
The team aspect is something that really sets Buhurt apart from other combat sports. Being the captain of the Reavers brings me so much pride as I watch my teammates grow and excel. Foster your team and communities, and work together to achieve heights you never would on your own.
