I am happy to share that this month’s nominee for Fighter of the Month is Greg Fisher. I have known Greg since I first joined the community. He was my coach at The Knights Hall as well as my captain for Nashua Knightmares. His energy and passion are what I especially admire about him, and for that, I can’t thank him enough for his help. I look forward to seeing how he will grow the Colorado region of armored combat.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
Five and a half years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
Kickboxing (fighter and trainer) and Track and Field coach for 8 years.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I learned about The Knights Hall through my cousin, who was a reenactor. He would tell us stories about guys who would smash each other in big battles of steel and axes. I saw one fight and was sold; a disciple of swords. I started training that week. Fun Fact: the first fight I saw I was made a medic because I was lifeguard certified. Dave Olsen aka “The Mangler” blew open a massive scar on his hand and broke his nose that night. Trial by fire, haha .
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
I was at New World Cup in New Jersey in 2017.
I mostly remember the panic of flanking for the first time and just trying to pinball into people that weren’t looking. The feeling of my first takedown and the disappointment of my first fall is memorable.
I got the crap kicked out of me mostly, but I learned a lot. The first time I took a big hit, the fighter who smashed me came and found me after the round. He said, “Hey man, you were the guy in the griffon helm, right? I know you’re new so lemme tell ya how to get outta that situation next time.” I found comradery after the chaos and I loved it.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I really like a small punching buckler. A punch shows that you mean business. But I’m very fond of arming sword and saber fighting.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
For me, it has been a motivating effort in my fitness life. If not for this sport, it would have been much harder for me to have a positive outlook on my goals. I love the comradery of this sport. If I find another steel fighter, it is an immediate bond of battle friendship that I have never found in communities outside of the Church I attend.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I like to fight at a high pace, and stay in range with my opponents all the time. Where I am most comfortable, is right in front of my foe, just beyond a shield punch range. I like to keep the pressure.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
It has helped me coach again, for which I am very passionate. I love the athletic community, and this sport has not only been monumental for me, but I know it has affected the drives and spirits of everyone involved.
It has given me confidence (probably too much) in many ways of life. It has grounded me.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Do it. Everyone spectates, but not everyone jumps in. Chances are, you can find someone who will let you borrow or rent their armor. There is NOTHING like this combat. The sounds of the axes and the smell of sparks are great.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I look forward to the next season of fighters coming in. As a coach, I love getting new people involved. I love seeing the faces of brand-new fighters after their first rounds. I also look forward to growing my region, specifically – Colorado has a lot of potential and many new faces. Although, I also do miss my old team, the Nashua Knightmares, quite dearly.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
Through this fighting world, I have met some of the most incredible people. Most of my closest and dearest friends are born from this sport. New Hampshire will always be my roots, but I have loved the network of people I know now. I can go to an event on the east or west coast and be surrounded by my friends and family. Bohurt is Love.
Now for some Important Special Mentions:
Evan Ringo: to whom I owe most of my sword-fighting style.
Brandon Ross: who taught me how to lead a team.
And finally, Chrystal Fisher: who has always had my back and supported me through any journey and challenge I try to take on in this steel-fighting world.
*love you all*
Thanks Cait <3 (You’re welcome, friend. <3)
