For February, I am pleased to share that our nominee is Dani Schorn. Dani was recommended to me by Vince, pointing out her progression as a fighter even after coming back from surgery for her arm. She has worked hard in her growth as an athlete, growing the femme community in her area and recently was selected as Buhurt League’s “Most Valuable Fighter MVP” a Carolina Carnage 2023.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I have been on and off fighting in Buhurt since March 2019. My first fight was St Patty’s day brawl in Sword Class NYC. Around the Fall of 2022, I began to take it more seriously after joining the Iron Lions Club.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
No experience in martial arts or combative sports! My passion growing up was riding horses!
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
By some twist of fate, I met a gentleman on the tinder dating app and he brought me to his first fight at Mead and Mayhem 2018. In time we became a serious relationship and as I followed him on his buhurt adventures, I also fell in love with the sport. When I saw femmes in armor I knew I had to try it out.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
I actually felt very excited. Before the fighting began, an entire class was taught to the participants because many of us were brand new. This was an all-femme fight- and I was able to get familiar with all the fighters in the class before we kitted up. Mari Brooks was one of the first ones that introduced themselves and made me feel welcome – they even put me in their armor when they finished their fighting. Everyone was supportive and kind to me from the beginning to the end. That support alone was enough to give me the confidence to have fun.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I love all 2 handed weapons! I want to improve with polearms for melees and pursue long sword dualling.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
It has given me a community where I feel like I can be myself with endless support. It has given me the motivation to stay physically active and give myself fitness goals to work for. I have some of the greatest memories and friendships from this sport.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I love being a pivot on my team. My strengths are my endurance and cardio, so I love running around and causing chaos. I still consider myself a novice fighter, because there’s so much I want to learn and improve.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
It certainly has for me. Before I joined the sport, I was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and I work a stressful job as a first responder. The sport has dramatically helped with my mental health and finding my confidence.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Have fun. Be patient with yourself. Never stop learning and take every opportunity you can find to improve yourself. I like to think you don’t truly “lose” in this sport because you win something from every fight- whether it’s a new technique, a new lesson, a new experience, a new friend, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or stand up for what you think is right. Support everyone around you, and above all: be kind. We all fight for different reasons, and you never know what people are going through- and you may make a difference in someone’s experience.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
My hope for this sport is to see endless opportunities for all. I want to see buhurt teams and gyms open all over the country. I want to see the community grow and prosper so that others can experience the joy I have in this sport.
My hope for other leagues outside of ACS is for more LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
A personal thank you to my teams and coaches for making me the person I am today. I wouldn’t be here without you.
