April showers bring May flowers – or in our case, a new fighter to feature in our community. For April, we are shining the spotlight on Dave Sprockett who was nominated by a fellow fighter in the community, Cade McLarty, who felt Dave deserved a nomination for his hard work. So let us give cheer to Dave!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I started in the fall of 2019, so a little over 3 years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
Nothing of note. I took a semester of Karate as a filler class in college, but that’s about it.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
Like a lot of people, YouTube recommended the Vice SPORTS Documentary on Battle of the Nations. A quick Google search later, I found Jacob Bowman had recently started a team nearby, and I decided I absolutely had to try it.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
It was electrifying, albeit brief. I showed up to my first practice and Jacob was kind enough to strap me into his old Ice Falcon kit and have me go a round or two with another newer fighter. As soon as that armor came off, I felt like I was on cloud nine. I was absolutely hooked.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I’ve played around with different combinations, but my favorite piece of kit is my almond-shaped pavise from Medieval Extreme. A solid shield punch is so satisfying.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
The attitude and culture we’ve managed to develop is by far the most positive aspect of all of this for me. It’s one of the most welcoming, inclusive, encouraging, and respectful spaces I’ve been in. And the sense of community is invaluable these days.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
In melees, my favorite thing to do is run. Get into the other team’s backfield and cause headaches. One-on-one is more fluid, and I really enjoy the game of figuring out how to take full advantage of my strengths and weaknesses against any particular opponent.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
Absolutely. Aside from just being in better shape, it really shifts your perspective in day-to-day life. I’ve certainly become more confident and cooler under pressure. When your hobbies include taking an axe to the face, suddenly going to work on Monday seems less daunting.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Send your nearest team a message and go try it out. Even if you find it’s not for you, you’ll end up with a great story for the rest of your life.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
Seeing the sport grow in participants, recognition, and even fans has been amazing. But personally, I look forward to meeting more great people and sharing this weird, wonderful thing we do.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
Just wanted to give a huge thank you to all the people who have helped me along the way. Especially to my Partner, Ellie, who convinced me to go to that first practice that send me down this awesome rabbit hole.
Is there a fighter whom you feel should be featured in our Fighter of the Month series? Send a message to Caitlyn via email or Facebook messenger with your nomination and why you feel they deserve the spotlight!
