This month we are recognizing Joseph Brandt as our Fighter of the Month. Joseph was nominated for his years of experience in the sport since 2019, and since then has developed into a well-balanced fighter. We wish to congratulate him on his achievements!
| Buhurt League World Cup 5v5 Gold (Dominus); 12v12 Silver (Team USA1). Carolina Carnage 2023 5v5 Gold (Dominus). 2023 Dragon Cup 5v5 Gold (Knights of Wakanda). 2023 California Classic 5v5 Gold (Soldados). 2023 Ventura Mele MegaBowl 5v5 Silver (Soldados). 2023 Arnold 5v5 Gold (Dominus). 2023 AMCF National Qualifier 5v5 Bronze (Fire Drakes). 2022 Mercia Cup 5v5 Gold (Dominus). 2022 California Classic 5v5 Gold (Dominus). 2022 HMB USA Nationals 5v5 Silver Medal (Cerberus) 2022 Buhurt Prime, not Prime (Cerberus; they didn’t award medals but we beat the Russian Team, Bear Paw at that event.) 2021 Carolina Carnage 12v12 (Bronze) |
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT? About 4 years (since December of 2019).
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS? I trained Muay Thai with my family for about 4 years prior to starting buhurt. I’ve surfed for about over 20 years. I rock climb and mountaineer. I snowboard and cross-country ski. I played football, volleyball, lacrosse, and swimming in high school.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
In 2018, while at a Muay Thai Tournament at a fitness expo in Long Beach, California, armored combat fighters from LA Golden Knights, Ordo Draconis, and the Las Vegas Death Dealers fought a handful of exhibition rounds during the tournament intermission. Watching these fights blew my mind and I knew at that moment that I would one day put armor on.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
At my first training with the LA Golden Knights I had my first opportunity to don armor (Thank you Lincoln Hawk!). I sparred with a few other first-timers and I was amazed how well armor worked. I was also hooked and had my own kit 6 months later training regularly despite COVID with the Santa Barbara Soldados and LA Golden Knights.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
During a 5v5 I fight most often with a one-handed axe and punch buckler. During a 12v12 I fight with a polearm.
My favorite weapons are my knees.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
Buhurt is love.
Community. I have made many incredible friends from around the world, especially considering I didn’t know anyone from the armored combat community before I started.
Fitness. As I age (I’m 45), finding activities that motivate me to stay in shape is incredibly important for physical longevity. What better motivation than having axes swung at you. ❤
Travel. It’s been an excuse to see the world. Before buhurt, I’d never been to Europe – now I’ve been 3 times in the last 2 years and am headed to Italy and England again this month for back-to-back tournaments with Dominus!
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
Shake and bake!
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
It probably depends on the person. For me, armored combat is motivation to train and stay fit. It’s therapy. It turns the volume down on life’s other stressors. It allows me to be present in the moment. The friendships I’ve forged with teammates and competitors will last a lifetime. Being able to compete at the highest level of the sport has been an incredible opportunity. I am grateful that I’ve found this sport and buhurt community.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Welcome. Armored combat is a SPORT. It requires training, techniques, and commitment to be competitive. Dedication to fitness will prevent injuries, it’s just as important as having a good set of armor. Melee is a TEAM sport, act like it.
Last but not least…Always remember, we are all doing buhurt because it adds value to our lives. It’s challenging. It’s fun. It creates an opportunity for friendship. It is motivation to be healthy. Etc.
Yes, training is important. Yes, tournaments are important. Winning brings us joy. Losing teaches us lessons. No need to take ourselves so seriously, if it detracts from the reasons why you do buhurt.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I look forward to the opportunity to train and compete with my teammates. I look forward to learning new skills and working to master those I already know. I look forward to bringing new people into the community and sharing it with them. I look forward to start training and competing with my son who turns 18 in 2024, he’s a beast with background in Muay Thai and wrestling. I look forward to how Armored Combat Academy levels us all up.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
It’s not easy being the most humblest man in buhurt but someone’s got to bear the burden and it’s the least I can do for Daniel Krug. 😜
