We wish to congratulate Andrew McCabe as our August 2024 pick as Fighter of the Month!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I’ve been fighting and training for about 7 years
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
No zero martial arts background.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I found BOTN on YouTube and watched it for a few years before getting introduced to Rich Elsewick of DFC. I have been doing it ever since. I’ve always enjoyed medieval history and swords and stuff of that nature. So it was only logical that I had to try this sport.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first experience was buhurt 5v5 vs the old Iorn phynex and ordo draconis. I don’t remember much about the Fights. It all seemed like a blur. Which I think is most people’s first experience in buhurt. But it definitely lit a fire in me to become a top-tier fighter in this sport.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
My preferred Weapon is always going to be a 4.5 to 5 ft 2-handed axe. But a buckler and hand axe is my solid second choice.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
The positives of this sport are hard to categorize. The friendships that have been made, the self-improvement, and learning about oneself and your limits can not be understated. And just as all marshall arts it teaches restraint and helps people deal with the daily stress that comes with life.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I think my fighting style is very well known. We are the flankers. I have taken pieces of a lot of top fighters over the years and combined them and truly made them into my own style. And I think that is what truly sets me apart from most.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
100% I think it does for everyone. I’m a much calmer and softer-spoken person now. It has changed the way I interact daily with people. I think this sport truly changes people for the better. And I always encourage my team members when they are going through rough times, to make sure they are making it to practice. I believe that being around the team and the sport will always help when going through hard times
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
My advice for new people is always the same. Take it slow. Ask lots of questions and listen to the people who have been doing the sport for a long time. Aka over 2 to 3 years. They will get you squared away and make sure you learn what you need and do it in a safe way.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I hope to see AMMA become the professional league that It looks like it’s going to be. I think it’s the most promising thing we have seen In the sport in a long time. I also see the 5v5 becoming more competitive worldwide as the skill level continues to rise.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
CLUB KNYAZ!!!
