For November’s fighter I wanted to be on the lookout for a fighter whom not only shows great skill in fighting, but also contributes to his community helping their teammates in battle, off the field, or as the jack of all trades fixing armor and such when needed. Joshua Kearney messaged me while I was looking for a fighter to feature, and suggested the nomination a student of his academy – Justin Parker was his pick. He felt Parker deserved the nomination for his support for his Iron Lion family as a fighter and as the handyman for repairs. For the first time of this FOTM series, I wanted to share what Joshua Kearney had to say about Parker in his write up for Parker’s nomination. A write up like this warms my heart and I felt it had to be shared.
Justin Parker is a cornerstone of Iron Lions United. He consistently shows up for events, always maintains a great attitude, and trains hard. Whenever someone in the club needs something, Justin is usually the first person to offer help. He’s shown massive improvement as a fighter thanks to his dedication to training and to the sport at large. He’s constantly reviewing film of the best teams in the world and picking up things he can use to improve his own fighting and that of the team. No one is working harder to be not just the best fighter he can be but also the best team mate. In addition to all that he’s been operating as our team armorer and general Mr. Fixit. There have been many occasions when he’s fixed armor on the fly or taken time out of his own rest periods during fights to fix armor. He’s been learning how to forge axes as well, and now the club is using several of his axe heads. He has built many of the chairs our club uses during our fights, and is constantly hauling gear for other fighters. Not only that but he brought his wonderful wife Amber into the sport with him, and she’s been as much of a benefit to our club as he has. In six years in this sport I have not had a better team mate than Justin Parker.
Josh Kearney, Vice President Iron Lions United
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I started armored combat in 2020 at Ironhide Academy.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
None.
Strike Exposure Combat Photography
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I had originally seen the show Knight Fight and became a fan, when I found Josh Kearney was teaching armored combat near me I jumped at the opportunity.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
It was exhilarating – there was almost an unparalleled freedom. I was also terrified. When the day was over and I had fought my fights, I was alive. I found my new passion.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
I usually use a short two handed axe, so far I think that is my go to. But I also often go back to basics and use a falchion and buckler.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
Adversity is one of the greatest teachers we will ever find, and each and every fight I’ve been in has a learning moment in it. A way to discover more about myself and push past what I thought was a barrier I had. That and I have found the best community of strange and loving people. All of my best friends are on my team, and that’s fantastic.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I use quinta for duels, but for melee I utilize a combination of judo and kickboxing with a strong focus on body mechanics.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
I think that fighting can change someone, as for myself I think the changes were mostly physical. I feel much better. I am in better shape than I was, and I’m stronger. But I think my personality stayed the same.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Take the leap, do it. I’ve helped a few people find teams and get into the sport. I’d say don’t buy anything yet, train and borrow until you know you love this sport. It’s amazing but not for everyone and that’s ok.
Strike Exposure Combat Photography
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I see a lot of promise in this sport becoming something you can find on television. The community is growing and becoming something to really be proud of.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
Buhurt is love, it’s a lifestyle, and I can honestly say that this sport has done me a lot of good. My team, the Iron Lions, have shown me love and support I’ve seldom seen before, and I love every one of them. I’m so grateful to be a part of this wonderful, violent and crazy community.
