In the steel fighting community, Julee is well known in the non-mens group. I met Julee at my first major fighting event in 2018 for nationals, competing in non-men duels as a Salem Witch. There was a moment towards the end of the match when it was just me and Julee as the last fighters standing that I realized – as a newbie – I was about to go one on one with a skilled fighter. Immediately my brain went: “Oh crap.” It was a fun fight, and after the fight Julee was very humble and welcomed me into the community. Outside of melee fighting, I also love watching her longsword duels and find them inspiring, hoping to one day be as skillful in the art of longsword as she is.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
This June will be 5 years.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I have practiced some type of martial arts since I was 9.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
Through a HEMA class I was attending. I had always been intrigued by medieval martial arts and the idea of wearing armor while fighting was intimidating and challenging-which made me wish to try it.
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
It was a combination of excitement, panic, bliss and the feeling of achieving a level of unique badassery.
My first fight, my only option was to fight with men because I was the only female in my region for the first year and a half. I didn’t mind this because they were very welcoming and helped me learn and never made me feel any different.
I used a two handed weapon and my helmet was kinda not fit for me so it kept slipping down and I couldn’t see. Loaner armor was also a challenge in itself. None of this mattered to me though because I was just so thankful to get to do it!
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
Longsword. My newest Longsword made by Tylko is my favorite.
I also really like my two handed ax.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
This sport has been more than a pastime or something enjoyable, it has been a positive outlet for me as well. My past history has a bit of trauma involved and armored combat has provided another way for me to keep moving forward.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
My friends gave me the nickname “Honeybadger” I guess for a reason, but at the same time, no two fights are always the same.
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
Yes. Being involved in martial arts since childhood, I have maintained a very disciplined lifestyle. After being away from it for a period of time then getting involved again because of armored combat, I feel those same traits have resurfaced. Mentally, fighting makes you stronger. Off the field, I personally address everyday life with a more level and strategic outlook. The ‘calm’ is easier to achieve.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
It’s a journey. Take things step by step and don’t hesitate to reach out to those who have an experienced reputation to ask questions. You can always learn from others. Learn how to train properly, and train hard. This becomes a lifestyle and depending on your goals, that’s how you will need to embrace it. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding. Also, it’s important to leave ego at the door. At the end of the day we hug and enjoy a good dinner together.
I am always welcoming to questions and if I don’t know the answer I will connect you to someone who does.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I look forward to the start of youth classes. There are many kids out there that aren’t interested in things like football/baseball/etc, but would love something like this. It would give them a way to get moving physically and would possibly lead them to continue an active lifestyle because there are many things such as wrestling, jiu jitsu, etc, that would possibly become an interest. It would also teach them mental fortitude.
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I never would have realized that I would enjoy the training and the prep just as much as fight day.
Seeing places I would’ve never seen is an added bonus of this sport. Realizing that people from all over the world are generally the same – they are good people and I have developed priceless friendships with people based on this sport that I love.
This is a chapter of my life that I will always hold close. It is the chapter that I truly found my passion.
Julee was featured in the 2021 film “Steel Song,” a documentary following the lives of women in steel fighting. This documentary can be found online – take a look at this beautiful film!
