It is another fighter feature, and this month we are recognizing Zach Golden. Zach was nominated for his spirit as well as his dedication to the sport. He represented the US last year at IMCF, and since then has come a long way. Congrats Zach!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR ARMORED COMBAT?
I have been training for about 3 and a half years; one and a half before I could get in armor, and 2 years into real fighting.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR OTHER SPORTS?
I used to play a lot of football.
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT ARMORED COMBAT AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?
I originally watched a fight in Castle Voiberg. It looked absolutely wild, and I said to myself I think I want to do that!
DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT IN YOUR FIRST FIGHT? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?
My first fight was absolutely wild and available on YouTube – LOL!
I went to a national tournament but my kit hadn’t arrived yet, so I went to the event to offer as much support as I could – I drove 12 hours to the event. The day I arrived at the event my kit was dropped off on my doorstep. Luckily, I have the best of friends in the world and one of them agreed to meet me halfway to hand them off. So, I drove halfway home, picked up my armor, padded my helmet, and pointed my gambeson on the drive back to the fights. When I arrived, more of my friends quickly strapped me into my armor and I walked into the list for the first time as a fighter. I think it was a total of 30 minutes elapsed from me pulling my kit out of the box to walking into the list. 😅
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WEAPON? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVORITE?
My favorite weapon is my cleaver – it’s an ugly little tool used for ugly business.
I am normally using a falchion more while my skills continue to develop.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT COME FROM THE SPORT?
You will get to see what you are capable. This sport is a crucible – you will not leave the fight the same as you go in for better or for worse.
WHAT IS YOUR FIGHTING STYLE – IF YOU HAVE ONE?
I don’t know that I have one specifically, but one of the people I fought from Mexico said the way I fight was “so brutal.” I really liked that!
DO YOU THINK FIGHTING CHANGES WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY?
Yes, you really get to know yourself when you are in an uncomfortable position With axes raining on you. It has made me a more resilient person.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
Find a team, and use the resources available from the community. Don’t waste your money on bad equipment!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THE FUTURE OF ARMORED COMBAT SPORTS?
I look forward to more fights!! I look forward to making more friends. I look forward to developing my team and taking it all!! 😀
ANY FINAL WORDS YOU WANTED TO MENTION?
I wanted to say how grateful I am to the people who have invested their time and effort into my successes and training. I want to thank my wife Shelby, my team, my trainer Adam Harrigan (#swiftfitness), my friends, and the Armored Combat Academy. Thank you all for helping me in and out of the list!
