Teams from Montana and Utah in this male-dominated sport traveled to Idaho to compete in dual and melee competitions against teams from the Gem State.
NAMPA, ID — Nampa residents' regularly scheduled walks through Lakeview Park on Saturday were interrupted in a most unusual way. It involved a group of knights wearing armor fighting until the last man standing.
“Yes, this is medieval MMA,” said Montana-based fighter Clinton Gaiman. “Armor helps. It doesn't make you invincible.”
Martial artists, including local event organizers for Idaho Armored Combat (IAC), often have backgrounds in taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or another discipline. Ironically, martial artists consider Buhart to be one of the safer martial arts they choose to participate in.
“Yeah, just those guys,” said Rat Pack fighter William O'Keefe. “Your best friend is often the person you just had a fight with.”
Also, the people you fight against. Like hockey, the culture of this sport is based on mutual respect for those who are willing to step up to the plate and fight.
“Oh, of course. You have to, because these people can kill you,” Gaiman said. “After you fight them, you have to give them that amount of respect.”
Weapons are blunted, weighed, and inspected before being approved for use. The process involves swords, shields, and axes. An on-site blacksmith will make the necessary modifications for a small shilling. The only reward is chips.
IAC: The Rat Pack swept all events and won individual dual tournaments. Duals are determined using a points-based scoring system. Rewards fighters for blows to the hands, body, and head. However, it is the melee tournaments that connect the most with the audience.
“Five against five. There's only one person left alive at the end,” O'Keefe said. “Don't kneel.”
The sounds of car crashes, the sights of anarchy, the smells of garages. This brawler tournament did not disappoint anyone.
“I'm getting ready for the day when my husband comes home dressed like a nightgown,” said audience member Kelly Selmer. “Like a lot of people, this is what I'm doing right now. That's true.'' “What if everyone agreed and no arm was cut off?”
IAC: Rat Pack in round robin with full field including Idaho Falls Peace Breakers, Montana Sun Eaters, Salt Lake City Crusaders and Salt Lake-based Order of the Silver Roses won the melee tournament.
IAC will be participating in the Boise Beltane Festival May 11-12.
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