Armor, swords and friendship: Meet the modern warriors of the Armored Combat League | DC Refined

1 / 32

read captions

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. Here are their stories. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Lucas Champion is a member of the Washington Juggernauts. "It just feels good. It sucks getting hit but the rush you get from fighting is... there's no other rush like it," he explained. "I went to a military school for college and [there were] bonds we made there. The only thing that's come close that is this. I think it's something about the violence, it's a common denominator, but the people are just fantastic. I've known a bunch of them for just under a year, but I consider a lot of them my closest friends."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Brianna Murphy is a newer member of the Baltimore Huns who mostly focuses on fighting with an axe, but she really likes "just getting out there and wrecking it." Brianna was born into a family that was heavily involved in medieval roleplay and her father was also a member of the Armored Combat League. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)<p></p><p></p><p></p>

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Tim Carpenter is a member of the Washington Juggernauts, but he fought for the Baltimore Huns during the night of the match. "(This sport) gives me the opportunity to push myself as far as I would like to go, along with a group of people that are just as passionate as I am," he explained. "You don't have to worry about injuring other people or offending someone physically, it's not something you can do with basketball... it's the freedom, it's a beautiful thing."(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Andrew Dionne is a member of the Washington Juggernauts as well as the regional commander of the Armored Combat League. "I was born into fighting in general. Both of my parents were into medievalism before I was born and I just got into it and loved it." (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Sam Jensen is the captain of the Washington Juggernauts. He says that armored combat fell into his life at just the right time. "I needed something I could be passionate about, that gave me meaning and got me outside of my routine and put me in a position where change was forced upon me. It's done all that and in two years I've quit smoking, I've gotten in shape, I started going to the gym, I eat better. I've been to states I've never been to before, I've flown across the country and I've met people who are... my people and I didn't even know they were out there." (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Josh Kearney is the former captain of the Washington Juggernauts, but he's since started a school that offers medieval fighting classes. When asked why he's involved with the Armored Combat League, Josh replied, "I'm a fighter."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)<p></p>

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Chase James is with the Baltimore Huns and he has a simple explanation for why he enjoys the combat league: "It's fun and I like to hit my friends."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Paul Friedel is the regional captain of the Baltimore Huns. He says the violence is appealing. "This is as close as I can get to murdering someone without going to jail. It's mostly about the progression of brutality - anything I can possibly be violent with, like medieval armor in some kind of way. I started with foam and then went to rattan and then went to steel. It's just getting crazier and crazier every time." (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Patrick Penderville is a member of the Philadelphia Rhinos. He says the adrenaline rush is unbeatable. "There's just nothing as exciting," he said. "Also the camaraderie is incredible. Everyone who does this sport is in a big family, a community. It's this juxtaposition of incredible violence and people who just love to hang out. It's a wonderful experience."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)<p></p>

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Olivier Bousquet immigrated to the U.S. from Canada 20 years ago and he fights for North Carolina's Durham Dire Drakes. "I love the sport," he said. "I love that we can come here with camaraderie and friendship and just go ham on each other."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)<p></p><p></p>

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Sean Krachun is a member of the{ }Philadelphia Rhinos. He stumbled into the Armored Combat League and he initially thought it was "ridiculous," but he quickly changed his tune. "There's this crazy amount of aggression and bloodlust that you don't get to see anywhere. But then, as soon as the fighting is done, you realize these people are still best friends who love each other. It's just so much fun to beat the living crap out of your friends and then go out and have a beer afterwards." (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Sloan Brooks fights with the Manchester Monarchs - she came down from New Hampshire for the match. "I love every minute of it. I love the teams, I love the people. I've never had more fun than I've had in this sport."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Ben Sugarman is a member of the Baltimore Huns. For him, the appeal is the adrenaline rush - "nothing beats it," Ben said. "I've also been a huge nerd my entire life, so this seemed like the next step. I love to take things to the extreme."{ }(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)<p></p><p></p>

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

You make think that fighting in suits of armor is reserved for extremely enthusiastic Renn faire-goers or extras on Game of Thrones. However, if you happened to stop by the Fort Drive Community Center in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 29, you might have been forced to change your opinion. Over a dozen men and women from D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were battling each other in suits of armor. Those men and women belong to the Armored Combat League, a national organization which gives participants the chance to competitively fight each other with medieval weaponry. The sport isn't without risk - the training is intense and the injuries are frequent. However, all the competitors say they wouldn't change it for anything. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/DC Refined)

Restart Gallery

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries