Armored MMA in Pittsburgh

Submitted by Wixard00 t3_1262ycc in pittsburgh

Hello, I run the Armored Combat program at Broken Plow Western Martial Arts and we're looking for new people to join us!

It's a full contact sport that uses real weapons (though blunted) such as axes, swords and maces, while wearing steel armor.

There are both single and team formats. Think judo or MMA with weapons.

If you're interested in checking out what we do here's a few videos: https://fb.watch/jAuq6x18n5/ https://fb.watch/jAuiOd0H7r/ https://fb.watch/jAtHqYoQbE/?mibextid=RUbZ1f

You can message us on Facebook @PittsburghArmoredCombat or IG @BrokenPlowArmoredCombat if you'd like to meet us and get started.

We compete locally in our own events here in Pittsburgh, and around the country. If you're interested in just watching, that's fine too. You can follow us on FB where we post our Pittsburgh events.

This sport has a much bigger presence in other cities, with some events drawing crowds of thousands. We aren't there yet in Pittsburgh, but we're working on it!

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FrogMasterX t1_je7wdxz wrote

Jesus Christ I get hurt enough playing no-checking hockey. This is wild.

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Wixard00 OP t1_je7yk0c wrote

This is more in line with the types of impacts in football, MMA, or judo for sure.

Injuries are relatively rare in my experience, the armor generally does an effective job.

Common injuries are similar to football. Sprains, tweaks etc.

There are dueling formats, such as longsword and shield and sword which are far more tame. They're more like fencing.

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doctorwhy88 t1_je7ad6k wrote

We’ll be looking into joining after we move there!

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MaynardWaltrip t1_je7bby4 wrote

So I went you your Facebook page and watched a few videos… the Carolina Carnage vid posted on Feb. 5th looks legit like people are seriously beating the shit out of each other.

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Wixard00 OP t1_je7bzc9 wrote

This is full contact. Striking with weapons, knees, fists, kicks etc are legal. There is no stabbing allowed, strikes to the base of the skull, back of the knees and groin are illegal. No joint locks are allowed.

In melee, last team standing wins. In the 1 v 1 formats there are various styles. The most popular are called knight fights or pro fights. They are similar to MMA as there's rounds, scoring etc. Ground fighting is usually legal in that format.

Melee and armored MMA fights are the most popular formats.

Here's a link to a clip of a 1 v 1 fight I did in the fall in the Pittsburgh waterfront

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRv3Rv1o/

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pittsburghstuff t1_je7k5od wrote

Are there any formats that allow joint locks? Is there a way to try it out without investing in a full set of armor? What's the base price for the armor?

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Wixard00 OP t1_je7mg9w wrote

No. Joint locks are not allowed for safety reasons. They also don't work well (or at all depending) against articulated armor.

We do have loaner armor for people to try out. In general most of the training we do isn't even in armor. We practice striking, grappling, weapons and tactics in 1 v 1 and group fighting. Usually people train with us for some time before they buy their own. (A few of our fighters trained for a year.)

A full set of armor with the proper construction and thickness from head to toe, custom made will run 1500-2000$ give or take. Usually paid to armorers half down and the rest when it's done (in a few months). Or, equipment can be purchased piece by piece over whatever period of time.

But we don't recommend anyone buy any equipment until they've come to some practices and checked things out. And even then come for awhile to make sure before you commit to buying any equipment. Again, we do have some loaner armor.

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pittsburghstuff t1_je7roam wrote

I figured most joint locks wouldn't work in armor. Maybe an americana or kimura?

Thanks for all the info, I have a lot on my plate right now but I'm interested for the future.

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Wixard00 OP t1_je7t2e4 wrote

The melee recreates medieval tournament fighting where, essentially if you go down you may as well be dead hence the lack of much ground fighting. (Similar to an ancient battlefield where going down to the ground likely means death).

We do train limited ground grappling. But nothing as deep as something like bjj.

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kaitb1103 t1_jed2bxv wrote

Chuck is that you? 😅

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Wixard00 OP t1_jegtcj9 wrote

There is a chuck, but he's not a part of this. ;)

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