Welcome to my world

My name is Jeff Barnes. I am an atypical athlete. I am comfortable lifting heavy, doing OCRs, ultra marathons, and long endurance event training (Peak Death Race 2015). I am a former Heavy Weight Kickboxing Champ, Masters Rank in Kung Fu (Yes, for real), and have learned from several of the greatest master instructors that you will never see in a movie. I am a big guy, with a big heart, with four kids, and the best wife a man could have. I am fine with not being the best at any of those things. I follow my passions, experiment, and learn to live, love, and experience all that I can.

This blog's purpose is to help combine my passions, document my life, and share with others who might want to dip their toes into the pool of what has become a most fulfilling life. I will TRY to keep things open minded, non political, and fair. However, be warned. This is MY blog. I write words. I will use them, and often incorrectly.

So you are here, probably wondering what is next. Well strap in my friend as start sharing a glimpse of what is my life with you. I work out hard, lift heavy, run, and I make my own beer.

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Importance of Conditioning and Recovering for Medieval Combat

So, you are still sticking with this 'medieval fighting' thing? Well, good! But realize that the only easy day was yesterday whippersnapper and it is time to step up your game. You cannot expect to perform better just because you bought armor and you get together a few times a month to hit each other. More importantly, you have to take a careful look at what you suck at and OWN THAT SHIT. We all have things that we are great at. Rarely in the gym do I see guys or gals focusing on weaknesses. It is always focusing on what you are comfortable with. Runners will run, lifters will lift weights, yogi's will yoga, and then you have those weird super-set guys who run around with weighted vests, screaming, and doing high reps of everything in this weird cycle of whatever. One thing that I am sure most people fall short in is in Conditioning and Recovery. Conditioning is basically getting your body physically fit with a regimen of exercises. What does that mean for us? Well, ...

8 Great Christmas Gift Ideas for the steel fighter in your life

Merry Christmas and Happy Armored New Year pic from www.skotcher.com So, you have one of those crazy people in your life who like to play with swords and whack each other about in tin cans. Sure, we all know they are crazy. However, putting them in straight jackets and sending them off to some asylum may seem excessive. So, instead of giving in to your inner urges and screaming at them, here are a few ideas for shopping for your modern medieval warrior. One other point of clarification. I make no money suggesting these items. I am doing it so I can continue to hit others as much as possible. Is that too much to ask? 1. Forged Foam HMB starter set ($140). No matter what league you fight in, having a soft-kit training set is essential to practice fighting in a safe way. Nobody likes to fight alone, so here is a starter set for you and your favorite punching dummy! 2. Protect your noggin! Head protection is a must. I have been looking to change away from my normal dipped ...

Training to be a better Historic Medieval Armored Combat Fighter

Hello from my sexy bearded self.... First of all, I am in no way a model of perfection. Do not look to me for tips on shredding fat, getting ready for summer bodies, or to look pretty for your Instagram photos. I literally do not have the expertise to get you there. Who am I before you take my advice: 40 years old, Big, Bearded, Sexy 1995 Heavy Weight Kick Boxing Champion Masters Rank in Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do Multiple other black belts Amateur Strongman Amateur Power Lifter Spartan Death Racer GoRuck Junky Endurance Sports Nut Job Ultra-marathon Runner (completed the Huff 50k, and Dances with Dirt Devil's Lake 50k) Spartan Racer and Trifecta Holder So be prepared, I am speaking from my personal experience as to what I am doing to make sure that I am perfectly healthy and capable of doing the crazy stuff I do. In particular, training for and preparing to fight on an International level in Steel Combat ( ACL /, HMBUSA/ AMCF ). This type of sport...

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