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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International Tournament of Chivalry Armored Combat Event in Springfield, IL

parade of fighters The International Tournament of Chivalry II was held in Springfield, IL on October 1st, 2016. I have been working really hard to prepare myself for this upcoming international tournament. Fighters came from Russia, Austria, Mexico, Canada, and all over the US to fight in singles, and 5 on 5 melee matches. I joined the Palmetto Knights and fought for the Rhinos. Hey Ma', I am a Rhino! This was my first experience fighting at this level and it was a true eye opener. Having been a successful heavy weight kickboxer, and martial arts instructor, I am used to fighting and full contact. However, putting on full armor, add weapons, and take away a lot of your awareness due to limited visibility, and all that training and experience doesn't adequately translate. I will say that I am hugely thankful for the armor I chose to wear and made over the given months to fight this weekend. I came away 'fairly' damage free. I have a few pretty bruises, a

Post Battle of Nations 2017 thoughts

getting a picture from one of the ladies who made the Team USA taberds So I finally did it. I trained hard and succeeded in joining my fellow knights on the battlefield of Barcelona for Team USA's 21 man team. I lost seventeen pounds, hit new strength personal records, and I also had plenty of cardio to fight well. It was an honor to join these great men and women on the field to test our mettle against those who would stand against us. We won and lost on our own merits. We stood side by side and faced the challenges together. We broke bread, we made new friends. This is one experience and memories I will keep as a treasure and look fondly upon it as the first of what I hope to be many more campaigns. Below, I wish to dedicate my thoughts and time to communicate some of the lessons learned to travel abroad. I hope to reflect upon this so that I combine the thoughts of those who have shared many of these lessons before my writing this. Flight Mistakes When I purchased

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 foam

Brews, Barbells, Badassery, and Bohurt

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