Getting Ready For ITOC

Squaring off with the Canadian Durham Dragons member for the first time

One week away and I will be traveling to Springfield, IL to fight at the International Tournament of Chivalry II. It is probably the biggest event of its kind here in the US and possibly the world. Here in another week, top teams of fighters from all over the world will converge in Illinois to determine who is the best team in the World. Pretty awesome stuff if you ask me.

There has been a tremendous amount of work leading up to this weekend. I cannot thank my wife for the many hours she has spent bent over the sewing machine to tweak my gambeson, alter my fittings, and create new padded leg under armor after the first design just didn't work for me.

padded legs with new belt is a much better design

There are a lot of other people I have to thank as well. First I wanted to thank my mother in law Sue who has been a huge supporter of me getting in this sport. She has helped offset some of the costs to get started as I scrambled to find the best deals or make the items necessary to compete. She has been a huge source of support for me to get back to fighting. I cannot thank 'Momma Sue' enough.

Secondly, Laurence Lagnese also known as 'Medieval Google'. Larry has been a huge help for me. He has helped me get into this sport and MADE ALL MY ARMOR. He is a huge source of truth that has helped me tremendously. He is always willing to share knowledge, and point me in the right direction.

Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank my wife Jennifer. She has withstood countless hours working for my hobby and not getting much in returned. She has been a faithful squire, helping me getting in and out of my armor, only to be rewarded with buckets of sweat. Not only that, she has endured long trips with me, drove when I was tired, and listened to me talk endlessly about silly topics while we drive to our countless destinations. Without her, fighting this weekend out not be possible.

So, here we are... ready to roll.... let's see how I fair after the tournament!

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