TULSA, Okla. — Armored combat is a sport that’s growing in Tulsa. There are two armored combat teams in the Armored Combat Worldwide league. The state’s third team is based out of OKC. It’s modern day, Medieval-era battles that play out in contests around the country.

“It’s real steel, real armor, real weapons, real fighting,” said Jakob Gaither, president of the Knight Terrors.

It’s a sport you’ve got to be all in. Armored combat. Think of game of thrones and those dueling battles.

“Sometimes I’ll show somebody a video and they’re like oh that’s cool. Then they come out in person and they’re like wow you guys are fighting for real. I’m like I tried to tell you,” said Gaither.

To really understand what it’s all about, FOX23′s Scott Martin had to get into some steel armor. The entire process of gearing up—from the gauntlets, to the helmet; it takes about 45 minutes.

With a little coaching and once my opponent finished putting on his kit—it was time for some action.

The Knight Terrors spend hours working on cardio, breathing, and skills to compete in armored battles across the country. They train like you would for any sport—just using authentic pieces of armor from the 14th and 15th centuries.

One of their helmets weighs 22 pounds. Gaither says the teams in Oklahoma get together to help train.

“We pretty much do everything together, we train together, we fight together,” said Gaither.

It’s not just a sport for men either. Jakob’s wife Kirsty is also on the team. She says it’s the hardest thing she’s ever done. But it’s also helped her mentally.

“I have PTSD so it’s been something that’s real empowering on a mental level. I’ve retaught myself on how to fight back in scenarios, where not just women, but people in general would freeze,” said Kirsty.

It’s a game about self-strength. A game that’s an art.

“Technique, being able to swing an axe or hit with a sword, you want to be able to hit accurately,” said Kirsty.

The team is also involved in the community and are always willing to showoff what they’re about.

“We love to work with the community, so, if there’s a reason people need knights and it benefits someone, we’re happy to show up,” said Gaither.

The teams national competition is in Salt Lake City this weekend.

To learn more about ACW. https://www.acwknights.com/event-details/acw-spring-nationals

You can also follow the Knight Terrors on social media.

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