By JOLENE OGLE
HE’S a chef by day and an axe-wielding soldier by night, but Cooroy RSL chef Paul Smith wouldn’t have it any other way.
Paul has just returned from Croatia where he and eight other enthusiasts represented Australia in the Battle of the Nations, a world-wide historical, full contact battle using medieval weapons and armour.
The sport is new to Australia with Paul and his team the first Australian team to compete at the Battle of the Nations, which held its first international battle in Europe in 2009.
All armour and weapons used are historically accurate and must adhere to a strict list of requirements and a team or person wins a fight when their opponent is knocked over.
Paul said his passion for the sport evolved from his first love — historical re-enactments.
“I used to travel to Caboolture and the like to take part in historical re-enactments,” he said.
“Then one day a friend and I saw the historical medieval battles on the internet… so we got a team together.”
That was in 2012 and since then Paul has competed in two Battle of the Nations, once in France and then only six weeks ago in Croatia.
His historically accurate, 14th century, European-made armour has protected him from swinging mace, two-handed axes and sword attacks, but Paul said he loved the challenge of the battle.
“I was born for this,” he said.
“I love doing it.”
The Australian historical battle team are looking for recruits to join their troupe for the 2015 Battle of the Nations. To join the team, you will need to be fit or willing to train and full armour will set you back $2500, but it’s all worth it, according to Paul.
“It’s a great challenge… you have to be very fit to take part,” he said.
Training for the Battle of the Nations includes intense cardio workouts such as running, skipping, and interval training. But for Paul, the best part of competing in historical battles is the friendships formed between the nations.
“It’s great because we all share the same passion,” he said.
“We all help each other at the battles.”
“Coming from Australia to compete in Europe, we don’t have a lot of supporters who can travel with us, so it’s great to make great friends at the battles.
“The Austrians, New Zealanders and Mexicans are great friends of ours and we help each other.”
Paul is now training for the 2015 Battle of the Nations and is proud to have fellow Cooroy RSL chef Brendan Dobe as the newest Australian historical battles recruit.
