WCA Fighter Designation System

Wherein we codify the various axes of play in armored combat sport

With an influx of new fighters at our school and the general growth of the sport it benefits all fighters to be able to discuss our roles in a succinct and clear way. 

The following system does not necessarily define a fighter’s actions over the course of a melee but rather the role that they are expected to fill.

 A.) Role

Offensive - This fighter is expected to be actively engaged with and have the attention of another fighter with the intention that the are going to take that fighter down. 

Support - This fighter either does not engage with another fighter for an extended period (such as a flanker who checks another fighter and then leaves, or a striker hitting a held opponent) or the expectation is that they are going to tie up another fighter instead of taking them down (such as someone who grapples a high-value target on a rail and neutralizes them). 

B.) Location

Field - Most of this fighter’s interactions take place away from the rail. 

Rail - Most of this fighter’s interactions take place against the rail. 

C.) Tools

Striker - This fighter achieves takedowns by making their opponents go down via pain compliance using a weapon. 

Checker - This fighter achieves takedowns by quickly knocking their opponents off their feet by barreling into them.

Grappler - This fighter achieves takedowns by tying up their opponents and forcing them to the ground. 

Example Identities: 

Offensive/Field/Striker - Micah N

Support/Rail/Grappler - Charlie B 

Offensive/Rail/Grappler - Brennon M 

Support/Rail/Striker - Simon R, Austin P

Support/Field/Checker - Brett S, Ringo 

These designations have been useful to the team at WCA, especially for the education of new fighters. If it is useful to you, please appropriate it.