Medieval Combat

Characteristics

Medieval combat is a contact sport that aims to imitate a battlefield; It is a discipline that was born in Eastern Europe and is rapidly spreading throughout the rest of the world. Participants use clothing and armor from the 14th and 15th centuries—reproductions approved and reviewed by judges to verify that they comply with strict regulations—and wield swords, maces, axes and shields, whose weight ranges between 20 and 30 kilos. The physical strain on the participants is enormous, since the mere fact of carrying all that weight and moving quickly makes it exhausting. The combatants use   blunt  weapons and clothing and armor  from the Middle Ages.

The main purpose is to make the opponent fall to the ground, whoever falls is eliminated and must stay on the ground. The combat takes place in a space of 800 square meters. Various forms and techniques of combat are used, weapons and hitting are used with great hardness and rudeness.

There is an association based in Liechtenstein called “HMB” -Historical Medieval Battle which regulates this sport. World championships are held in different countries.

Modalities

In combat we distinguish four categories: the duel (one against one), the 3 against 3 combat, the 5 against 5 combat and the 16 against 16 combat.

Armor

The  armor  is made up of three layers: Firstly the primary armor, which will protect the head, neck, torso, arms, legs and hands. All of them must be a replica of an original historical piece and must be made of  steel .

As for the secondary armor, it will consist of gambeson, armored jacket, chain mail as a supplement or in gaps without armor, shoes and everything else considered necessary. The third layer may use modern protective elements for the groin, knee, etc., as long as they are not visible and cannot break with the medieval aesthetics.

Weapons

They must be faithful copies of historical originals. The weapon used must also be found in the same time period and in the participant’s armor region.

The cutting edge must have a minimum thickness of 2 mm. It must have a rounded surface without sharp angles.