What is Medieval combat?
MEDIEVAL COMBAT
Medieval combat is a modern martial art presented in a historical setting. The foundation of this sport lies in the historical tradition of "Buhurt," the tournament combat in times of peace from the 11th to the 16th century. The armor is modelled after historical templates but adhere to a modern and extensive set of rules. The weaponry (swords, axes, etc.) in Medieval Combat is also heavily regulated and standardized: for instance, striking edges must be at least 2mm thick, minimum and maximum weights are specified, and all tips must be rounded with at least the diameter of a 1 EUR coin. Competitions can be either in individual disciplines (1 vs. 1), focusing on technique, usually based on time and hits, or in group competitions (5 vs. 5, 10 vs. 10, 16 vs. 16), where the aim is to bring down the opposing team using (almost) all available means. The principle is "looks wild but almost doesn't hurt." Currently, the sport is practiced in over 50 countries worldwide.
SOFT-SWORD
Training is conducted using specially developed equipment known as "Soft-Sword" equipment. The padded swords and shields allow for a cost-effective and easy entry into the sport. They also enable the creation of realistic competitive situations without risking injury. Compared to training with steel, joints and expensive (competition) armor – and above all, the opponent – are spared. The Soft-Sword training system also provides an easy and safe entry into Medieval Combat for children and teenagers.
ARMOR
Armor is usually custom-made. There are companies in Poland, Ukraine, and other countries worldwide specializing in producing armor and armor parts on order and tailored for Medieval Combat athletes. Generally, the design and appearance of the armor are based on historical templates: images, textual sources, and of course, original pieces in museums and collections. However, safety is paramount – the modern rulebook dictates the details and nuances of the final design. Whether it's a European "knight" armor or a model from the steppes of Mongolia, the athletes themselves decide. An entry-level model can quickly cost upwards of 2,000 EUR.