KNIGHT CLASS

Martial art lessons that unleash your inner Game of Thrones

CALL it the ‘Game of Thrones’ effect, but either way, here I was, dressed in armour and being lifted into the air by a 6ft 6in giant.

Fortunately, at 5ft 4 ins, there was no question of me meeting him in battle – I was about to pick on someone more my own size.

Wallop! I felt a primal sense of satisfaction as my sword connected with the steel helmet of my opponent. Play nice? Not a chance. Channelling my inner Jon Snow, sword-wielding hero of the cult HBO hit series, there was no turning back from the melee. Clang!

Welcome to the world of full combat medieval fighting, with men and women dressed like warriors from the Middle Ages duelling with swords, shields and axes to outdo each other in combat.

I’d been warned this was no mere re-enactment. Those taking part sign up for potential broken bones, dislocated shoulders or stitches. I’d even signed a waiver disclaiming anyone from responsibility if I suffered a mortal wound.

Since it began in 2012, this form of martial art has become a global phenomenon, with Scotland recently announced as the host of the 2018 World Championships.

Now, with teams from the US, Australia and Europe set to descend on Scone Palace in Perthshire next May, the pressure is on for the home team to deliver.

Which is why I find myself on a Saturday afternoon joining a group of battle-ready warriors along with a handful of raw recruits for some intensive training – knight classes, if you will – at an Edinburgh gym.

The Scottish Knight League’s national armoured training session is a chance for me and other wannabes to give this martial arts-based ‘sport’ a go, with event organiser Jacob Pothecary on hand to offer encouragement.

I wouldn’t normally consider donning a 66lb steel suit – matched with helmet, chest plate, arm cuffs, shoulder guards and gauntlets – to get my kicks. Especially as all those buckles mean it took 45 minutes to get dressed.

But as I watch the action begin around me, men sprawling backwards after a swift axe to the head, I feel appropriately attired for everything about to be thrown at me.

Mr Pothecary adopts a reassur- ing tone, saying: ‘I’ve seen the smallest people fell giants. As long as you come in with the will to do it, you won’t have a problem.’

I remain unconvinced but willing to give it a go. It’s a brutal hobby but the men can’t seem to get enough of it, training at the centre frequently and investing in battle gear costing upwards of £1,500.

Despite the anger vented on the field, as soon as the bout is over you can see the extent of the friendships formed. Mr Pothecary said: ‘The camaraderie of this sport is the highest you’ll ever see.’

One of those training yesterday was carer Kim St Clair, 21, who

‘Camaraderie is the highest you’ll ever see’

took up the sport after accompanying her boyfriend to international events. She said: ‘I saw everyone competing and I was hooked.’

So, will I be back for more? I wouldn’t bet your castle on it.