Fight knight!
The sport that makes cage fighting look like a teddy bears’ picnic...full-contact medieval armed combat
IT is an ancient form of contest that has not been seen in Scotland for hundreds of years.
But medieval combat – with competitors in suits of armour and brandishing swords and shields – is making a 21st century comeback.
The ancient style of warfare has been reborn as a regulated sport, with the first major contest in Scotland being held next month.
Bouts are scored in a similar way to boxing and other martial arts, but with modern-day knights roaring into battle with a terrifying array of bloodthirsty weapons.
Axes, broadswords and maces are encouraged, which is perhaps why participants are advised to take out hefty insurance policies.
Organisers stress the bouts are not mere historical re-enactments but real battles that can lead to ‘broken bones and dislocations’.
Recruits are kitted out in more than £2,000 worth of equipment and can choose to take part in solo duels or 16-person team fights.
Scotland’s first major contest – the Tournament of Destiny – will be at Scone Palace, Perthshire, July 29. A World Championship is due to be held north of the Border next year.
The events are organised by a group called Battle Heritage. Spokesman Nick Birkin said: ‘It’s like rugby or ice hockey but you can hit whatever you like.’
The ‘historically accurate’ weapons and thick metal armour are made from steel and titanium.
Bouts in Scotland are co-ordinated by the Scottish Knight League. Spokesman David McNaughton said: ‘Every blow you see is delivered with maximum force.
‘Think mixed martial arts with swords and armour’.
Organisers say knights come from diverse backgrounds, including nurses and doctors, engineers, undertakers and chefs. TV blockbuster Game of Thrones, which regularly features swordfights, is credited with the growing popularity of the sport.
It is male-dominated, but the Scots league features two women, with the British team’s girls winning medals at past tournaments.
Mr McNaughton said: ‘Ladies, stop waiting for your knight in armour to rescue you – forget him and become your own knight.’
Many participants are trained in first aid to deal with minor cuts and scrapes, though there has been ‘a few fractures and dislocations’. But Mr McNaughton said: ‘Rugby has a far higher injury rate. We have marshals who check every suit ofarmour to ensure there are no gaps. If there is, the fighter is not allowed to compete.’ Getting the equipment to and from events has proved difficult, with the Battle Heritage crew using a unique method. Mr Birkin said: ‘I always give everyone a poster of the event to show the officials. You end up with pictures of the customs officers smiling as they hold up all the weapons.’ As for Scotland hosting the world championships next May, Mr McNaughton said it was ‘a dream come true’, adding: ‘Scotland has an amazing history of battles, victories and heroes and what better way to promote this sport than in Scone Palace next to the ancestral home of the Stone of Destiny.’
‘Every blow is delivered with maximum force’