The Event
The IMCF World Championship brings together the best fighters from across the globe to compete in historical medieval combat. The first championship was held in Belmonte, the second in Malbork, Poland, the third in Montemor-o-velho, Portugal, and the fourth in Spøttrup, Denmark. The fifth anniversary championship took place at Scone Palace, Scotland, followed by the sixth at Ancient Kyiv Park, Ukraine. A seventh championship was planned to return to Belmonte in May 2020.
Competition Format
Competitors battle across three distinct one-on-one categories, testing individual skill, technique, and control. National teams also face off in four melee categories, bringing coordinated group combat to the field for medals and championship titles.
One-on-One Duels
Three categories test individual fighters head-to-head, judged by trained marshals for skill and control.
Team Melee
Four melee categories pit national teams against one another in coordinated group combat.
The Armour & Weapons
Historical authenticity is central to IMCF competition. All armour must match documented historical examples drawn from effigies, art, or surviving historic pieces — modern materials such as plastic are not permitted. Weapons are accurate representations of medieval arms, made from period-appropriate materials.
Safety remains a priority alongside authenticity: edge thickness, point radius, and striking surfaces are rigorously checked before fighters take the field, in line with the federation's rules.
The International Medieval Combat Federation unites national associations from countries around the world under a single democratic framework, giving each member nation a voice in how the sport evolves and grows. This collaborative model ensures that the rules, safety standards, and competition structures are developed transparently and reflect the needs of fighters, marshals, and organizers alike. By bringing together legal organisations and dedicated martial artists, the federation has created a truly international community where tradition and modern sport meet on common ground, allowing the ancient art of medieval combat to thrive in a safe, regulated, and respected environment.
At the heart of the championship experience lies a strict commitment to historical authenticity and fighter safety. Every participant trains rigorously and competes in equipment developed to meet demanding regulations, while marshals and judges oversee duels and battles to uphold the standards of the sport. Competitors face off across multiple categories, from individual duels to mass battles, with gold medals, titles, and the coveted champion designation on the line. This combination of history, discipline, and athletic competition is what makes each tournament a truly unique and unforgettable event for fighters and spectators alike.
Choosing to attend a medieval combat championship means stepping into a world of castles, arenas, and an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event. The excitement of the crowds, the clash of steel, and the pageantry of the era come together to create an experience that visitors never forget. Families and audiences of all ages are drawn to the spectacle, while fighters savor the honor of representing their country on an international stage. From the opening ceremony to the final battle, the annual championship delivers an epic, immersive journey that celebrates the essence of medieval martial tradition for everyone involved.
Explore More
Learn about the national associations that make up the federation, review full competition rules, or browse photos from past championships.