A melee is often described as a mass battle, yet many successful actions begin with two fighters solving a small tactical problem together. A pair can protect…
A firm, adaptable grip is one of the quiet foundations of safe and effective medieval combat. In a duel or melee, a fighter must control a weapon through…
The falchion stands as one of the most distinctive swords of the medieval era, recognisable by its broad, single-edged blade that tapers sharply toward a fine…
A full slate of medieval combat bouts in a single day asks more of a fighter than nearly any other format in the sport. Between armouring up before dawn,…
When dozens of armoured fighters clash on a roped-off field under the watchful eyes of marshals and judges, every swing of a steel weapon carries weight far…
A spear shaft is the spine of every full-contact bout in the IMCF arena, and choosing the wrong one can mean a snapped pole at the worst possible moment. In…
When two fighters in full steel plate meet on the listfield and the marshal calls them to readiness, the blow they are about to throw is meant to land, but it…
Footwork is the engine of armoured combat. A fighter can have sound blows, strong conditioning and carefully fitted equipment, yet still lose position by…
The helmet of the 14th century was never a single thing. Across the long arc from the Great Helm worn by early crusaders to the pointed hounskull basinet that…
An overbearing opponent tries to make the duel feel crowded, hurried and physically unavoidable. They may advance behind heavy blows, drive you towards the…