Modern medieval combat has grown far beyond the theatrical pageants of the past. Today the International Medieval Combat Federation governs full-contact sport…
Few weapons of the late Middle Ages carry as much swagger as the bec de corbin, a polearm whose name translates plainly as "raven's beak." Designed for an era…
Blindfolded practice can sharpen proprioception, balance, posture and spatial awareness when it is used as a carefully controlled training method. For medieval…
In historical medieval combat, a fighter’s performance depends on far more than strength, timing and technique. Armour must protect the body, weapons must…
Multi-day medieval combat tournaments place unusual demands on the body. Fighters may complete several hard bouts in a single day, then return to the lists…
A weapon failure during a medieval combat bout can happen in a heartbeat. A haft may split, a shield boss may loosen, a sword blade may become unsafe, or a…
A shield in International Medieval Combat Federation competition must survive repeated, high-energy contact while remaining safe for the fighter, opponents and…
Medieval combat demands far more than strength alone. A fighter may need to surge forward, evade a strike, regain balance after contact, or drive through a…
A defensive retreat in full-contact medieval combat is one of the most difficult tactical maneuvers a team can attempt. Unlike an aggressive push, where…