Competition Rules
The IMCF rules and regulations have been developed through many years of practical experience, ensuring every bout is judged fairly and every fighter steps onto the field with confidence.
Safety Equipment
All armour must match historical examples from effigies, art, or existing historic pieces. Modern materials such as plastic are not permitted. Edge thickness, radius of points, and striking surfaces are rigorously checked before every competition.
Weapons Standards
All weapons are accurate representations of medieval arms, made of period-appropriate materials. Each weapon undergoes inspection to verify it meets the federation's strict safety specifications.
Fighter Conduct
Competitors are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. Rules govern behaviour on and off the field, preserving the integrity of the sport and the safety of all participants.
Competition Categories
The IMCF World Championship tests fighters across multiple formats — individual skill and team coordination alike.
One-on-One Duels
Competitors battle in three different one-on-one categories. Marshals score each bout based on technique, control, and effective strikes, drawing on years of refined judging standards.
Team Melees
National teams face off in four different melee categories. These group battles demand strategy, communication, and endurance — hallmarks of the IMCF championship experience.
The judging standards behind IMCF competition are the result of years of dedicated development, drawing on the collective experience of national associations and seasoned marshals from around the world. Every bout is evaluated with a strict eye for technique, control, and effective striking, ensuring that the sport remains both authentic to its medieval roots and safe for its participants. This commitment to regulated, well-governed combat is what sets the federation apart, allowing fighters to push their limits within a framework built on fairness and tradition.
Beyond the arena, the IMCF experience is about family, community, and shared passion for a unique martial art. Spectators are drawn into an atmosphere of excitement and history, surrounded by castles and arenas that bring the medieval world to life. For participants, the championship offers more than medals and titles — it is a chance to represent their country, to grow as athletes, and to be part of a global movement that continues to expand year after year, welcoming new fighters and fans alike.
Marshals & Judging
Trained officials are the backbone of every IMCF event.
IMCF marshals are trained to judge both individual duels and team melees. Their expertise ensures consistent application of the rules across all bouts, from the opening round to the championship final. The judging framework has been honed through years of international competition, balancing objective scoring criteria with the nuanced realities of armoured combat.