Can Full-Metal Jousting Become the Next Ultimate Fighting Championship?

The Atlantic ^ | 2/13/12 | Shane Adams

[PapaBear3625]

Another History Channel show about medieval combat showed that the knights in armor were pretty darn nimble and were able to roll over and spring to their feet pretty quickly in armor. I had expected them to be like turtles on their backs, but I guess with years of training and hundreds of years of making armor taught them how to make it heavy enough to be protective but still light and flexible enough not to be too great of hindrance.

Full armor was about 50 pounds, evenly distributed. Modern infantry are expected to run around with that amount of weight (between body armor, ammo, rifle, various odd bits).

Armor which was too heavy to fight in would have been worthless.

[do the dhue]

LOL and that is the truth. Never thought of that but it is true that peta would have a cow.

[do the dhue]

Thanks for the update on times PilotDave!

[Ramius]

Actual plate armor wasn’t as heavy as people tend to think. A fighter had to remain nimble. Running and jumping were essential. They also had a surprising freedom of movement. Pretty much full range, in a well made set (called ‘harness’) from a good armorer.

And... I’d say this calls for a sword ping!

[PapaBear3625]

Lots of youtube videos of people in replica plate armor fighting and jumping around, showing how flexible and maneuverable well-made plate armor was:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFluOX3znZw&feature=autoplay&list=PL538915C8C66B0E84&lf=plpp_video&playnext=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S_Q3CGqZmg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpwn0xWro2Q&feature=related

[Ramius]

I really can respect what this guy is trying to do. I like that it’s not just theatrical. He’s really doing the real deal. Not for the faint of heart, indeed. People are going to get hurt. Maybe killed. Still... I say more power to ‘em. There’s too much phony stuff out there— especially in the arena of medieval combat.

I don’t think jousting is for me, but if they open up a longsword event... :-)

[Flag_This]

"Another History Channel show about medieval combat showed that the knights in armor were pretty darn nimble and were able to roll over and spring to their feet pretty quickly in armor."

Jousting and tournament armor eventually became very specialized for the sport and was the not the same as armor for combat. You'll see some suits with heavy plate on the left side - which is great if you are tilting, but not so great in a free-for-all battle.

[Tainan]

"Merely a flesh wound...Come back here!"

[JenB]

I need to see this, the novels I’m writing feature mostly sword fighting but a few jousts....

[JenB]

I need to see this, the novels I’m writing feature mostly sword fighting but a few jousts....

[PapaBear3625]

Check out the youtube links at #45

[do the dhue]

LOL!!