THIS IS NOT REENACTMENT.
THIS IS NOT HEMA.
THIS IS FULL CONTACT ARMOURED COMBAT.
THIS IS HISTORICAL MEDIEVAL BATTLE.

Inspired by medieval knight's tourneys, HMB combines historical armour and weapons with a modern ruleset to create a new, adrenaline fueled full-contact sport.
It is sometimes referred to as 'armoured MMA', as the fighters are allowed to combine fencing techniques with Judo, Muay Thai, and other martial arts moves – all wearing a full suit of steel armour.

Appealing to people from many walks of life such as reenactors from the medieval, viking, or roman periods, current or ex-military personnel, martial artists, history geeks, crossfitters, rugby players, and everyone in between, we find a varied and diverse group of people within the HMB community.
Originating in Eastern Europe around 1995 HMB has since migrated all over the globe with teams from over 40 countries competing both at home and abroad. HMB's crowning tournament is a biennial world championship called Battle of the Nations where the best fighters from all over the world compete in both dueling and group categories.
1v1 Duels
Duels are points based 1-on-1 fights, where the goal is to win as many points as you can within the given time. The winning points are made when your weapon makes clean contact with your opponent.

Based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship, HMB dueling range includes Sword and Shield, Sword and Buckler, Longsword, Polearm, and Profight categories.
Group fights
This is a team discipline where the main objective is to be the last team on your feet. You can use swords, axes, maces, halberds – you name it, and your goal is to ground your opponents either by a powerful blow or by using a grappling technique.

By the current rules, a team can consist of three, five, 12, or 30 fighters; although the biggest battle the world has ever seen was held at Battle of the Nations X and had as many as 150 fighters per side!
You can choose your discipline to focus on. Perhaps you want to be a swift longsword fighter, besting your opponents in 1-on-1 combat. Alternatively, you might prefer to stand shoulder to shoulder with your teammates, smashing down the enemy lines with a poleaxe.
Or maybe you're just greedy and want it all.
The good news is, all you need to do is to start.
keys to your success
What does it take to become a good fighter? Regular training, patience, and willingness to learn. Leave your ego at the door, watch and listen carefully – and soon enough you'll find yourself standing shoulder to shoulder with the best UK fighters listening to the crowd roar as your hits land on your opponents.

We've got all you need to succeed – a dedicated training venue and equipment, flexible training system, and knowledgeable coaches to help you on your journey.

dedicated training facility

ACG headquarters are based in Gloucester; here you'll have access to everything you need to learn how to fight. We have a regulation size arena – no unpleasant surprises overseas! We have punch bags designed for weaponry for you to practice on. We have plenty of spare equipment you can borrow until you purchase your own; we even have our own workshop full of tools to help you keep your kit as good as new!

TRAINING SYSTEM

Upon joining you'll be taken through a dynamic training process. Each step of it is designed to ensure a speedy, yet not overwhelming introduction to the sport. Once you've learnt the required minimum to enter and participate in tournaments safely, we'll sit down to discuss your personal goals and adjust your training program to suit them best.
1
basic training
Study and practice the basics at your own pace
2
Soft training
Begin to spar in rubber and foam equipment
3
Steel training
Learn how to fight with real armour and weapons
4
competitions
Join the team, travel the UK & abroad and fight alongside us
But In the end, The club as a collective is where real success is made.
MAKE HISTORY WITH US.
JOIN NOW