Welcome to the medieval times! 

Step into a time of knights, castles, and epic adventures with the Martin County Renaissance Fair. We are a community dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich history, culture, and artistry of the Middle Ages.

About Us:  We are passionate about all things medieval. Our activities include historical reenactments, craft workshops, and research projects that bring the medieval era to life.

Diving into the world of armored combat during medieval times is like stepping into an epic tale! Imagine a grand tournament with knights donning gleaming suits of armor, their shields emblazoned with heraldic symbols. The clang of metal fills the air as swords clash and maces strike, a testament to the warriors' skill and valor. The combatants, often nobility or elite soldiers, engage in fierce duels, showcasing not only their strength but their mastery of chivalric code and battle techniques.

The tournaments are grand events, sometimes held in honor of royalty, drawing crowds from far and wide. The excitement is palpable as knights prepare their steeds, adjusting their armor meticulously. Each fight is a spectacle, a dance of strategy and power, with the objective often being to unhorse an opponent or break their defenses.

Between the contests, minstrels entertain the spectators with ballads of legendary battles, and vendors sell trinkets and food. The atmosphere is one of festivity, bravery, and the enduring spirit of the medieval age. These events were not just about combat, but also a display of honor, courage, and the unyielding human spirit.

Ah, those times... full of mystery and valor! If this piques your interest, there are so many layers to explore—from the armor's intricate design to the political intrigue behind each duel.

Join Us: We invite history enthusiasts, artisans, and curious minds to join our community. Whether you're interested in participating in reenactments, learning traditional crafts, or diving into historical research, there's a place for you here. Join us at the Martin County Renaissance Fair. Visit their Facebook page at The Crusade of the Crimson Cross-Martin County Renaissance Fair

Our Activities:

• Real Fighting: *!!! Please take into consideration, that armored combat fighting, is in fact real fighting with real weapons, and in real armor. We do not do "re-enactments". Our fights are NOT choreographed.

  1. Local Tournaments: Participate in or attend local events to gain experience and network with other fighters.

  2. Community Involvement: The armored combat fighters love to get out into the community. We enjoy telling people about our sport and spreading the word about armored combat fights. We can schedule meet and greets with our "knights", interviews, programs/events for youth programs, etc. We love any chance to suit up in our armor! 

     Things to Know about Armored Combat Fighting......

     Training and Conditioning

     1. Strength Training: Focus on building muscle strength, especially in the upper body and core.

     2. Cardio Workouts: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance exercises to improve stamina.

     3. Agility Drills: Enhance footwork and reflexes with ladder drills and cone exercises.

     4. Flexibility and Stretching: Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching to prevent injuries.

     Combat Skills

     1. Weapon Handling: Practice with different weapons like swords, maces, and axes.

     2. Shield Techniques: Learn various ways to use a shield for defense and offense.

     3. Striking Drills: Repeated striking exercises to improve accuracy and power.

     4. Blocking and Parrying: Develop defensive maneuvers to counter attacks.

     Tactical Training

     1. Sparring Sessions: Engage in controlled practice fights with fellow combatants.

     2. Scenario Drills: Simulate different combat scenarios to adapt to various situations.

     3. Strategy Development: Study historical battles and modern techniques to create effective combat strategies.

     Equipment Care

     1. Armor Maintenance: Regularly clean and repair your armor to ensure it’s in top condition.

     2. Weapon Sharpening: Keep your weapons well-maintained for optimal performance.

     Mental Preparation

     1. Focus and Meditation: Practice mindfulness to stay calm and focused during battles.

     2. Stress Management: Develop techniques to manage pre-battle nerves and adrenaline.

     Competitions and Event

     Next Event coming up is METAL AF in New Albany Indiana! JANUARY 11 2025!!!!

Contact Us: For more information about our events visit the Facebook page The Crusade of the Crimson Cross-Martin County Renaissance Fair 

Join The Ranks! 

Photo Credit of the Louisville Royals Steel Fighting Teams

Armored Combat Fighters Teams

Louisville Royals Steel Fighting Team

Lexington Lycans Steel Fighting Team