Siberian Stronghold: Back to the Middle Ages

On January 14, 2017 the Novosibirsk Expo Centre International Exhibition Complex dove into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages for one day, the complex hosted the first winter medieval festival ‘Siberian Stronghold’.

Visitors of the festival could shoot a bow or a crossbow at the shooting range, buy hand-made items at the fair – figures of animals, dream-catching amulets, kerchiefs, decorations made of natural materials, even wooden shields and swords for the youngest ‘fighters’, as well as take a photo in the medieval environment.   

But of course, everybody was waiting for the main event – the regional stage of qualification matches for the Historical Medieval Fight World Championship ‘Battle of the Nations’.

‘Battle of the Nations’ is not a staged show, it’s a real tournament where the participants fight for real using swords, axes, shields. Hitting an opponent with your hands, feet or head is also allowed. 

Each fighter tries to strike his opponent down – once a fighter touches the ground with any third point (except his feet), he is considered defeated.

The fairness and safety of fights was controlled by four judges.

The following teams were awarded:

• 1^st place - Avalon;
• 2^nd place – the team of Novosibirsk;
• 3^rd place – Steel Fist.

Now the teams that have taken second and first places can go to the championship in Moscow, where they’ll struggle for an opportunity to take part in the World Championship in Barcelona.