0:00:02 > 0:00:04This is the Battle Of The Nations, the world's biggest,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07full contact medieval fighting tournament.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08Blimey!
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Teams of men from around the world in medieval armour
0:00:14 > 0:00:16go head-to-head, using swords,
0:00:16 > 0:00:20shields and fists to beat their opponents in a brutal competition.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26From humble beginnings in Eastern Europe, now fearsome hordes
0:00:26 > 0:00:31from 22 nations are looking to be crowned world champions.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35This year, Team UK compete for the very first time.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Can these amateurs withstand the physical punishment?
0:00:39 > 0:00:40And why would they want to?
0:00:40 > 0:00:43England! Take charge!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45This year we're going to get our cherry popped.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Four young, British Knights. Bold!
0:00:47 > 0:00:49This is a World Championships.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Brave...
0:00:52 > 0:00:56It's all just about living the most interesting life that you can.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And a little bit bonkers...
0:00:59 > 0:01:01..seek glory on the battlefields of France.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04It's freedom to go out there and have a good scrap.
0:01:04 > 0:01:05They must be fit, strong
0:01:05 > 0:01:08and have the courage to protect their team-mates with honour.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12I want to prove that the little guy can actually be successful.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14But with just four months to go until battle,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16preparation time is tight.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18They're not ready yet.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Definitely we need to have more training.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22We've lots of things to improve.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Can these first timers avoid demolition at the hands
0:01:25 > 0:01:26of the mighty Team USA?
0:01:28 > 0:01:30The savage Team Israel?
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Or the all-conquering champions, Team Russia?
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Health and safety be damned.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39It's ferocious. It's all-out war.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Welcome to Knight Club.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50In Britain, traditional historical re-enactment has,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53until now, looked something like this.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Groups of men and women waving their swords about in choreographed
0:01:57 > 0:02:01re-creations of the greatest battles from British history.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04But this theatrical hobby could be a thing of the past.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Because an all-new, full contact fighting discipline is on the rise.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13This is historic, medieval battle,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15known as HMB for short.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17The more passionate call it a sport
0:02:17 > 0:02:20and it's a bit like re-enactment's feisty cousin.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Teams of knights with weapons battle mercilessly for their country,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27battering their opponents to the floor.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Whichever team is left standing wins.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Those who can get back up count themselves lucky
0:02:32 > 0:02:34and then count their limbs.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41So where does Great Britain figure in this new, full contact sport?
0:02:41 > 0:02:44This is the tiny ten-member Team UK,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47formed only a few months ago.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49What's your name?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- Gwilym.- Gwilym.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54For many of the new recruits, today marked their very first go
0:02:54 > 0:02:57at full contact fighting,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01yet in less than four months they'll compete on the world stage.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04I'm quite inexperienced with full contact fighting,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06so I think at the minute the only tactic I have
0:03:06 > 0:03:09is just charge and hope for the best.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14It's the first Team UK training session for young knight Gwilym,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16here in the grey chainmail.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19This weighs a surprise amount.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Just moving your arms in this is tiring and when you've got
0:03:21 > 0:03:25another 2-3 kg of sword there as well,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28every strike starts to become agony.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31For Gwilym's friend and brand new team recruit, Dan,
0:03:31 > 0:03:36this is a perfect mash up of history and full contact sport.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40My armour is mixed Gothic, Milanese style,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42quite late mid-14th century.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It's very heavy, one millimetre mild steel,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46about 45-50 kg.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48At first glance it does look quite disorganised.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51You see guys flailing their arms around
0:03:51 > 0:03:53and it looks like a bunch of idiots, basically.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57But once you get into it you see it really is like fighting for real.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Thankfully there are some experienced knights
0:03:59 > 0:04:01in the ranks of Team UK.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04These men aren't exactly British born and bred,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07but they fight with pride for their newly adopted nation.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Put your helmets and weight as on the battlefield.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Nikolaj is from Lithuania.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16He's well qualified to teach novice knights skills and tactics.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20I started full contact, medieval fights ten years ago.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I have lots of experience.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25I fought with the best fighters in the world.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28We need to improve everything, fitness, experience,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31techniques, skills in arms.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33We'll work on everything,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35we've lots of work to do.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39As the main aim of the sport is to get your opponent to the ground,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41it seems only the fittest knights will survive
0:04:41 > 0:04:44fighting at international level.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Definitely we need to have more training,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49we need to have at least two trainings a week.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51There are lots of things to do to improve.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52They're not ready yet.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Nikolaj may be Team UK's trainer,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57but this man is Team UK's captain.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59This is Mark. His mission?
0:04:59 > 0:05:02To build an army of steely-eyed Sir Galahads.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04At the moment the recruitment process has been
0:05:04 > 0:05:07through myself going to shows and events,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10spreading it by word of mouth.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- The full championship is in May. - Where is it?
0:05:12 > 0:05:13This one is in France.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17We're recruiting if you want to come along to the training and see what you think.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22Mark is hoping to hook in historical re-enactors with this new sport's unique selling point.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Weapon-wise, we can use swords,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28axes, hammers, maces,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30pole axes,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32pole hammers,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34there are very few restrictions.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38They are rounded to a 3-4 millimetre edge,
0:05:38 > 0:05:44which if you've ever hit your fingers with a hammer, you'll have a rough idea of how much it'll hurt.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46My favourite weapon.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48This is the buckler.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51It weighs in at approximately 3.5 kilos.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54And it punches brutally into the face.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58With the great responsibility of being captain,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Mark is selling up his medieval sword and armour shop
0:06:01 > 0:06:04in order to carry the hopes of the nation
0:06:04 > 0:06:06on its virgin voyage into battle.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09This year is where...
0:06:09 > 0:06:11I can't think of the word I want to use for this type of thing,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14we're going to get our cherry popped.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Britain's success at their first Battle of the Nations tournament
0:06:23 > 0:06:26rests on inexperienced shoulders,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28like those of knight-in-waiting Gwilym.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29Are you hungry?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33A bit of a nerd really, but I'm OK with that,
0:06:33 > 0:06:34I like being a nerd.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I'm also a re-enactor.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I've always had a strong interest in history since I was a child,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and especially medieval history.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46There's that romantic image of the knight in shining armour,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48which I think most kids like.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51These are the remains
0:06:51 > 0:06:53of my first and much-loved swords.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57I came in for a headshot, a block,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and the sword shattered.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I will argue against anyone who says
0:07:01 > 0:07:04that being a nerd is a bad thing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Seriously, nerds run the world, you know. We're the ones...
0:07:07 > 0:07:11That camera right there, that exists because of a nerd.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18And what's the perfect nine to five job for a nerd who loves knights?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Making computer fantasy games for other nerds.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24I work quite a lot with Kinect,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Microsoft's motion sensor device.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30It can track my position,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33so the player's movements can be mimicked in the game
0:07:33 > 0:07:37and used for, in this case, things like riding a horse,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40controlling reins, casting magic, things like that.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44And it seems swapping computerised heroics for a full contact,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47real-world version is exciting his workmates.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51It's not that bad, I thought it would be terrible.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55You say that now, but stand up for a second.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I can't look at you or Pete.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- You can only look at one person. - Yeah.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01So, you start off fighting
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and then the guy is grappling. Where are my feet?
0:08:04 > 0:08:05Struggling.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Exactly, so all of a sudden, you can trip someone,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and that's when you have a problem.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14It's fine fighting Bob in the office,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16but fighting complete strangers at a tournament in France
0:08:16 > 0:08:19represents a different kind of challenge.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22I'm 5'10", which isn't tiny,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26but it's not exactly big compared to some of these fighters
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and it just kind of sucks that you've got to be some hairy, hominid,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34toothless, behemoth to even have a chance of competing.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I want to prove that the little guy can actually be successful.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Llanbradach in South Wales is home to another of Team UK's
0:08:45 > 0:08:47eager Sir Lancelots.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Dan has lived and breathed historical re-enactment
0:08:50 > 0:08:51all his life.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54His mum took him to his first re-enactment event at just
0:08:54 > 0:08:57eight months old, not that he had much say in the matter.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59This is kind of like
0:08:59 > 0:09:01our little armoury area here.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03My mum's archer's helmet here.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05To keep her head safe.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I've got a couple of my round shields here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10And my Kriegsmesser, stands for war knife.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Two-handed, but it's got a nice short reach,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16so hopefully I can use it with one hand as well as two hands.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20It just seems normal to have things like this in the house.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Dan wants to feel like a real knight on the battlefield,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26face a real enemy and dish out real blows.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28As far as I see it, re-enactment is a hobby.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33It should be a sport, something you can hopefully
0:09:33 > 0:09:37get into professionally and I hope in a few years we'll be able to do that.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41My family, they worry for my safety first of all,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45because looking at it from outside, it does look very dangerous.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Come on, then.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Saw a few videos on YouTube.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Crikey!
0:09:52 > 0:09:53SHE LAUGHS
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's a shocker.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59But he's barely 21, he's got to do what he wants to do.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02I try not to be too fussy about things and worry too much.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I just hope that he has a really good time and he doesn't get hurt.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10Hopefully, when I come back from France, I'll be in one piece.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14I'll be still standing, still smiling, and hopefully,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I will be able to come back knowing that I did my best.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23At his medieval shop,
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Team UK's captain is doublet deep in background research
0:10:27 > 0:10:30into the rival nations attending this year's tournament.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33It's going to be a painful weekend in France.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I'm concerned about the new Welsh guys.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37This will be a bit of a baptism of fire
0:10:37 > 0:10:39for some of them, unfortunately.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42But I'm sure they're not going to back down without a good fight.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44I've got faith in that.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Whilst Mark considers the inexperience of his men,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49another young knight considers his motivation.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It's not about fantasy or anything like that for me.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I mean, you do get people that do it for that, but I think with me,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01it's just the fact that I can run around hitting people,
0:11:01 > 0:11:02and I'm happy enough with that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05For Rob, it seems being a gallant knight in shining armour
0:11:05 > 0:11:07didn't figure in his childhood dreams.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11I was more interested in fighting and having a scrap
0:11:11 > 0:11:13when I was younger, and then I got older
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and stopped scrapping because I think I grew out of that.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Because he was always a big boy and he'd got red hair,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21he tended to get picked on, and he would retaliate.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24I was the first person in that primary school
0:11:24 > 0:11:26to knock someone out cold.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Yes, he knocked somebody out!
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Rob's a leather worker at his mum's traditional saddlery business.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Working with my mum's OK.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40We get on quite well, me and my mum.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43We don't argue very much at all.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45There are times when he gets told off
0:11:45 > 0:11:47if he's been out the night before and comes in late.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Rob's mum and dad are going through a divorce.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52It's a stressful time for all of them.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54It is quite tough for her, I think, at the moment,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58especially with my dad going through the divorce and that.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00She's worrying about what's going on with him,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02what's going on with the business,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05will she have a house and a shop at the end of it?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Feeling the heat from everyday life,
0:12:07 > 0:12:12Rob uses full contact medieval fighting as a pressure valve.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14That's another reason why I enjoy the Battle of the Nations,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17the fact that health and safety hasn't got all over it
0:12:17 > 0:12:18like they've done with everything else.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21At least in this, you can just run around and do what you want.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Just the freedom to go out there and have a good scrap.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30And luckily for Rob,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32he won't have to wait until the tournament in France.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34It's now late March,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37and he and Team UK set up at historic Ludlow Castle
0:12:37 > 0:12:41on the English-Welsh border, for a very special training event...
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Their first ever public display.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48You know how heavy that canvas is.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51In centuries gone by, the castle was used
0:12:51 > 0:12:53to keep Welsh invaders out of England,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55but that now seems a long time ago.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Going to go for a stroll. It's a nice day. The market's out, you know.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Try and get some attention.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Can't be that hard, can it?
0:13:04 > 0:13:08In less than 24 hours, Team UK will be fighting each other
0:13:08 > 0:13:10in front of the British public.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14So Dan and the team do their best to drum up a crowd.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18We're doing some full contact medieval fighting.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23Proper people smashing each other, knocking each other down.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24Flipping heck!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27You don't see it in every town centre, do you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Mission accomplished, Captain Mark now shows Rob and Dan
0:13:31 > 0:13:34some of the more advanced tournament weaponry.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37This is a Russian one. It's one of the prototypes we've made up
0:13:37 > 0:13:40to see what our opponents will be hitting us with
0:13:40 > 0:13:41in a few weeks' time in May.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Ooh!
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Harder! I love it!
0:13:49 > 0:13:52No. I don't want to be on the receiving end of one of those.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Neither do I, but that is what the Russians are using,
0:13:55 > 0:13:56so you need to be aware of this.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00For gadget geek Gwilym, this medieval weekend
0:14:00 > 0:14:04is about going back to basics, even in sub-zero temperatures.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08I love my technology, I really do, but it's nice occasionally
0:14:08 > 0:14:11just to turn everything off and get out in the countryside.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13You've got a tent, you've got stew cooking,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and those are your only worries.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17But it seems there are some comforts
0:14:17 > 0:14:19a bloodthirsty warrior just can't live without.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22So I will be crashing on this tonight,
0:14:22 > 0:14:28proper double size as well, so I can spread out nice and comfy.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Get a bottle of mead in me as well, and I won't care how cold I am.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37For Dan, the medieval way is best - unless, of course, it's dinner time.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42It's too windy here for me.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48That's the thing with modern technology,
0:14:48 > 0:14:49it's not used to being outdoors.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53If you look at our fire over there, if it's too windy it doesn't matter,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56the fire will keep going, but this thing is going to blow out.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Yep, back to the fire.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05See, you can't beat a good old fire.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Around the fire, new members of Team UK
0:15:08 > 0:15:10bond with their more learned comrades,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12but can these relative strangers make it work
0:15:12 > 0:15:15as a highly tuned medieval military unit?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23It's a beautiful morning
0:15:23 > 0:15:27in the pretty market town of Ludlow in Shropshire.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Come on, lads, wakey, wakey!
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Let's see the horrible sights.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- I had a fucking air bed, and it popped.- Language!
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I'm not pleased. I slept on the floor.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I did warn you that the air beds don't work!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Today, the well-rested Team UK
0:15:42 > 0:15:46will fight for the first time in front of the British public.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47We're going to be doing some archery,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49and we'll be looking for some victims
0:15:49 > 0:15:52to stand down the far end and have some arrows loosed at you.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Then the idea is to go and do some team fights, mix it up,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58try different combinations.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Interact with the public. Just have a nice, hot, busy day.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06As well as a fun day out for families,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08this event is a chance for Team UK
0:16:08 > 0:16:10to test out intimidating fighting moves.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14And given that they're battling their mates,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17they will perhaps show some mercy.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19What I really want to do is get the axe
0:16:19 > 0:16:23and hack away at the opponent's legs, or his side, his kidneys.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28The big guys tend to be the targets first, funnily enough.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- What are your plans?- Just kill them.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Is this what the newest recruits were expecting?
0:16:34 > 0:16:35Little bit nervous,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38especially after seeing what Lucas and Nikolaj can do.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41We've fought them once before. Not really relishing that again.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Two minutes doesn't seem long,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45but it's the longest two minutes of your life,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47so you've just got to pace yourself
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- and not burn yourself out.- As soon as my colours arrive, we can start.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Just as Team UK splits into two groups
0:16:55 > 0:16:59for the first skirmish of the day, a new knight steps forward
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- to stake his claim as part of the British team.- I'm Sam.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06I'm from Chester, sort of the Northwich area.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09I do a lot of historical martial arts.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I'm very competitive, that goes without saying.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Whether mountain biking, snowboarding
0:17:16 > 0:17:20or suiting up in armour, for Sam, it's all about the adrenaline rush.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22I do these things, yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I suppose it adds a bit more flavour to life
0:17:24 > 0:17:26when there is a bit of danger involved.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Your heart starts going and you get that adrenaline.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Better than being sat at home.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36In HMB, I see myself as an athlete.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I just see it as a sport, and it's sports equipment.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40It's all just about
0:17:40 > 0:17:43living the most interesting life that you can, while you can.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Back in Ludlow, Sam grasps the opportunity
0:17:52 > 0:17:54to earn a place on the team.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59It looks like pandemonium, but in practice sessions like these,
0:17:59 > 0:18:01the team tries to keep a formation.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05They learn awareness, and it teaches them to help each other
0:18:05 > 0:18:08when they get into trouble.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12It's the first decent action Ludlow Castle has seen in about 500 years.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17The crowd seems happy enough, but how did the young knights get on?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19I couldn't see what was going on, so blinkered in the helmet.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Very happy with how my armour performed.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25My helmet's the heaviest of the group, but it wasn't so bad.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27It did pretty well.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31The helmet was new today.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34It's come out with a few dents, but my head's OK.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Well, as OK as it can be.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39And for first-timer Sam?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Yeah, that was great, for a first go.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44I think I made a good impression.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46So I've met the lads.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Ludlow appears to have been a great success for Team UK.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58His courageous effort means Sam has made the team.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59With no squire to help,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02the novice knight enlists his dad, Peter,
0:19:02 > 0:19:03to bang out the dents in his kit.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11That, because of the rip there, I'm having a bit of trouble.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13That's all right. That'll do.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16I've always had a really good relationship with my family.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Like with my dad, for example, he's always helping me out with my kit.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22We bounce ideas off each other, how we can make the armour better,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24how we can make it fit better.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27It's a really good thing to have that sort of support.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32He's doing, really, the ultimate game. I really am proud of him.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35When he was in the army, it was the same pride.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Representing the country. He was out there, doing it.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43I did two tours of Afghanistan.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46When you do hear that someone has been injured or killed,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48especially if they were doing a similar job,
0:19:48 > 0:19:49you do get shocked by it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54Yeah, I think I did grow up quite a lot when I was out there.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Each day he was out there,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58you'd dread a strange car coming in the yard.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Because that's how they go round and notify people
0:20:03 > 0:20:05when there's been any bad news.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07So every time a car came in the yard,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09every time the phone rings, your heart's in your mouth.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- But you survived it.- Yeah. Now I'm doing this instead.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Soon, Sam, Gwilym, Dan and Rob
0:20:24 > 0:20:27will be wearing kilo upon kilo of metal armour
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and wielding mighty weapons in the scorching heat of France.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33If they want to avoid defeat,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36the boys from Britain need to put in some serious training.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Now I'm doing this HMB stuff,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42I'm targeting it towards explosive strength,
0:20:42 > 0:20:43because that's what you need in this.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46The fights don't last that long, 30 seconds, maybe.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48We need to be able to fight as if we didn't have the armour.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50The armour's got to be unnoticeable.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I'm trying to put on as much weight as I can
0:20:52 > 0:20:54to help me against the bigger lads.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56You've got more chance of staying up.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00The least sporty of the new recruits
0:21:00 > 0:21:02relies on training partner Nymmy,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05named after that wolf from Game Of Thrones.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08I'm trying to make sure I do regular push-ups and stuff
0:21:08 > 0:21:09at home throughout the day.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14I'm trying to get into a habit of doing it. I've made myself a rule.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Every time I go upstairs or go to the bathroom,
0:21:17 > 0:21:21I'd have to do 20 push-ups, 20 ab crunches and 20 squats.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26That worked well for about a week.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Then I just started going to the toilet less.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Some might say that Rob's training regime lacks the same conviction.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Cheers.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40My training has been varied.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44A lot of it, unfortunately, has just been the right arm.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Pint glass, right arm, lift, drink, there we go, training done.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Cheers!
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I know how to fight anyway, I don't need practising that.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56A young knight's first line of defence is armour,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00and any kinks could prove fatal during battle in France.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04I'm more comfortable wearing my armour than my work clothes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07When I put on this armour, you know, I'm a hero, so to speak.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14It's the end of April,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18and the last full squad training session for Team UK.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22This is the final test before we go.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25After this, everything will be packed in the van, ready for France,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27so this is it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Everyone is together today.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34So it's lastminute.com, isn't it, sorting out all the teams.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Everyone's here and all tooled up.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Everyone, that is, except captain Mark and Rob,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41who are driving down from the Midlands.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47With the main aim of this kind of combat being
0:22:47 > 0:22:49to knock your opponent to the ground,
0:22:49 > 0:22:50first on the agenda
0:22:50 > 0:22:53is how to use an opponent's body weight against them.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00That's hard work, that.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Just breathing.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03Just can't get the air in.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08With training time running short,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12there's no denying that the mood in the camp is tense.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Don't have it just on the back, have the hand right around there.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Grab him here. - I hate doing grabs, man.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Finally, a full four hours after he planned to arrive,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31captain Mark shows up with a sheepish Rob in tow.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32I got out of bed a bit late.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36I was supposed to be picking him up for about nine o'clock,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38but I didn't get in until about 12.30,
0:23:38 > 0:23:43hangover and oversleeping being the main problem there.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47The next time the British knights put on their armour,
0:23:47 > 0:23:49it will be for the real thing,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53the 2013 Battle of the Nations competition in France.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Today, four young knights from Britain
0:23:59 > 0:24:01begin a modern-day crusade
0:24:01 > 0:24:04to the most brutal full contact medieval fighting tournament
0:24:04 > 0:24:06in the world.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I'm proud be English and I'm proud to be out there
0:24:08 > 0:24:10with the St George's Cross on,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12because I love to wear the St George's Cross for pride.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Charging out there, battling for Queen and country.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Won't be too happy about the 12-hour journey,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22but that's all to come yet, so we'll worry about that later.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Can't wait.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Just want to go and fight some people now.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33There are some things I'm still a bit worried about.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I don't really want to let anyone else down.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I don't want to be the person
0:24:37 > 0:24:40who makes things difficult for my team to win.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It would be nice if the team as a whole
0:24:42 > 0:24:45actually saw me as an asset by the end of it.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49It's nice to be able to say I was part of the first team
0:24:49 > 0:24:52that the UK entered into the Battle of the Nations.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56This is a World Championships in a full contact ornament.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Sounds amazing, doesn't it? So yeah, I think it will change me.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It'll make me a more confident person in myself.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06If I can achieve that, I can achieve anything.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12This stunning fortress is Aigues-Mortes,
0:25:12 > 0:25:14on the French Mediterranean coast.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17800 years ago, it was a point of departure
0:25:17 > 0:25:18for the Christian crusades.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20But today, it's a gathering point
0:25:20 > 0:25:24for a new breed of knight from all four corners of the globe
0:25:24 > 0:25:26as the town welcomes the world's biggest
0:25:26 > 0:25:31full contact medieval fighting event, the Battle of the Nations.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Anton is commander-in-chief of the event. He's from the Ukraine.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40TRANSLATING: We know for sure
0:25:40 > 0:25:45that our battles are more spectacular than some other kinds of sport.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52People are interested to watch not only action...
0:25:52 > 0:25:54but equipment as well.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01It is not only sport, but a sport cultural movement.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07For HMB, or historic medieval battle,
0:26:07 > 0:26:08to give the sport its full name,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11this is the biggest tournament ever held.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16As gallant knights and fair maidens from 21 other nations
0:26:16 > 0:26:18build impressive period campsites,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21captain Mark, with the ever-present Rob at his side,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24are the first to arrive from Team UK.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27It's time to stake out a corner of a foreign field
0:26:27 > 0:26:30that will be for ever England... and for Wales, too.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Well, everybody else has a lovely, lovely...
0:26:33 > 0:26:36tables, chairs, campfire and everything.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38You can see exactly what we've got so far.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41There you go, a bench and a little basket for fire.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Now, hopefully in about six hours' time, we should have everything else.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51- A flag would be nice.- We could always use your Northern Rock flag.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I'm happy to hoist that somewhere, you know.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Leading the motorised crusade, Sam and Dan conserve energy
0:26:59 > 0:27:02as fellow fighter Robert and his wife Agnes drive.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I don't know where we are.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08With many nationalities going to the event,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12these noble young knights are acting as cultural ambassadors for Britain.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16"Le singe...dans la branche".
0:27:16 > 0:27:18The monkey is on the branch.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Back at Aigues-Mortes,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Mancunian Rob is taking time to embrace
0:27:24 > 0:27:26this unfamiliar and foreign land.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28People don't speak any English.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30They look at you funny because you're English.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33The traffic's absolutely awful.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36The way that they drive's awful.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42But I can't really complain too much. I'm here, it's sunny.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44I'd probably prefer it to be raining, to be honest.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Be more like England then.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51After a day's journey by car, Sam and Dan arrive.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54But Gwilym and the transit van full of kit is nowhere to be seen.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57You're a bit late. The event's over, chaps.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58Mate!
0:28:04 > 0:28:05After months of waiting,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07the young knights get their first glimpse
0:28:07 > 0:28:09of the intimidating arena where tomorrow,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13they will be fighting for glory, for Queen, for country.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Looks fantastic. It looks like a proper Colosseum.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18A bit of modern, bit of medieval mixed into it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20I like it. Looks awesome.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Seeing some of these frightening weapons
0:28:22 > 0:28:27that are on display around here, they are very, very terrifying!
0:28:27 > 0:28:31I'm hoping we have virtually zero injuries.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33We will see. We will have to see.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41With such competent knights, Mark has nothing to worry about.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Although he does seem nervous
0:28:44 > 0:28:48about where on earth the rest of his army are, all 15 of them,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50including young knight Gwilym.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54I'm praying to God that we are now going to get our vehicle
0:28:54 > 0:28:58full of camp equipment, eating utensils and everything else.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03But much, much later, the British kit van has yet to arrive.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It's started to rain now, and I want my kit and a dry roof.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I would have liked to put the tent up in the daytime,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13but it's pitch black now.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Finally, after 16 hours on the road
0:29:17 > 0:29:22and delays in the badlands outside Paris, Team UK's cavalry arrives.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Dan is reunited with his pal Gwilym.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- How's it going? - What time do you call this?
0:29:27 > 0:29:28Too fucking late.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Whilst the knights reacquaint themselves
0:29:30 > 0:29:32with their best buddies,
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Mark brings ominous news from tournament headquarters,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37and it's about historical authenticity.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41This campsite needs to be 100% perfect.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44If it wasn't around in the 1500s, we don't have it.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Tomorrow, the tournament gets serious.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50But for now, Team UK have a long night ahead of them,
0:29:50 > 0:29:54making a camp worthy of the brave.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57It's morning on the opening day
0:29:57 > 0:30:00of the world's biggest full contact medieval fighting event,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03the Battle of the Nations tournament.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05At Team UK's camp, it already seems
0:30:05 > 0:30:08like they have their first casualty of war.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- Erm, mead, beer, whiskey, schnapps...- Vodka.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15..vodka.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I think there was some wine in there too.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22We have five minutes now before authenticity police could
0:30:22 > 0:30:27come around and there's a 50 euro fine for anything inauthentic.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30So, rugby sock hanging out the tent will cost me 50 euros.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33They came around and a group got flagged up because they had
0:30:33 > 0:30:36a potato and no-one in Europe had a potato in the Middle Ages.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41So, yeah, you've got to fear the potato Nazis, unfortunately.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Like the Olympic Games, Battle of the Nations begins with
0:30:44 > 0:30:46an opening ceremony.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49As venerable knights from around the globe proudly
0:30:49 > 0:30:52gather in the arena, the air is thick with anticipation.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- So, are we all ready then? Gwil, ready?- Yeah.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Just waiting on one more to come out the tent
0:31:00 > 0:31:01and I think we just get over there.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Only four months ago this humble shopkeeper, Mark,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09from Burton upon Trent, accepted a noble quest,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11to build Britain's newest army.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15The first and only medieval full-contact national team.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Now, as proud captain,
0:31:17 > 0:31:21he marches his 15-strong band of brothers into battle.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27And one team the first timers could do without meeting is
0:31:27 > 0:31:30the all-conquering and terrifying Russia.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Already three times tournament champions.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39The prestigious opening ceremony is marked by rousing
0:31:39 > 0:31:41words from each team captain.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47As I look at this crowd assembled in front of us, my heart swells.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51We are very, very honoured to be in the company of you great warriors.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Thank you very much.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56APPLAUSE
0:31:58 > 0:32:01ANNOUNCER: Here are the United Kingdom.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Hello, France.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06This is the United Kingdom's first battle here
0:32:06 > 0:32:08and we hope to make many, many, many more battles within
0:32:08 > 0:32:12the Battle of the Nations tournament every year.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Erm...OK.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Merci beaucoup.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23With the tournament now officially open,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26the boys can immerse themselves in a most unique festival.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30No other place has the authentic feel and flavour of the Middle Ages.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- Watermelons are authentic, are they?- No, it's pizza.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Well, fair point.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42But the medieval markets are not the main attraction.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43This is...
0:32:45 > 0:32:50Unrelenting, full-contact carnage and lots and lots of injuries.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53Men from 22 nations in brutal competition to decide
0:32:53 > 0:32:56who will be crowned kings of the world.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00The tournament consists of three fighting categories.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03There are the mass battles of 21 versus 21.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Then there's the quicker explosive speed of the five versus five.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09And then, for the more refined fighter,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12the technical accuracy of the one versus one duels.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Although the weapons are blunt, a strong blow can do untold damage.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Entering the duels from Team UK are Lukas and Nikolaj,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24two of the team's most experienced combatants.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Big respect for them for doing that.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's not easy, so we'll be supporting them as much as we can, really.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- Wish them the best of luck. - Like a boxing match,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37the one versus one category is all about connecting blows and
0:33:37 > 0:33:42scoring points, plus knocking your opponent onto his medieval backside.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44THEY CHEER
0:33:47 > 0:33:49But trainer Nikolaj is caught off-guard
0:33:49 > 0:33:51fighting a French chevalier.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Tripped him.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- It happens.- Dirty French tactics.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Not only is Nikolaj knocked out of the one versus one,
0:33:58 > 0:34:01but Team UK receive their first injury.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03ANNOUNCER: Victory for France.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Team UK's Lukas is a formidable fighter.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- Go Lukas!- Go Lukas!
0:34:13 > 0:34:15But comes up against a huge Polish guy
0:34:15 > 0:34:17and a terrifying rain of blows.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26Lukas is hurt. I think he might have hit his hand, or something.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29He's obviously tired and that Polish guy looked fresh.
0:34:29 > 0:34:35He was just coming in so hard and so fast. Yeah...a bit concerned.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39The plucky Brits have been knocked out of the one vs. one competition
0:34:39 > 0:34:43and the brutality of the fighting is a short, sharp shock to the team.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Based on what we've seen so far today, two members enter,
0:34:48 > 0:34:49two members get injured.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53With Nikolaj's eye injury on his mind, novice knight Gwilym
0:34:53 > 0:34:57ensures his helmet is well padded to protect his face.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Go and have a talk with the Spanish team captain,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02cos he's got a Roman nose as well.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Or perhaps...
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- What are you trying to say here? - It's Roman all over your face.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11LAUGHTER
0:35:11 > 0:35:15After several hours, Lukas returns from hospital.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- Is it much pain?- It's lots of pain, yeah.- What did the X-ray say?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- It's broken in half. - It's broken in half, clean break.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- Is it a clean break?- Yeah. - At least that's something.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29It's been a disastrous first day for Team UK.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Yesterday, interesting day.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Our two best fighters got injured in the duels.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I was expecting to see a few injuries,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48I wasn't expecting them in our team, that was a bit shocking.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50I don't think, until that point,
0:35:50 > 0:35:52it seemed that different from re-enactment.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54I mean, the campsite and everything.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I'm used to this, we do this several times a year.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00But when we actually watch them just taking each other apart,
0:36:00 > 0:36:05that's when it really hit home just how different this is, you know?
0:36:05 > 0:36:07But the combat arena is an unforgiving place.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10As crowds pour in, the fast and furious
0:36:10 > 0:36:13five versus five competition has begun.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15To win, you need to knock all of the other team to the
0:36:15 > 0:36:17floor as quickly as possible.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It sounds like a dream come true for novice knight Dan,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22who is keen to pick up tips.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Rushing to get to the start of the fiery fives.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28I think we'll do well in the first few bouts,
0:36:28 > 0:36:30but after that it's up against the big guys then.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Russia, Ukraine, Poland, that's when it'll get nasty.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36A battle is the best of three bouts.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Each team is made up of five knights.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40It's an eye-opener for Dan,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42who dreams of turning professional at this sport.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48That guy's huge...that guy is huge but you can be the biggest guy in the
0:36:48 > 0:36:51world but you've still got a head with a helmet on,
0:36:51 > 0:36:52like everybody else.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56Despite his eye injury, Nikolaj will lead the more experienced Team A.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00Sam, Rob, Dan and Gwilym will fight in Team B.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03They'll have an opportunity to watch and learn as Nikolaj
0:37:03 > 0:37:06and his men face opponents Czech Republic.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13In the group stages, each team faces three other nations.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15This is the first time either team has fought at this
0:37:15 > 0:37:17international tournament.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20It's an explosive start,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23but quickly in the first bout, the Brits come out on top.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27One-nil to Team UK.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30But it's the best of three bouts,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33and the Czechs come out strong in the second round.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36The Brit crusaders soak up the pressure
0:37:36 > 0:37:40and some skilful work sees the last Czech fighter put to the ground.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Team UK's first team wins the battle two bouts to nil.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46ANNOUNCER: Victory to United Kingdom.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52I saw how important it was to stay together as a group.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56You know, if you do run off into a...on your own,
0:37:56 > 0:37:57then you'll just get picked off.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59I'm ready for my fight now.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02I'm ready but I've got to wait a little.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09While Team A make their group stage fights look easy,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13beating their next opponents, Italy, in straight bouts...
0:38:13 > 0:38:14ANNOUCER: Victory UK.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17..the more inexperienced Team B receive
0:38:17 > 0:38:20help from their squires to prepare for war
0:38:20 > 0:38:22and possibly a beating.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25We have a lot to live up to!
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Just a matter of months ago, these four young knights began
0:38:31 > 0:38:35their training and soon they step up to fight in front of the world.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Dan's ditched historical re-enactment to pursue this
0:38:40 > 0:38:42new full-contact sport.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45But are he and his brand-new kit up to the challenge?
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Yeah, this will be main test of the armour.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52If I come back in one piece, everything's good.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54I know the armour is good quality,
0:38:54 > 0:38:56it's whether or not it's fitted right.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Erm, it's all about the padding underneath.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02For adrenaline-fuelled Sam, fighting is the ultimate buzz,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05but right now the former soldier's thoughts are about home.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08My dad would just tell me to just look after myself.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11He'd be more worried about my safety than actually winning.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I think he'd be really happy to see me now, my dad.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17Yeah, he'd love to be out here to watch.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Rob hasn't enjoyed his stay in France,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22but right now this lad has only one thing on his mind...
0:39:22 > 0:39:24A good scrap!
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I was watching it last night and the amount of injuries they were getting,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29like broken collar bones and broken arms
0:39:29 > 0:39:31and blood spurting out of the sides of helmets...
0:39:31 > 0:39:32And you start thinking, yeah,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35maybe I should have been training and not drinking as much.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37And then there's computer programmer Gwilym.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39This self-proclaimed nerd is fighting
0:39:39 > 0:39:41the cause of the little guy
0:39:41 > 0:39:43and doesn't want to let his team-mates down. Will it be
0:39:43 > 0:39:46a case of the "Dark Knight Rises"?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Yeah, this is kind of, you know, worlds away
0:39:48 > 0:39:52from sitting behind my desk, coding away or playing on the Xbox.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56So, yeah, a bit out of my element.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57But should be fun.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01With temperatures in the midday sun hitting 30 degrees,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04captain Mark marches Team B to the battlefield.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Meanwhile, Team A have thrashed old adversary Argentina
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and finished top of their qualifying group.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16But they'll have to see who they're drawn against in the next round.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22For Team B, the pressure is on and nerves have set in.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Their first opponents are the host nation, France.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29For the first round, we should present the biggest guys.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34Mark, er...Rob, er..Steve, Dan and Lukas.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Rob and Dan are on for the first bout.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Sam and Gwilym are on the subs bench.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I think I'm in there just because I've been moaning about France all this time.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46So, they've stick me in as well and give them a good crack.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47It's very hot in here.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I'm just trying to get used to the heat before I go out fighting.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Erm, I'm ready.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I'm ready.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Plan of attack, beat whoever's in front of me to the ground.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Find someone else, beat him to the ground and repeat.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08Agincourt, Crecy, the Eurovision Song Contest, over the last thousand
0:41:08 > 0:41:13years Britain and France have met countless times on the battlefield.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Today, Team UK face them in this unique sport on their home turf
0:41:17 > 0:41:19and in front of their home crowd.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's not going to be easy, and the team get in the zone.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29This is it, the first of three bouts.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35That's Mancunian Rob straight in there.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42And before he knows it, two French knights close in on him.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Welsh Dan charges in to help Rob out and gets a beating for his trouble.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55But it looks like Team UK are getting the upper hand.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59With just two French knights left standing,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Rob ploughs in and Team UK win the first bout.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04CHEERING
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Perfect, guys, brilliant! But just attack more aggressively, you know.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Move around and move faster to help each other. Move faster.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18So far it's one-nil to Team UK.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20If they win the next bout, they win the battle.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22And the boys go in hard.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Unfortunately, so do the French.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33And soon captain Mark is the last man standing.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48Despite Mark's gallant efforts, it's now one-all.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53It's time for super subs Gwilym and Sam to come on.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56They've been waiting a long time for this epic moment,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58but can they make the difference?
0:43:00 > 0:43:04This is the final bout. Win this, they win the battle.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09And Gwilym is giving it some against some of their biggest fighters.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Sam rushes over to help
0:43:11 > 0:43:14and does enough for the marshal to step in and stop the fight.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16CHEERING
0:43:16 > 0:43:18The boys beat the French two-one.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21ANNOUNCER: Victory United Kingdom.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25HE SHOUTS: England! England!
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Perfect, perfect! Go, go, go...
0:43:27 > 0:43:30Brilliant, brilliant, guys! You were perfect.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34And no-one is happier than Rob that the French met their Waterloo.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36This big French guy was just not letting me go.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40So, in the end I just wrapped my arms around him and pulled the bastard down with me.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42One of the Frenchman said that I hit hard.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44And I gave him a little hug afterwards.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48But we're all friends... at least I am, anyway.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51I'm a lover, not a fighter.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Oh, wait, I am a fighter and a lover.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58Sam and Gwilym went on in the third bout.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01The guys were getting really tired, I could see it.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05So, yeah, in a way it did knock my confidence a little bit
0:44:05 > 0:44:09but, you know, they just substituted us back on and we're nice
0:44:09 > 0:44:12and fresh so we turned that around.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14I think I managed to get a few croppers on the French guy's
0:44:14 > 0:44:17head, mainly with the shield rather than the sword.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20He's just right up in my face, so I couldn't really get
0:44:20 > 0:44:24the swings in there but I could get quite a bit of power with the shield.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26Feeling a lot more confident now than I was this morning.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29That serves them right for the toilets.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34After just a few months of training together,
0:44:34 > 0:44:37the brave young knights have triumphed in their tournament debut.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39But this is only the start.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Next they go visor to visor with Israel.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45Many of the Israeli fighters are ex-military
0:44:45 > 0:44:48and they have a fearsome reputation.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50England, go!
0:44:52 > 0:44:53Courageous or suicidal,
0:44:53 > 0:44:57captain Mark takes on the gargantuan Israeli at the back.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02That's Rob running in to assist his buddies on the fence
0:45:02 > 0:45:05but he gets swatted away with ease.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10And now Dan gets floored by the same fighter that nailed Rob.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18ANNOUNCER: And the round goes to Israel, five-zero.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22The Israelis steam-roll Team UK, easily winning the bout,
0:45:22 > 0:45:26and captain Mark's regretting taking on the biggest man on the field.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Big guy, lots of punches, he's got a good punch.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32After the first bout, Team UK are losing one-nil.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37With Mark out, Rob and Dan are joined at the back by Sam,
0:45:37 > 0:45:40with the black and white shield and Gwilym in the black helmet.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44Gwilym bravely heads straight for the big Israeli that took out Mark.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55Sam rushes in, throwing himself on the back of one of the Israelis
0:45:55 > 0:45:59who's pinning Rob and Dan against the fence.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02Thrashing at them with his mace, it's just Sam left on his own.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05Despite being outnumbered, he's not going to back down...
0:46:08 > 0:46:11..until a huge Israeli knight pummels him to the floor.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15MARSHAL: Stop!
0:46:15 > 0:46:20ANNOUNCER: And the round goes to Israel, five-zero. Victory Israel.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Israel win the battle two bouts to nil.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Go, go to the tent.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27They fight hard, they do.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34- It's a wake-up call for the boys. - It's just a learning curve, you know.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36We need more training, more stamina.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39If I want to do this seriously, I think you've got to train...it's
0:46:39 > 0:46:43actually like a professional sport, the amount of fitness required.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46They didn't bother striking, they were just wrestling us.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48And we're weakest with wrestling.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52I think I need to really use my speed to my advantage and try
0:46:52 > 0:46:53and get around more.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57Pick my battles and not just go for the guy who's coming for me.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59I think that's really my main mistake.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Sleepy time!
0:47:02 > 0:47:05With exhaustion setting in, the boys will have to
0:47:05 > 0:47:09call on all of their energy and training for the next fight.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11So, yeah, we've lost the match against Israel.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14We did win the match against France, though.
0:47:14 > 0:47:15Next we're up against Luxembourg.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18They're a pretty good side from what I've seen, but we have to win
0:47:18 > 0:47:22that if we want to get through to the next...the next group now.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28This is the decider and the boys have everything to fight for.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31Standing between them and the next round,
0:47:31 > 0:47:35the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and its fearsome men.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38This is it now, we've got to go for it no matter what.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- We can get through. - We've lost one, they've lost one.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45We need to win this to get through, so do they.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48So, kill them, destroy them.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52It's a savage fight.
0:47:52 > 0:47:53The boys pile in.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01Dan gets thrown down early but takes his opponent with him.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04Somehow, Sam ends up with the Luxembourg captain,
0:48:04 > 0:48:07the biggest fighter, holding the biggest weapon on the field.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09But before he can deal the fatal blow,
0:48:09 > 0:48:12Rob rushes in with a kamikaze bid.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15Left on his own, it's Sam versus Goliath.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Gwilym in the black helmet is battling to stay on his feet.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Now, it's just Gwilym and Sam,
0:48:26 > 0:48:30then a final crushing blow to his leg from the captain puts Sam down.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35The last man standing at the other end is Gwilym, but not for long.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39Team UK loses the first bout,
0:48:39 > 0:48:42but worse than that, they're all walking wounded.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47- My helm's fucked. - Come on, Mark, get ready.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52- Sorry, you should stay. We have no fighters.- I can't breathe, man.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Because he has problem with the armour.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58Dan's armour has failed, which means that injured captain Mark is
0:48:58 > 0:49:02sent back in and a breathless Gwilym must fight again too.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11The boys have to win this next bout to stay in the competition.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Sam and Gwilym were into some serious problems.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17One has an axe and the other a mace.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27Gwilym, in the black helmet, bravely runs in to help out team-mate Sam.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33But even a key hit on the opponent's head isn't enough
0:49:33 > 0:49:38to drop him and Gwilym gets floored, quickly followed by Sam.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Just one Team UK fighter left.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43The last man standing is Rob and he's taking a thrashing.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Finally, marshals step in to stop the bout.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57The valiant knights of the second team have been knocked
0:49:57 > 0:50:00out of the five versus five competition.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03Fucking weather, it's too hot.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06Should have trained harder, really,
0:50:06 > 0:50:08but it's too hot and I've not got enough water in.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12That was hard. Everyone put everything into it and so did they.
0:50:12 > 0:50:16Somehow, I ended up with the biggest guy every time.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19Me and Sam, we did get crashed by one big dude but he was a big dude.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23My left knee broke off and I wasn't allowed to fight on the last round.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25I didn't like watching them, I felt powerless.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27I wanted to go in and help them.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29Cos, you know, they're my boys, they're my team.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32We have lots of things to improve and we keep training,
0:50:32 > 0:50:34we keep improving ourselves.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37But for today, you are heroes today!
0:50:37 > 0:50:40England!
0:50:40 > 0:50:41TOGETHER: We charge!
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Can I get a vanilla?
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Fighting over for the day, best buddies Gwilym
0:50:45 > 0:50:48and Dan grab a medieval ice cream and think about the future.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52I really can't wait for next year, though, cos we're going to be so much better.
0:50:52 > 0:50:57I don't know, I reckon it's easy to get up to semi-competent from completely crap.
0:50:57 > 0:51:02But to get from competent to good...that's a bigger jump.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05- I'm going to be shredded with thrill.- You're going to be what?
0:51:05 > 0:51:07- Shredded.- Shredded.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11At camp, the noble knights share war stories over a nice,
0:51:11 > 0:51:13cold glass of mead.
0:51:13 > 0:51:17I saw that other bloke...I had about three inch gap, if that,
0:51:17 > 0:51:20between my hip plate and my leg plate
0:51:20 > 0:51:22and he hit me twice in that same spot,
0:51:22 > 0:51:25full power strike. And I was just like, aargh...
0:51:25 > 0:51:28At the end I was just gripping onto the post like that and it was
0:51:28 > 0:51:30like I'd stolen one of their pound coins or something cos
0:51:30 > 0:51:33they were in every pocket. They were just all over me.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36I was like, "I've got no money!"
0:51:36 > 0:51:37HE LAUGHS
0:51:43 > 0:51:45HE COUGHS
0:51:45 > 0:51:47Oh, we drank way too much beer last night when we got back to camp.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49Oh, I'm dying.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53As Team B recover from the night's excesses, Team A conquer
0:51:53 > 0:51:56Israel in the next round of the five vs. five competition.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00THEY CHEER
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Guys, we're in the quarterfinal!
0:52:02 > 0:52:03Woo!
0:52:06 > 0:52:11But now competition first timers Team UK face their greatest test.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14Next opponents Russia have won every tournament since it began.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18They're more tactical than other teams
0:52:18 > 0:52:21and with Russia at first, it's a stand-off.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25Then the fight explodes with ferocity!
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Where Team UK struggle to find 15 men,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32in Russia there are over 1,000 fighters to choose from.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41The British boys fight as though their lives depend on it.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48But it's not enough. Russia win two bouts to nil.
0:52:48 > 0:52:53Team UK's first team is also knocked out of the tournament.
0:52:53 > 0:52:54It was very hard.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56We knew we have no chances against Russia,
0:52:56 > 0:52:59so we just tried to get as much experience as we could.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01They did really well and the Russians are tough,
0:53:01 > 0:53:05- they're really tough so...- We are too young for them at the moment.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08Yeah, exactly...maybe next year, eh?
0:53:10 > 0:53:13The closing ceremony of the Battle of the Nations tournament
0:53:13 > 0:53:16begins with a startling and frankly insane spectacle.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20This is the all versus all.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24The competition's over and this gruesome carnage is purely for fun.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27Up to 150 fighters in the arena at once,
0:53:27 > 0:53:29and it's all about survival.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37If you're a young knight and you're still hungry for battle,
0:53:37 > 0:53:40this is your last chance to prove you're worthy.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Gwilym and Sam seize the moment and armour up one last time.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46When 5' 10" Gwilym arrived,
0:53:46 > 0:53:51he doubted his ability against the muscle men and hard-hitters.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53I think I'm more confident in my abilities as a fighter now.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57I honestly thought I'd go out there and I'd be the guy who gets taken
0:53:57 > 0:54:01out in the first ten seconds, but I didn't, and I do have some potential.
0:54:01 > 0:54:06I do have a chance to be good at this and maintain my place in the team.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10- I took a really hard hit from a pole axe to the head.- Let's do it.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13Seeking to quench his thirst for danger,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15Sam only started full-contact fighting a month ago.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19For the adrenaline junkie in me,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21when that visor goes down and all you can see
0:54:21 > 0:54:23is five blokes stood in front of you
0:54:23 > 0:54:25who just want nothing more than to hurt you, it's...
0:54:25 > 0:54:27yeah, it does get you going.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29APPLAUSE
0:54:29 > 0:54:32So proud that they're doing it and they stood their ground.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34As first-timers at the tournament,
0:54:34 > 0:54:38it's been an incredible journey for the whole of Team UK.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Injuries in the one-versus-one battles,
0:54:40 > 0:54:43but a quarterfinal place in the five-versus-fives.
0:54:43 > 0:54:47Russia sweeps the awards, but a surprise for Team UK,
0:54:47 > 0:54:48who win the best newcomer cup.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50- United Kingdom! - CHEERING
0:54:50 > 0:54:54It's our first time out and we got to the quarterfinals.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57That's insane. We're the only new team to get that far.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59That's incredible.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02- THEY CHEER - Young knights Rob, Dan, Sam
0:55:02 > 0:55:05and Gwilym joined this valiant crusade as novices.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08They've bravely fought for queen and country
0:55:08 > 0:55:10and are now knights of a much bigger realm.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Very proud now. Really proud of the team.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14Everybody has performed wonderfully.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17Next year, we're going to bring a bigger team.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25Next year, hopefully, I'll be trained and fit.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29I get this kind of five minutes of focus and determination,
0:55:29 > 0:55:31and next minute, me mate rings me up and goes, "Fancy a pint?"
0:55:31 > 0:55:33And I go, "Oh, that's a good idea!"
0:55:37 > 0:55:38Yeah, cheers!
0:55:42 > 0:55:45You do something like this against the world's best fighters,
0:55:45 > 0:55:48it really pushes you to get to that sort of level.
0:55:52 > 0:55:53I want to fight the Russians,
0:55:53 > 0:55:55I want to fight Belarus, you know, Poland.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58All the really good teams. I want to be up there doing that.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03This has been a sort of wake-up call, really.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Now I know that this is really what I want to do.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11This is the priority. Everything else is just secondary.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15Work's there to put food on the table, to pay rent,
0:56:15 > 0:56:19and to buy armour. Fitness is there so I can fight stronger.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21Certainly next year, I'm going to be twice as good.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Iechyd da!
0:56:27 > 0:56:30It's crazy to think that I've only been doing this
0:56:30 > 0:56:33for a matter of months, but the people I've met,
0:56:33 > 0:56:36I already really trust and get on with so well.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40I definitely feel like I'm leaving here
0:56:40 > 0:56:41having achieved something, you know.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43I didn't let my team-mates down.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50It's just like we've got this great group of lads that are just
0:56:50 > 0:56:52all going out and giving everything they can.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56It's been good meeting these guys and a privilege to fight with them.