The quest to become a knight in the medieval period required learning combat techniques. Once dubbed, these young men would receive a sword and armor and go to battle. This medieval combat still ...

Growing up, plenty of us played the role of knight battling our friends, with sticks often used as swords and, if you were fortunate enough, an old bin lid as a shield. As adults, life takes over.

In one corner is thirty-seven-year-old Matt Gifford, five foot ten inches, weighing in at 185 pounds. Over his armor, he wears a red brigandine, a cloth garment studded with metal. On the other side ...