Where to Watch Holmgang Medieval Fighting: Live Events & YouTube Guide
Holmgang Fighting revives the Scandinavian and Germanic tradition of holmgang -- a medieval judicial duel used to settle disputes. Modern events feature full-contact combat with blunted medieval weapons and authentic reproduction armor, organized across Germany and Europe through organizations like the International Medieval Combat Federation (IMCF) and HMB International Association (HMBIA).
Here is every way to watch Holmgang and medieval combat in 2026.
Live Events (Primary Experience)
Medieval combat is best experienced in person at tournaments and events held across Europe. The spectacle of armored fighters clashing with swords, axes, and shields is something that video cannot fully capture.
Major International Competitions
- IMCF World Championships: The International Medieval Combat Federation hosts annual world championships drawing fighters from over 26 countries.
- HMBIA Events: The HMB International Association organizes competitions under historical medieval battle rules.
- Regional Tournaments: National medieval combat federations in Germany, Poland, Russia, and other European countries host regular events throughout the year.
How to Find Events
- Check the IMCF and HMBIA websites for event calendars and locations.
- Search for local HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) clubs and national medieval combat federations for regional events.
- Follow medieval combat communities on social media for event announcements.
YouTube (Recorded Content)
YouTube is the primary platform for recorded medieval combat content, with highlights and full fights from tournaments across Europe.
- Search Terms: Search "Holmgang Hamburg," "Holmgang fighting," "IMCF medieval combat," "HMB fighting," or "medieval full contact" on YouTube. Note: graphic Holmgang Hamburg sharp-steel footage has been repeatedly removed from YouTube and may be found on alternative platforms like Odysee and BitChute.
- Cost: Free.
- Content: Full tournament bouts, highlight compilations, knockout moments, and documentary content about the medieval combat community.
- Channels: Multiple channels cover the medieval combat scene -- look for official IMCF and HMBIA channels as well as fan-run channels that compile the best moments from tournaments.
HEMA Community
The broader Historical European Martial Arts community provides additional content and event information:
- HEMA clubs: Local clubs across Europe and North America practice and compete in historical martial arts. Many post training and competition videos online.
- Forums and communities: Online HEMA communities discuss events, techniques, and tournament results.
- Social media groups: Facebook groups and Reddit communities dedicated to medieval combat share event information and fight content.
The Bottom Line
Holmgang and medieval combat fighting is primarily a live-event experience, with the most impressive footage available on YouTube. Search for IMCF and HMBIA tournament content on YouTube for the best recorded fights, and check the international federation websites for upcoming tournaments if you want to attend in person. The sight of fully armored fighters competing with medieval weapons is unlike anything else in the combat sports world.
