Local knights will be representing Canada at the International Medieval Combat Federations Medieval Combat World Championships.

Six locals from surrounding communities will be making the trip to Mexico City from May 2-5 to wear Canada's colours and try to come home with a championship.

Those representing Canada from the Airdrie area include:

  • Andrew Wigglesworth- Crossfield
  • Wade Ames- Claresholm 
  • Ian Tivendale- Airdrie 
  • Ryan and Warren Nielsen - Okotoks 
  • Malin Wigglesworth- Crossfield (16-years-old going as a team support person)

The Canadian team will have representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. 

Andrew Wigglesworth explained historical medieval combat is where they wear heavy, period-accurate armour and fight with weapons (blunted at the end of them) from the 1300-1500 era until one person or team is declared a winner.

"It's scored like boxing where it is a 10-point system but it's medieval mixed martial arts."

While multiple categories are taking place at the event, Wigglesworth explained everybody attending from the Airdrie area will be taking part in the 10v10 fights and 16v16 fights.

AirdrieFrom left to right: Malin, Wade and Andrew.

This is Wigglesworth's first world championship and he can't wait to show what he can do for Team Canada.

"I always thought when I was younger, as a kid, I would be doing it in either hockey or soccer, but now in my 40s I get to go do it in a suit of armour, so it's pretty fantastic."

Wigglesworth explained back in 2018 he and his family went to Brooks to visit their Medieval Fair.

"We were watching the fights  and I had a sidebar conversation after the tournament with one of the guys and we kind of waited a little bit and then we went and tried it out. From there, we kind of fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since."

Wigglesworth's son, Malin, also participates in the sport, but because he is only 16 he is unable to compete in the championship.

"He'll be helping out the members get into the ring gear, run water bottles between fights swap out weapons and be there for general support."

Winning on the world stage would be a dream come true for Wigglesworth.

"We have some talented fighters in Canada and we're looking forward to testing our metal against some of the world's best."

While the sport has been around for quite some time, Wigglesworth stated one of his goals is to continuously grow medieval mixed martial arts.

"We're not some little niche sport, we'd like to grow it into something much larger because it's a whole lot of fun."

While they are already gearing up for the big trip, they have one event in March that people can attend if they would like. It will be taking place at the Okotoks Ag Centre on March 9.

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