'Knights' from around the globe compete in the 2nd annual Medieval World Combat Championships - video

Poland were the clear victors, winning six golds, two silvers and two bronze medals

Two Medieval combatants competing at the World Championships at Malbork Castle (Getty Images)

“Knights” from around the world gathered in Poland over the weekend, as medieval enthusiasts battled it out for victory at the 2nd annual Medieval World Combat Championships.

Over 500 competitors from 26 different countries fought over four days at Malbork Castle in southern Poland in disciplines that included sword and shield combat, one-on-one longsword duels and group battles.

Home territory proved to be an advantage for Poland, who took the overall honours from reigning champions, USA, securing six golds, two silvers and two bronze medals.

The sport of medieval combat has grown in popularity over the last decade with the first ever World Championships being organised in Spain last year.

And there was no more apt venue for this year’s event than Malbork Castle: it was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, a religious group known for their fighting capabilities.

The contests between the competing knights are scored like boxing matches, with judges marking the competitors on style, aggression and defence.

The victorious Polish team being led into battle (Getty Images)

Before you utter the words “historic” or “re-enactment”, those involved are keen to stress that the fights are real, with competitors allowed to hit push, kick and strike opponents with their swords, all with the aim of trying to knock them to the ground.

Speaking to Reuters, former U.S. Marine Corps officer Andrey said: "I like physical sports, I like the tactics, I like the strategy, and I love leading men and women in battle."

"This year the Polish have come back really really strong," says Bill, an a teammate of Andrey, "they were just solid. It was a hard fight."