"ONE of the most basic rules is that you can not stab anyone."
It might not be everyone's idea of fun but for Tuffley's Robert Kostrzewa, there are few better ways to spend his spare time than taking part in full combat medieval fighting.
He came to England from his native Poland about four years ago, not long after his passion for battle re-enactments had developed into a taste for something a little more competitive.
Medieval fighting is a burgeoning sport across Europe, so much so that representatives from 40 countries descended on the south of France earlier this month for the world championships, with Robert proudly lining up for Team UK.
The novice bunch of fighters did themselves proud, smashing their way past the combined Czech Republic and Slovakia, Italy, Argentina and Israel teams to land a quarter-final spot against the mighty Russians.
But, with one UK member having suffered a broken arm and another pulling his shoulder in earlier rounds, the eastern powerhouse proved one step too far.
"We were quite tired after our fight with Israel so we decided we would do our best against Russia, but they were too strong," said Robert, 36, who dons a 20kg suit of armour to compete.
"We are proud of ourselves though, we did well and were in the best eight countries in the world."
Fighting takes three forms – one-on-one combat, five against five, and 21 against 21.
Robert, who by day is a software developer and devoted dad-of-two, was in the five against five fights.
Asked why he does it, he said: "That's a good question.
"I started doing re-enactments in Poland but wanted to do something a bit more competitive. I enjoy it, I enjoy the preparation and training and I am in the best shape ever. I also like going around Europe to see all these medieval places."
The fights are full-on, with the winner decided by whoever is the last man standing. Blunted swords and a multitude of other weapons come as standard.
"It's a combination of sword fighting, wrestling, and a lot of running around," said Robert, who added he wouldn't be pushing his seven-year-old and 18-month-old sons to follow in his footsteps, although his wife Agnes "enjoys it".
"The rules are that you can't stab and you can't hit the back of the knees, but the head is ok – that's a favourite area."
