“What is Soft Armored Fighting (SAF)?”
Sport for everyone:
Soft Armored Fighting (SAF) is a modern combat discipline in which participants engage in sword-and-shield style combat using padded (soft) weapons and protective equipment, allowing full-contact duels and team events in a safe and regulated environment.
SAF combines the heritage of medieval tournament combat with contemporary safety standards and sport structures. It is accessible to all ages (from children to masters), all genders, and across a wide range of weight and age categories.
Key Features:
- A variety of disciplines including sword & shield, sword & buckler, longsword, saber & buckler, profight soft (various formats).
- Age categories from juniors (from about 4-5 years) to adults and masters (55+).
- Rules emphasise control, respect, safety, and sportsmanship. Protective equipment (helmets, gloves, soft weapons, shields) is mandatory; federated referees oversee fair play.
- SAF is organised at club, national and continental levels, offering athletes opportunities to progress from grassroots to major championships.
SAF brings together tradition, sport and fun – offering a unique environment for those who seek challenging combat sport with a modern and inclusive approach.