David Schill, of Sandy Hook, competes in armored combat, which is a form of traditional medieval martial arts. Schill uses heavy equipment, weighing more than 100 pounds in fact, as he battles others who bring new meaning to throwback athletes.

Newtown native Tyler von Oy competes along with Schill in part as a way to fulfill a childhood dream of someday being a knight. He researched medieval martial arts while in college and found out about a group that competes out of the Knights Hall in Nashua, N.H.

After attending a competition in Nasuha, von Oy was hooked. Contacts in the circle of armored combat led to von Oy and Schill joining a group that has formed over recent years, taken on the name New Haven Highlanders, and recently moved to CrossFit RedZone, 3 Simm Lane. The Highlanders comprise area competitors/history enthusiasts, with New Haven first serving as part of the team name when it had no official home.

On March 7, the Highlanders suited up and took on the Nashua Knightmares in a competition that went into overtime. A comeback by the Highlanders forced extra time before a hard-fought (literally) 16-15 loss.

“I absolutely love it. First and foremost, it’s a team sport. All the camaraderie you would get from any other sport is there. Because it’s an extreme sport you get the adrenaline rush as well,” said von Oy, adding that the competitions work as a stress reliever as well as providing tremendous exercise. “It’s an amazing way to workout.”

The armor and weapons have to meet historical standards, Schill said, and most of the equipment is made overseas; the activity originated in Europe. While the armor itself might be similar to what was used in the 1400s, it is modernized with padding to help prevent concussions, he said, describing it is 1,000 times safer than what was used 600 years ago. Equipment costs between $3,000 and $5,000, Schill said.

“We’re not actually trying to kill each other,” Schill added.

That’s not to say this activity isn’t somewhat dangerous. Athletes suffer concussion and broken bones — not unlike in other sports, Schill noted. “It’s a full-contact sport,” Schill said.

But quite a bit different than the mainstream sports.

“To put the armor on and have somebody running at you with an ax, it’s a different feeling,” Schill, 53, pointed out.

Schill, a former hockey player, adds that his friends have suffered worse injuries playing hockey and football. Schill, himself, recently suffered an ACL injury while competing and had to sit out this event.

Injuries have sidelined von Oy as well. He took an ax to the heel and said he was fortunate to not have a tendon or bottom of his foot absorb the blow, von Oy said. The 32-year-old has also suffered myriad bruises. Despite this somewhat tempered violence, the competitors socialize together following their competitions, von Oy said.

Now residing in New Milford, von Oy is a wilderness mentor at Two Coyotes Wilderness School at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown. He started competing about three or four years ago; he ran track and field in high school and played rugby in college.

Schill also had his introduction to armored combat in Nashua and has participated for two years.

“I said ‘this is a sport I’ve got to try,’” Schill recalls.

Matches can last an hour and a half to two hours. They are broken into four quarters each with a one-on-one duel and five melees consisting of three or five competitors on a side, all of which can last several minutes or just seconds.

Points are scored for strikes with the weapons as well as competitors hitting the ground.

Grappling, kicking, and punching are allowed but not to the groin, back of the knee, or directly to the neck, Schill said. A referee is present to score points and manage the competitions inside an arena with metal guard rails.

Schill said there are approximately 1,200 competitors across the country. This sport originated in Europe as a way to train soldiers, Schill said.

“It’s huge overseas,” said Schill, adding that tens of thousands of people compete. A lot of the competitors are ex military representatives or have a background in one of the martial arts, Schill added.

Armored combat follows the International Medieval Combat Federations rules. Many of the fighters, including von Oy, have been featured on the recent History Channel show called “Knight Fight.” Participants must be 18 years of age to compete and most of those in the sport are in their mid-20s to late 50s.

The Highlanders try to practice as a team once each week, usually Sunday afternoons at CrossFit RedZone. With participants spread out all over the state it is difficult to get everybody together more often, and independent training is important, Schill said.

“Staying in shape is a huge component,” said Schill, who said most participants train five to six days each week.

Schill said the team members appreciate the support of CrossFit RedZone. Those interested in joining or learning more may find New Haven Highlanders: Armored Combat Sports on Facebook or e-mail ct.highlanders.club@gmail.com.