Modern day knights have showdown in Spain

Knights of the U.S. team go into battle during the International Medieval Combat at Belmonte castle  in Belmonte, Spain, May 1, 2014.

"Medieval Combat" is a contact sport based on the medieval tournaments in Europe of the 14th and 15th centuries. The sport has been developing in Eastern Europe for 20 years and is now spreading rapidly worldwide.

All photos taken on May 1, 2014.

Belmonte, Spain

Women watch knights fight during the International Medieval Combat at Belmonte castle.

Belmonte, Spain

A knight from Japan battles a knight from the U.S.

Belmonte, Spain

Swedish and Polish knights battle.

Belmonte, Spain

Knights battle during the International Medieval Combat at Belmonte castle.

Belmonte, Spain

Danish and Polish knights battle.

Belmonte, Spain

A fallen knight of the Danish team look on as his comrades battle with knights of the Polish team.

Belmonte, Spain

U.S. and German knights battle.

Belmonte, Spain

A knight from Japan battles a knight from the U.S.

Belmonte, Spain

Danish and Polish knights clash.

Belmonte, Spain

Two American knights rest after a battle against Germany.

Belmonte, Spain

A French knight rests after combat.

Belmonte, Spain

A Danish knight is carried by his team after winning a fight.