in doing the armored knight vs. modern soldier, it might also be important to consider the kind of movements they are making.
the kind of movement a knight is making in a sword fight is akin to fighting in a boxing or karate match. A lot of moving around, swinging a weapon and blocking. Very aerobic and tiring. I assume if these guys spent all day doing it, they were in better shape than I was when i trained in martial arts.*
*consider that part of my black belt test included sparring everybody in my school in rotation, non-stop for about an hour.
Whereas, the soldier has some body armor, a gun, a belt full of ammo and a heavy backpack. He's probably walking/marching, crouching, laying down and getting up. The act of actual fighting means pulling a trigger, not swinging a 3 pound sword repeatedly at his enemy. He may actually be exerting LESS energy in a firefight than a swordsman.
Additionally, where folks assume wearing armor is such a drag, the weight is spread out and held close to the body. It would feel like a lighter burden, than carrying that weight in a backpack or as furniture to be moved.
there's also the psychological contribution. A guy in armor is going to feel strong and invincible. he is going to move and act as such. this is why football players hit harder today, than in the past. Better protective gear makes them act more aggressively.
the kind of movement a knight is making in a sword fight is akin to fighting in a boxing or karate match. A lot of moving around, swinging a weapon and blocking. Very aerobic and tiring. I assume if these guys spent all day doing it, they were in better shape than I was when i trained in martial arts.*
*consider that part of my black belt test included sparring everybody in my school in rotation, non-stop for about an hour.
Whereas, the soldier has some body armor, a gun, a belt full of ammo and a heavy backpack. He's probably walking/marching, crouching, laying down and getting up. The act of actual fighting means pulling a trigger, not swinging a 3 pound sword repeatedly at his enemy. He may actually be exerting LESS energy in a firefight than a swordsman.
Additionally, where folks assume wearing armor is such a drag, the weight is spread out and held close to the body. It would feel like a lighter burden, than carrying that weight in a backpack or as furniture to be moved.
there's also the psychological contribution. A guy in armor is going to feel strong and invincible. he is going to move and act as such. this is why football players hit harder today, than in the past. Better protective gear makes them act more aggressively.
