I have a friend who does this and I went to watch one of their events. He says he only does 1-on-1 fights for safety reasons and I can understand why. At least

I have a friend who does this and I went to watch one of their events. He says he only does 1-on-1 fights for safety reasons and I can understand why. At least you always have your opponent in front of you in this case. The group fights are super fast and dynamic and the biggest strategy is basically covering distance quickly, teaming up on people, and tackling from behind. They're less about weapons and more about American football-style tackles from the side/back while the opponent is busy sword fighting with your team mate. The armour is also so padded and thick that ordinary weapons like swords are really more for just point fighting. Two handed weapons definitely do more damage. Also, getting jabbed in the face with the edge of a wooden shield looks pretty serious, not to mention quick and unexpected! Watching their event was super exciting, but at the same time there's a looming feeling that someone will get seriously hurt at any second.