Modern-day knights are bringing to life the spirits of King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Lady Guinevere in DeKalb’s Haish Gym.

The DeKalb Park District now offers lessons in medieval combat reminiscent of the days in Camelot.

Class participants learn how to use a shield, sword, pole arms and archery equipment. All equipment and protective gear are supplied by the park district, said Colleen Belmont, program director for the DeKalb Park District.

Medieval combat is a semi-aggressive contact sport. Participants receive – and give – hits, blocks, bashes and blows, Belmont said.

Instructor Dan Frey has more than six years of combat experience, has instructed for four years and is a member of the Belagarth Medieval Combat Society.

“So be prepared for a workout; he keeps you moving,” Belmont said.

The Belagarth Medieval Combat Society members belong to “armies” that compete in tournaments or “battles” for fun, Frey said.

A member picks a historical English or Norwegian character to portray. Members also can create fantasy characters. Frey said he prefers historical characters to fantasy, but he combines both and uses martial arts in his classes.

The class familiarizes and educates DeKalb residents about medieval combat and gives them a look into what goes on at tournaments, should they be interested in participating, Frey said.

Frey said he wants to emphasize that the society and class are not related to “Dungeons and Dragons.”

Interested residents between ages 14 and 17 can still join the session in progress, which began Nov. 1 and will run until Nov. 29.

A third session will start in January. No registration dates have been set.

“It’s a brand new kind of out-there idea, so it might take a while to catch on,” Belmont said.

Participants can register at either the Haish Gym Facility, 303 S. Ninth St. or at the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St.

Medieval combat classes

Who: Teens, ages 14 to 17

Where: Haish Gym Facility

When: 7 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $35 for residents, $45 for non-residents