History
In the late 1960's, a group of British Stunt Performers, led by Max Diamond and Fred 'Nosher' Powell formed a society to produce and present Medieval Jousting Tournaments. Their aim being to promote Jousting as a modern sport and help preserve our long and rich history.
The first Tournament they were invited to hold was part of the Nottingham Festival in 1969. The event was a huge success and led to many more Tournaments throughout Great Britain. Most notedly presenting a fully competitive Tournament at the Tower of London, in 1972, as part of the London Festival. It was not long before tours of Europe and North America followed.
As time went by members of the public showed an interest in participating alongside professional performers in the Tournaments. So the Jousting Association was formed. This group, led by its Principle, Max Diamond, went on to perform the world famous 'Tournament of Knights' in Austria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Germany, as well as residencies at Knebworth House (Hertfordshire,) Chilham Castle (Kent) and Tapeley Park (Devon.)
In 1994 it was decided to form a second arm of the Association which branched out into other period themed activities. This new arm became known as 'Combat Through the Ages' and is run by Max Diamond's son, Peter Diamond.
Since 1995, Combat Through the Ages is the only active part of the Association, following the retirement of Max after fifty years in the industry.
Peter Diamond was born into the entertainment and stunt industries, cutting his teeth working with his father, Max Diamond, in Jousting Tournaments.
He has over thirty-five years experience in action Co-ordination and Instruction for TV, Theatre and Live Shows, and has appeared in many TV and Film productions and performed in stunt shows all over the world. He is the Director and Producer of Combat Through the Ages and runs ‘The Original Knight School' training courses.
Peter Diamond