inflatable article

Inflatable Gladiator

The popular medieval sport of jousting, which found an audience in the 1500s, is now resurrected in a popular carnival game.

Inflatable jousting has taken the carnival and graduation party circuit by storm. It seems no one—children and adults alike—can get enough of beating each other up with these oversized padded Q-tips.

A popular method for determining strength, courage and athleticism in the Middle Ages, jousting had resurgence in the late 1980s with the popular television show American Gladiators. This version of the sport, featuring helmeted gladiators atop padded platforms, set the precedent for modern inflatable jousting matches.

Jousting lances, which were long pointed spears, have been replaced by pugil jousting sticks in this contemporary rendition of the sport. Pugil jousting sticks have been used as padded military training weapons since the early 1900s. Devised to help military men train to both attack and defend against bayonet assaults, these padded sticks have integrated hand guards.

Military men, contestants on American Gladiators and present-day inflatable joust participants must wear a variety of safety gear when participating in this sport. Competitors must wear protective helmets, hockey gloves, shin guards and chest protectors.

Though they are encouraged to beat their opponent relentlessly with their padded sticks, inflatable jousting participants are not allowed to kick, punch or otherwise hit their opponents.

They also are strongly advised against grappling on the ground and fighting once off the designated posts.

Much like its 15th century counterpart, inflatable jousting competitors perform to see who can win the best out of three matches. Each match includes participants attempting to knock their opponent off the small elevated post on which he is standing. Once a competitor is knocked off balance, he fights to stay atop his post. If he falls off, he loses the round. The competitor who can stay atop his elevated platform for the best out of three spars is crowned the champion, going home with blood on his chest, pride in his heart and perhaps a garland of leaves.

Inflatable jousting gear can be rented by a myriad of game providers. Typically, an unstaffed jousting ring costs approximately $325. Party hosts can rent the ring, safety equipment and regulation referees for $500. It generally takes four hours to deliver and set up the equipment.

For companies who host inflatable jousting matches frequently, it may be cost-effective to buy an inflatable jousting ring. Regulation-size inflatable jousting rings, which measure 21 X 24 feet, sell for around $3,500.