PHOTO: SIMON HENDERSON
Mr Stewart is part of an informal sparring group that researches German and Italian texts written between the 11th and 14th centuries to gain insights on how swords and shields were used in combat.
The small shield he holds is called a buckler and was used to counter an attack by a sword or to punch into an attack.
It could also be used to hide the point of a sword, moving the shield at the last minute to strike forward at an attacker.
Mr Stewart will conduct medieval swordplay demonstrations throughout the Medieval Family Day taking place this Sunday at Tūhura Otago Museum.
