Abstract: Based on the manuscripts of martial arts in medieval Europe, this paper interprets the basic features of martial arts in medieval Europe from three aspects: practice subject, practice field and practice content. The research shows that all social classes in medieval Europe have the cultural tradition of using and teaching martial arts, and the knight class is not the only practical subject of martial arts. The practice field of martial arts is divided into education field and battle field. The court and school are the main education field of martial arts in medieval Europe, and military combat, knight competition and duel are the main battle field. The practice of martial arts in medieval Europe is divided into two parts: technology and technical theory. Technology includes postures and plays. Technical theory includes six technical principles: the principle of maintaining movement, the principle of psychological regulation, the principle of measuring distance, the principle of strong and weak strength, the principle of full utilization, and the principle of controlling opponents. It is pointed out that the study of martial arts in medieval Europe can expand the research vision of Chinese martial arts, provide reference for the comparative study of Chinese and Western martial arts in the new era, and realize the mutual learning, mutual appreciation and common development of Chinese martial arts culture and European martial arts culture.

Key words: martial arts in medieval Europe, martial arts culture, manuscripts of martial arts