What is Buhurt?
Buhurt, also known as “medieval combat” or “full-contact medieval combat,” is a sport that involves reenacting historical battles and combat techniques from the Middle Ages. Participants, often referred to as “fighters” or “combatants,” wear armor that replicates the protective gear worn by knights and warriors during the medieval era. The armor is typically made from materials like steel and leather and is designed to provide protection while allowing participants to engage in physical combat.
Background
Buhurt was the tournament format in Western Europe from around 1250 to 1320. The word “Buhurt” is derived from the word “Bohourd”, which translates to roughly “to wallop”. The armor is based off of museum pieces and is made of approximately 1mm thick hardened steel. The weapons are also historical analogues that have been rebated and the points rounded for safety.
Formal Organization
In the early 2000s, formal organizations and associations began to emerge with the aim of standardizing the rules, safety protocols, and competitive aspects of buhurt. These organizations helped bring more structure to the sport and enabled it to gain recognition on a broader scale. Prominent groups and organizations include the International Medieval Combat Federation (IMCF) and Battle of the Nations (BotN).
Duels and Battles
In buhurt, fighters engage in one-on-one duels or participate in team-based battles where multiple combatants face off against each other. The goal is to simulate the intensity and tactics of historical warfare while adhering to modern safety standards. Buhurt events can include various forms of combat, such as striking with weapons like swords, axes, and maces, as well as grappling and wrestling techniques.
Two teams will fight in three periods. Fights will be a combination of group melee battle and duels. There are three periods and two intermissions. Each period has 5 rounds of melee and 3 rounds of dueling.
Formats
Melee
Melee ends when only one team is left standing, or 3+ vs 1
Each team gets one point per person standing at the end
Duels
Duels are three one minute rounds, with each landed strike being counted
The duelist with the most strikes landed at the end of each round wins 2 points for their team
Armored Academy of Arizona
Arizona’s Premier Buhurt School
Armored Academy is dedicated to the martial sport of armored combat. Our students learn all the martial arts skills needed to be successful fighting other teams both in the US and internationally. We offer training and fitness for ages 10+. Our adult students train to fight in full steel armor, while under 18s train to fight in soft armor. We do men’s, women’s, team combat and dueling. Duels include longsword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, and pole arms. In addition to that, we offer great physical fitness, and all are welcome. Prior experience not needed. Contact us and come check us out!
Meet Our Teams
Blood Eagles
Our men’s team. We have produced world champions out of our gym. Unlike other martial arts, we will put a sword in your hand on day one.
Desert Sicarias
Our women’s team. Buhurt is a fun sport for everyone. These lady knights are fierce and tough as nails. They are not required to fight men, but they often choose to!
Fury
Our Youth League Team. We train children ages 10 to 17. While the youth do not use and wear steel weapons and armor, they train in the same soft kit as the adults and learn all the same skills as the adults. There is an annual tournament for the youth as well. These are the next generation of knights!
