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A Bit About Buhurt

...And a little bit more

Buhurt, the heart of medieval combat, is an exhilarating sport that showcases the raw power and tactical brilliance of fighters in intense multi-battle scenarios. From the adrenaline-pumping clashes of 3 vs 3 and 5 vs 5, to the grand spectacle of mass battles like 12 vs 12 and even up to 150 vs 150, Buhurt delivers a unique blend of historical authenticity and modern athleticism. Each fight is a testament to the skill, strength, and strategy of the participants, making Buhurt not just a sport, but a thrilling journey back in time. Dive into the world of Buhurt and experience the epic battles that define this extraordinary sport.

Buhurt is an exciting sport where fighters battle each other in groups. Imagine knights in armour fighting in teams, from small groups of 3 vs 3 to huge battles with up to 150 people on each side! It's like stepping back in time to the days of castles and knights. Buhurt is all about strength, skill, and teamwork. It's a thrilling and action-packed sport that anyone can enjoy.

About Buhurt

The Rules

The Rules

The Armour

The Weapons

Buhurt is a full-contact combat sport where participants, clad in historically accurate steel armour, engage in battles using blunt steel weapons. The primary objective is to eliminate opponents by forcing them to the ground; a combatant is considered "dead" when a third point of contact—such as a knee, hand, or weapon—touches the ground, in addition to their two feet. This rule applies even if a fighter falls together with an opponent. The sport permits strikes to most parts of the body, with specific regulations to ensure safety. Wrestling techniques are allowed, but thrusting attacks are generally prohibited. Detailed rules covering aspects like scoring, permissible techniques, armour authenticity, and weapon specifications are outlined in the official rule book available on Buhurt International's website.

In Buhurt, fighters don historically accurate armour that balances protection with mobility.

 

Common types include:

  • Plate Armour: Comprising large metal plates, this armour offers substantial defence against strikes while allowing reasonable movement.

  • Chain Mail: Made of interlinked metal rings, chain mail provides flexibility and moderate protection, often worn beneath plate armour for added defence.

  • Brigandine: Constructed from small steel plates riveted to a fabric or leather garment, brigandines offer a blend of protection and flexibility.

  • Composite Armour: Combining materials like metal and leather, this type offers lightweight protection and is valued for its versatility.

  • Leather Armour: While offering less protection, leather armour is lightweight and allows greater mobility, suitable for fighters prioritising speed.

Each armour type must meet specific standards regarding material, thickness, and body coverage to ensure safety and historical authenticity. Fighters often customise their gear to reflect specific historical periods or personal preferences, enhancing both functionality and personal expression.

In Buhurt, combatants wield a variety of historically inspired, blunted steel weapons, each adhering to specific regulations to ensure safety and authenticity. Commonly used weapons include:

  • Swords: Single-handed swords, sabres, and broadswords, typically weighing up to 1,700 grams, are prevalent. Falchions, with a maximum weight of 1,900 grams, are also utilised. Longswords, measuring up to 1,400 millimetres in total length and weighing up to 2,600 grams, are favoured for their reach and versatility. 

  • Axes: Single-handed axes, weighing up to 1,400 grams, are common. The cutting edge of an axe blade must be at least 7 centimetres in length. 

  • Maces: Single-handed maces and six-flanged maces, with a maximum weight of 1,100 grams, are used for their blunt force capability. These maces must have wooden handles and no sharp edges.

To ensure safety, all striking parts of bladed weapons must have edges rounded to a bevel with a minimum thickness of 2 millimetres. Additionally, the radius of rebating—the process of rounding the peak and percussion edges—should be about 10 millimetres. 

Certain weapons and techniques are prohibited in Buhurt to maintain safety standards. Thrusting attacks with weapons are generally forbidden, as are any strikes aimed at prohibited areas such as the feet, back of the knees, groin, back of the neck, and skull base. Actions like twisting against the natural direction of a limb, applying painful holds, or attempting to remove an opponent's armour components are also banned. 

These regulations ensure that while the combat remains intense and authentic, the risk of serious injury is minimised, preserving the sport's integrity and participants' safety.

The Armour
The Weapons

Legal Restrictions on Buhurt Weapons in Australia

In Australia, the legality of Buhurt weapons varies across states and territories, each enforcing specific regulations regarding their possession and use. For example, in Victoria, swords are classified as prohibited weapons under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, requiring individuals or organisations to obtain a Chief Commissioner's Approval (CCP) for lawful possession and use. As of now, the Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF) has not been granted such approval for the sport of Buhurt. Therefore, AMCF members and other participants do not have legal authorisation to possess or use swords for medieval armoured combat in Victoria. It's essential to consult local authorities or legal resources to ensure compliance with regional laws before purchasing or using Buhurt weapons.
 

Similarly, in New South Wales, items such as maces may fall under controlled or prohibited weapon categories, requiring appropriate permits. Given these variations, it's crucial to consult local authorities or legal resources to ensure compliance with regional laws before purchasing or using Buhurt weapons.


Additionally, it's important to note that no exemptions have been provided by the Chief Commissioner to any individual or organisation for the possession and use of swords in Buhurt. Some members have been advised that they are covered under other organisations' exemptions; however, these exemptions do not extend to the use of swords for medieval armoured combat. Consequently, individuals risk legal action if they choose to use swords in Victoria for our sport without the appropriate approvals.

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