Northeast Marshal Training Camp Event Recap

May 17–18, 2025 | Hosted by the Portland Reavers

This past weekend, fighters and leaders from across the region gathered for an intensive and rewarding Marshal Training Camp in the Northeast. Led by Christopher Wilkins—whose depth of knowledge and experience as a Buhurt International marshal was clear from the first session—the camp struck a perfect balance of structured learning and community building.

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a casual social around the fire, complete with snacks, board games, and fun movies. It set a relaxed and welcoming tone that carried through the weekend and gave everyone a chance to connect before training began.

Saturday was packed with classroom sessions that covered everything from rules interpretation and safety

protocols to marshaling philosophy and situational awareness. Chris didn’t just read off slides—he engaged with the material, handled off-topic questions with ease, and provided clarity where there was confusion. His ability to explain both the “what” and the “why” behind procedures made this an especially valuable experience for new and seasoned marshals alike.

Between sessions, attendees enjoyed top-notch meals and time to reset with a nature walk or siesta before regrouping for more learning. The evening wrapped with a combat footage review and Q&A session, which sparked great conversations and reinforced key takeaways.

Sunday brought it all together in the field. After breakfast and a practical on weapon inspection, the group set up a list and dove into real-time marshaling. Participants rotated through field positions while Chris provided live feedback, tips, and corrections to fine-tune their understanding. The practicals included buhurt, duels, and even a bit of outrance marshaling. One participant commented, “I had to run the field for pro fights—and I came out of this with a much clearer picture of the correct procedures.”

This wasn’t just a learning weekend—it was an investment in the future of armored combat in North America. The professionalism, hospitality, and passion on display made this camp one to remember. Events like these ensure we’re all aligned on the standards of safety, fairness, and excellence our fighters deserve.

Final takeaway: This was an essential event not just for marshals, but for team captains, too. Understanding how the field is run is critical to competing well—and to keeping our sport strong.

Huge thanks to Chris Wilkins for leading the charge, to the Reavers for their logistical support, and to everyone who made the journey to attend. We’re stronger for it.