WHAT IS BUHURT?

Armored Combat, often called Buhurt, is a modern combat sport inspired by medieval warfare. Fighters compete in real steel armor using blunt steel weapons, all based on historical examples.

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Across all formats, Buhurt shares two defining elements:

• Historically based armor
  Fighters wear steel armor designed after real medieval armor styles, built to modern safety standards.

• Historically inspired blunt weapons
  Weapons such as swords, axes, and maces are crafted from steel, blunt for safety, and regulated by strict rulesets.

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The result is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport that blends history, athleticism, and teamwork.

Buhurt isn’t a single game — it’s a collection of combat formats, including:

• Team melees (such as 5 vs 5, 12 vs 12, or even larger battles)

• Duels (timed one on one matches with matched weapons - longsword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, and polearm)

• Specialty formats with different rules and objectives (outrance/pro fights, triathlon, etc.)

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Rules vary by format, but bouts are judged based on control, technique, and takedowns, not on causing injury. 

Buhurt is a rapidly growing international amateur sport with a passionate global community.

Eastern Europe is the historical and competitive epicenter of the sport, but active leagues and teams exist across all of Europe, North America, South America, and the Asia/Pacific region. 

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In North America, there are multiple established leagues, teams in every region, and events ranging from small demonstrations and local tournaments, regional and national competitions, and even international championships featuring teams from around the world.

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Whether you want to fight, coach, volunteer, or spectate, there is a place for you in the sport.

People are drawn to Buhurt for many reasons! It's a full-contact competition unlike any other sport. There's a strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie as well as a unique blend of history, athleticism, and modern sport. There's a welcoming community built by people who started exactly where you are now.

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You don’t need prior experience, armor, or special background to begin — just curiosity and a willingness to give it your all.

If Buhurt sounds like something you want to try, head to How to Get Started or use our Club Finder to locate a practice near you.