The fascinating world of medieval combat is experiencing an unexpected revival, both in popular culture and in contact sports. The growing popularity of disciplines such as buhurt, a modern version of ancient knightly battles, has taken this sport to a new level. Like MMA, buhurt fuses the adrenaline of hand-to-hand combat with medieval tradition, offering a unique spectacle.
This October 19th, in the bullring of Moralzarzal , Madrid, the Koliseum event promises to take the medieval experience to another level. With real buhurt fights, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, light shows, fire and a live concert, the show guarantees total immersion in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Álvaro Fernández, the creator of the event, describes it as “a unique madness”, with fighters wearing armor weighing more than 35 kilos in completely real battles.
Although the buhurt arrived in Spain in 2014, this type of event is just beginning to gain notoriety, and the Madrid event is seeking to establish itself as a reference in the world of medieval combat. With the perfect mix of history, spectacle and the passion of modern warriors, medieval culture is once again alive in the arena.
But what is bohurt , also known as buhurt? How is it played? What combat modes are there and where can it be practiced? Here we tell you everything.
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What is bohurt (Buhurt)?
Bohurt , also known as medieval combat , is a sporting discipline that faithfully recreates the knightly tournaments of the 14th and 15th centuries. Essentially, these fights recall the competitions that took place during times of peace, where the bravest nobles measured their skills with blunt weapons, seeking glory in prestigious jousts.
Origins of Bohurt: From the Middle Ages to the Present
Modern medieval combat bears many similarities to the historical tournaments of the late Middle Ages, but with some crucial differences to ensure the safety of the participants. Whereas in the past only nobles and men could compete, today, Bohurt is open to anyone, regardless of gender or social status. In addition, there is a historicity committee that ensures that the equipment used is historically correct, respecting the era and region represented.
Bohurt Modalities: A Sport with Several Categories
Within medieval sports combat , there are various categories that allow competitors to compete in different formats, whether in individual or team combat.
1. Individual Duels
In medieval duels , two participants face each other in one-on-one combat. The winner is determined after three rounds of one minute each, where only clear blows with the edge of the weapon are valid for scoring points. The most common subcategories include:
- One and a half hand sword
- Sword and shield
- Sword and buckler
- Halberd
2. ProFight: The Most Intense Modality
ProFight is the most demanding category of Bohurt, both physically and technically. Unlike traditional duels, the use of more aggressive combat techniques is permitted here, such as kicks, punches, locks and takedowns, as well as strikes with weapons and shields. Each fight consists of three three-minute rounds, making ProFight an experience similar to mixed martial arts (MMA), but with the difference that participants wear medieval armour.
3. Soft Training (HMB Soft)
For those who want to get started in Bohurt but do not have steel armour, there is HMB Soft , an ideal modality for beginners and minors. In this format, padded protections are used, such as boxing helmets and swords made of foam rubber or tatami, which allows you to practice all the techniques of medieval combat safely.
Soft training (HMB soft)
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Melees: The Epic of Team Combat
One of the most spectacular and challenging categories of medieval combat is melee , where entire teams face off with the goal of taking down every member of the opposing team. Melee can range in size from 3v3 to massive 16v16 clashes. Takedowns can be accomplished with weapons, through charges, or using martial arts techniques, adding a level of brutality and strategy to each encounter.
The main categories of scrum are:
- 3vs3
- 5vs5
- 10vs10
- 16vs16
The Importance of Equipment in Bohurt
In order to participate in bohurt safely, it is essential to have adequate equipment, including historical armour and weapons designed specifically for such combats. Each piece of equipment is thoroughly checked before each tournament to ensure the safety of the participants. In addition, the correct choice of armour is not only crucial for protection, but also for combat performance.
Live the Passion of Medieval Combat
Bohurt is much more than just a sport; it is an immersive experience that transports participants and spectators to a time of honour, valor and skill. With modalities for all levels, from individual duels to epic team melees, medieval combat continues to gain fans around the world. If you are passionate about history and adrenaline, bohurt is definitely a discipline you must learn and experience.
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