Is Armored Combat similar to larping or related to Medieval Times?
No. We have a lot of respect for Medieval Times and larping, but Armored Combat is very different. Larping is a role playing choreographed action game played by costumed participants portraying characters. Armored Combat is a highly-demanding sport performed by trained fighters wearing real armors and weapons.
What’s the difference between melee, pro-fights and duels?
Armored Combat is split into 3 categories. Duels and pro-fights are both 1V1 where the goal is to score more points than your opponent. The difference resides in the rules. Melee, aka buhurt, is the team version of 5v5, 10v10, 16v16, 30v30 and even 150v150 depending on the league. The goal of melee is to be the last team standing.
Is Armored Combat dangerous?
Reports of first responders compare Armored Combat festivals to mountain bike events. The most common and barely inevitable injuries are bruises. Sprains my occur. ACL tears is most likely pretty serious injury yet quite infrequent. Broken bones are very rare. Comparatively data show that is far safer than much more popular team contact sports such as football and rugby. Bottom line, while Armored Combat is violent, it is not considered as dangerous provided that fighters wear proper gear and equipment.
What kind of weapons are used in Armored Combat?
First and foremost, all weapons are blunt. Sharp weapons are forbidden in Armored Combat and all striking edges must meet strict legal requirements. Second, all weapons need to be historically accurate, they must match the fighters’ armor time and must rely on authentic documentation. Common Armored Combat weapons include arming swords, two-handed swords, falchions, axes, maces and halberds.
Is there any gender, age, body size requirement?
No restrictions, everyone is welcome to join!
Can I join a practice to see if Armored Combat is for me?
We would love to welcome you at practice. Put an armor on, feel the adrenaline and see for yourself how awesome this sport his. Please fill our this form and our team will get back to you asap.
Where and when does practice take place?
Los Angeles is a big city and most of our fighters are spread around town. To make it easier, our only required weekly training is held centrally in Culver City on Saturdays 9am-12pm. We also have two other locations for those who want/can train during the week on Tuesdays in Torrance 5pm-7pm and on Thursdays in Burbank 6pm-8pm. More info on this page.
What should I bring to practice?
We recommend sweat pants and hoodies for extra padding, closed shoes supporting your ankles, lots of water, a sports cup, your enthusiasm, and an extra pair of lungs!!
What is included in the monthly $30 dues?
Monthly dues help our team purchasing and maintaining training equipment. Keep in mind that a full set of armor costs $2,500+ and requires constant repairs. Dues also help cover part of the accommodations when traveling to special events.
How can I pay my monthly $30 dues?
All funds are managed by the Los Angeles Golden Knights Chapter President. You may pay your monthly dues via Zelle, Paypal or Venmo. Volunteers that help with specific tasks at team events can pay for that month with service to the team. More info on this page.
What additional training should I add to improve my skills & stamina?
Good question! You will soon realize that cardio is what you need to improve significantly with Armored Combat. Any pell work wearing steel gantlets and buhurt weapons will help you improve your skills and stamina. As a general rule we keep ourselves accountable and privately share our weekly training routines between us.
Are there any other way I can get involved besides being a fighter?
Thanks for asking! If for whatever reason you love Armored Combat but don’t necessarily feel like getting into the list, there is a multitude of ways to get involved. First and foremost, our main goal is to keep enrolling new fighters to participate to the popularization of this great sport. Any promotional help is welcome. We also keep our monthly dues low to make it affordable to a large audience, but more revenues would help; helping us fundraise and secure sponsor would be fantastic. If you want to get closer to the list, you are still welcome to participate in light training as sparing partner, join as a marshal (referee), or a squire by helping fighters suiting up and getting ready for battle! More info on this page.
Where can I buy an armor?
The Los Angeles Golden Knights are not affiliated to any blacksmith. Yet, it is know fact that the most reputable makers are based in Ukraine. Names such as Buhurt Tech, Medieval Extreme, Lemberg Armor, Forge of Svan, and Age of Craft are the go to blacksmiths. Some great makers can also be found in Poland, Mexico and the US. Keep in mind that a full set excluding weapons starts at $2,500. If this is out of your budget, as a member you will be able to borrow team’s gear and equipment.
What should I look for when buying an armor?
First and foremost, make sure your armor is historically accurate. You don’t want to invest in an entire set that won’t pass inspection! Make sure arms and armors meet safety standards, including thickness, material and weight. Safety is also important to consider, while many designs will be approved for battle, some are far less safer than others. Breathability comes next: do not underestimate how challenging breathing in medieval helmet can be. Visibility is also to be considered; usually the safer the less visibility, but you want to be aware of your surroundings with proper visibility. Then make sure your set is confortable; considering the extra load on your body you want to make sure your armor is as easy as possible to wear. The last criteria is too often considered as a top priority, but it is not: style has its importance, but should come after all the above.
For special events, can you provide the list? And how much space do you need?
Yes, we can provide our own list for your special events. Be advised that a list is not required, but recommended especially for buhurt (aka melees). The smallest list requires 10×10 feet and 30 minutes for set up, the largest list requires 30×20 feet and 60 minutes for set up.
For special events, how many fighters can you provide?
We can provide from 2 to 10 fully equipped fighters.