The Origins

Between the 12^th and 16^th Centuries, knights would compete in mock fights including mêlées and hand-to-hand combats, mostly for training and exhibit their pride and courage. The Livre des Tournois by the French prince René d’Anjou (1409-1480) is a treatise describing rules for these tournaments. The most popular form of Armored Combat is buhurt, which name originates from the old French word “béhourd” (to “wallop”), originates from these combats and was brought back to life in Russia at the end of the 1990s. History and combat enthusiasts, tired of the too great “pacifism” of re-enactment, European historical martial arts fighters have decided to fight as close as possible to historical reality. Buhurt, pro-fights and duels were born from the search of these enthusiasts to pursue the heritage of a 500-year old sport. Armored Combat will evolve and begin to grow in 1996 with the first tournaments involving several hundred competitors, including the legendary Vyborg tournament, then in 2005 with the organization of a first European tournament in Ukraine. A few years later, the major international competition Battle of the Nations was created, allowing real combat, but framed in a secure manner. Armored Combat has established itself as a true sporting discipline with international success. Although its youth limits its reputation, growing initiatives around the globe participates in its much-deserved expanding notoriety.

The Principes

Armored Combat is a modern-day full contact combat sport which involves fighters using blunt steel weapons and armor characteristic of medieval times. Tournaments and Armored Combat gatherings are held all around the world, but the sport is most popular in Europe. Those brave enough to take part aim to knock down their opponent, using blows and various mixed-martial arts takedown techniques. The fights are refereed by knight marshals with special training and combat experience, to ensure that the sport’s tight rules and safety regulations are complied with. There are a number of prohibited striking zones, while dislocations and weapon thrusting are strictly prohibited. Close attention is also paid to the armor worn by competitors. One person’s full set of armor must originate from the same place and within a fifty-year time span. It must also be in the style of armor used from the dates 1200 to 1699, to ensure medieval authenticity. The different leagues and formats (pro-fight, duels, buhurt) range from 1v1, 5v5, 10v10, 16v16, 30v30 all the way to controlled chaos 150v150. Thanks to the initiatives of local Chapter Presidents, Armored Combat is gaining exponential traction in the United States. If you reside in the Los Angeles area, we would be delighted to welcome you into our sport and its true human values!

The Human Values

Armored Combat, and more specifically buhurt’s values are what makes this sport so special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create. They define the Los Angeles Golden Knights and most of buhurt teams around the world. Teamwork is essential to our sport. We play selflessly: working for the team We take pride in our team, rely on one another, and understand that each player has a part to play. Mutual Respect forms the basis of our sport. We hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave. We respect marshals, opposition teams, coaches, and supporters. Enjoyment is the reason we play and support buhurt. We encourage players to enjoy training and playing. We use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. Strong Discipline underpins our sport. We ensure that our sport is one of controlled physical endeavor and that we are honest and fair. We obey the laws of the game which ensure an inclusive and exciting global sport. Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which buhurt is built. We uphold the buhurt tradition of camaraderie with teammates and opposition. We observe fair play both on and off the list and are generous in victory and dignified in defeat. We play to win but not at all costs and recognize both endeavor and achievement.