Fancy feeling like a knight? Do you like the medieval period of history or would you like to experiment with a different type of martial arts sport?
Well, Buhurt is calling your name! So grab your Polearm, put on your shiniest piece of armour and enter the cage ready to face the sport of Buhurt.
Buhurt, often called ‘medieval MMA,’ is a full contact sport utilising full body armour, helmets and blunted medieval weaponry for safe regulated sparring.
Buhurt originated during the 13th century for knights to hone their fighting capabilities but also put on a spectacle for audiences. The name ‘Buhurt’ comes from the old French word béhourd which roughly translates “to wallop” or “to strike” by modern English translations.
As time went on the activity was kept alive in Ukraine, when during 2010 Ukraine held the ‘battle of nations,’ a Buhurt tournament which sparked a global interest in the sport.
To get into Buhurt first visit the Medieval Combat Sports Association GB website which will give you information on the next practice location or tournament. You can take part in Buhurt if you are above the age of 18 but apart from that anyone can join men or women. If you have a passion for armoured sparring then join. Starter armour is advised and weapons are used but are blunted and actively safety checked for the safety of all those who participate.
Many UK cities host Medieval MMA matches such as Nottingham, who held an ‘MMA medieval fight night’ on 26th March 2026 and have recently posted a new match for the 17th October 2026
Buhurt is a very old yet interesting sport, more unusual than your average martial art but fascinating non-the-less. So next time you get bored, check out Buhurt and who knows, maybe you could be the next Buhurt champion.
Have fun and BRING THE PAIN!
By Harry