By Mykola Avenirov, Founder of MedievalExtreme
So You Want to Fight in Steel? Let’s Talk Realistically
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably seen the videos. Steel smashing steel. Grapples in full armor. A fighter getting smashed by a halberd and still crawling to win. Welcome to Buhurt.
Now you’re asking the real question:
“How do I get started… without selling my kidneys?”
I’ve seen hundreds of new fighters in the same spot. And I’ve also seen plenty burn out or quit too early — not because they weren’t tough enough, but because they overspent, bought the wrong gear, or got discouraged by early mistakes. So the main question that appears all the time is how to start buhurt on a budget?
Let’s fix that.
The Most Expensive Mistake: Going All-In Too Soon
Here’s the #1 mistake new fighters make:
Buying a full kit before they’ve trained or fought.
It might feel like “the serious thing to do,” but without experience, you’re shooting blind:
- You don’t know your fighting role yet (tank? flanker? support? duelist?)
- You’ll likely get armor that doesn’t fit or match your league rules
- And worst — you risk getting injured in bad or cosplay-grade gear
Instead, start by training smart and collecting gear one step at a time.
Step 1: Join a Team (or Train Solo the Smart Way)
If you have a Buhurt, BI(ex HMB), or IMCF team nearby — contact them. Most teams are happy to welcome new blood, and many have loaner kits for beginners to try. This saves you hundreds while teaching you what real armor feels like. I wrote a guide on how to find a team earlier; check it out.
If you’re training solo — no worries. I’ve met plenty of fighters who started alone. What matters most is commitment.
What you can focus on now:
- Conditioning (cardio, core, and mobility are your base)
- Practicing footwork, movement, and clinch drills in soft gear
- Studying tournament videos and league rulebooks
And most importantly — surround yourself with people who fight or coach, even online.
Step 2: Build Your Soft Kit (and Start Training Early)
Before you touch metal, get into a solid soft kit. This means the clothing and under-armor layers you’ll wear in every fight — and train in long before that.
Why start here?
- It’s budget-friendly and lets you train without armor
- It’s always part of your gear — even later with a full kit
- It helps you avoid injuries early on
Your soft kit should include:
- Padded jacket (gambeson)
- Padded pants or chausses
- Groin protection (sports cup)
- Undergarments (rashguard, compression gear – these are gamechangers to be honest)
Pro Tip: There are also soft armor kits — specific gear designed to let you spar and drill at full speed with reduced injury risk. These are perfect for beginners who want real impact without needing steel.
Knee and hip pads, padded gloves, and light elbow protection are optional — especially if you’re not grappling yet.
Step 3: Don’t Be Afraid of Used Armor — Just Be Smart
Not everything has to be brand new. In fact, second-hand armor can be your best entry point — if you know what to look for.
Places to search:
- Fellow teammates
- Buhurt Facebook groups (Buy/Sell/Trade)
- Reddit or Discord gear channels (more rare tbh).
Before buying used, ask:
- Is it legal? Some leagues allow fantasy flair, others demand historical accuracy. Know your rulebook.
- Is it safe? Surface dents are fine. Cracks? Not okay.
Broken straps? Replaceable — but budget a bit for repairs. - Does it meet protection standards? Most leagues have similar safety requirements, even if visual rules differ.
Always double-check with experienced fighters before buying anything you’re not sure about. Mistakes are costly.
Gear is only part of the battle — make sure you’re not making these common rookie mistakes: Top 5 Mistakes New Fighters Make
Step 4: Buy What’s Hard to Borrow First
Instead of buying gear in a set order, think about what your team can share — and what they can’t.
For example:
- Helmets and gauntlets can often be rotated between fighters during training
- Leg armor and arm protection? Much harder to share or size-swap
So prioritize what’s harder to borrow:
- Gambeson & Soft Kit – Yours should fit your body. It affects movement and comfort.
- Arm and Leg Armor – Everyone needs their own. Fit matters a lot here.
- Helmet – Extremely important, but can be borrowed early on in practice.
- Gauntlets – Borrow if needed, but own them before tournaments.
- Chest/Brigandine & Shield – Often available as a loaner. Save them for later.
Don’t skip gorgets and neck protection. A strike to the back of the neck is no joke — make sure you’re covered. Even the small neck shield is better than none.
Step 5: Train Like a Fighter — With or Without Steel
You don’t need armor to start training like a real fighter.
The best early training is about:
- Explosive movement (footwork, directional changes)
- Grip strength & conditioning (rope climbs, kettlebells, sandbags)
- Striking practice (tire drills, pells, bagwork)
- Grappling and clinch control (in soft gear or under guidance)
Steel doesn’t win fights.
Gas tank, grip, and mindset do.
Step 6: Beware the Cosplay Trap
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
There are sellers on platforms like AliExpress, Etsy, Wish, and even eBay who steal photos from real armorers (including us at MedievalExtreme) and list “battle-ready” gear for half the price.
What you get is:
- Thin aluminum or mild steel (that bends or breaks on impact)
- Wrong internal design (no articulation, cheap materials)
- Items that only look like armor — in reality, they’re carnival costumes
Best case: you waste money.
Worst case: you get hurt or banned from a tournament.
If you’re not sure about a seller — ask the community. We’ve seen dozens of these scams.
Final Words: You Can Start Small and Win Big
Starting Buhurt doesn’t require thousands of dollars.
What it really takes is consistency, community, and smart decisions.
If I were starting again today, and had to answer on how to start buhurt on a budget, i’d:
- Join a team or sparring group
- Get a good gambeson and soft kit
- Train hard, even in sneakers
- Borrow what I can and buy what I must
- Learn from every veteran willing to teach me
And that’s still the path I’d recommend to anyone now.
We built MedievalExtreme to support fighters like you — not just with gear, but with clarity. If this helped you make smarter steps, you’re already winning.
Train smart. Ask questions. And I’ll see you in the list.
— Mykola Avenirov
Founder, MedievalExtreme