By Mykola Avenirov – MedievalExtreme Founder
There are two ways to learn the rules in buhurt:
1. Read them.
2. Break them and get reminded mid-fight — in the worst way possible.
If you’re just starting out, trust me: go with the first option. Most of the basic rules exist for your safety, and no one wants to explain to a marshal why you tackled a guy after losing your weapon.
These are the golden rules I explain to every new fighter on their first training session.
Burn them into your memory, and you’ll avoid 90% of the rookie mistakes that get people DQ’d, injured, or just embarrassed.
1. No Stabs
No stabs. Not with a sword, not with an axe, not with a polearm. This isn’t fencing — this is armored combat, and thrusting techniques are banned in Buhurt International for safety reasons.
You can swing, you can punch (with a legal shield), and you can wrestle. But if the weapon point is going straight at someone, don’t do it.
Even with a blunt end, stabs can cause serious damage through gaps or thin parts of the armor.
2. Don’t Hit the Forbidden Zones
These areas are off-limits:
- Neck
- Groin
- Back of the knee
- Spine
- Back of the head
- Feet
It doesn’t matter if “he turned his head.” If you strike a prohibited zone, it’s your responsibility.
Train your accuracy. Respect the armor gaps. And if you’re not sure where your hit will land — don’t throw it.
👉 New here? Start with the basics: Starting Armored Combat Without Breaking the Bank
3. If You Fall — You’re Out
Buhurt isn’t WWE. Once a third point of contact touches the ground (knee, hand, butt), you’re out.
That includes tripping, slipping, or diving with your opponent.
And no, you can’t stand back up and keep going. That moment may feel epic in your head, but everyone else will just remember it as the time you broke the rules and embarrassed yourself.
4. Dropped Your Weapon? Don’t Fight Barehanded
Lost your axe mid-swing? You cannot keep fighting with punches, grappling, or hands.
You’ve got two legal options:
- Run back to your respawn zone and pick up your spare weapon.
- Grab the spare weapon from your belt or a teammate (if it’s allowed in your format).
Never pick up weapons from the ground. That’s illegal and dangerous.
👉 Make sure your weapon won’t fail you: Beginner’s Guide to Buhurt Weapons
5. Grappling Isn’t Just Falling Together
Yes, wrestling is part of buhurt. But smart grappling isn’t just grabbing someone and hoping to fall on top of them.
Sloppy grapples lead to:
- Bad injuries (your knee, their shoulder, your own back)
- Failed takedowns (you fall, they don’t)
- Missed opportunities to control the fight
Learn to wrestle with technique — footwork, leverage, posture. Ask experienced fighters to teach you controlled throws. You’re not just trying to survive the clinch. You’re trying to win it.
6. Secure Your Helmet
A loose helmet is a nightmare. I’ve had mine yanked, twisted, and nearly pulled off in the middle of fights.
One time, I had to hold the helmet with my teeth to keep it on (even though I had a good helmet).
Here’s the minimum:
- Chin strap tight enough to stay on during a grapple.
- Simon strap connecting the back of your brigandine to your helmet — so it can’t be pulled up and off.
This isn’t optional. If your helmet comes off, you’re not just out; you’re in danger.
7. Respect the Marshals (Even If You Disagree)
Marshals aren’t perfect — sometimes they miss things or make a wrong call. But they’re usually experienced fighters who’ve forgotten more battles and rule nuances than you know yet.
You might think a marshal made a bad call in the heat of the moment — that’s normal. But yelling mid-fight, arguing after the whistle, or throwing a tantrum in front of the crowd won’t help you or your team. It’s just bad sportsmanship.
If something felt wrong, wait until after the round. Talk with your captain or coach. Submit an appeal through the proper channels. Stay calm and respectful.
Want to earn long-term respect? Follow the rules, keep your cool, and prove yourself in the list — not in arguments.
8. Your Safety Is Your Responsibility
Most safety rules in buhurt exist for a reason — because someone already got hurt.
Marshals do gear checks, but they can’t inspect every detail. It’s up to you to make sure:
- Your armor is real — not a cosplay piece that just “looks” right.
- Everything is secure, thick enough, and properly attached.
- You don’t go into battle with missing protection on vital areas (neck, joints, spine, groin).
Does your gear pass a 5-meter glance? Great. But ask yourself: will it still pass after a polearm hits it at full speed?
👉 Check this out if you’re unsure what to bring: How to Borrow Buhurt Armor
What About Duels and Profights?
Duels and profights are their own world. They include:
- Timed rounds
- Points per zone (head, body, legs)
- Weight classes
- Specific strike and engagement rules
I’ll break that down in another blog post. For now, focus on getting the buhurt basics right.
Final Words
These aren’t just golden rules for new fighters. They’re survival tools. Learn them early and you’ll spend less time arguing, limping, or sitting out injured — and more time actually enjoying the sport.
Buhurt is chaotic, brutal, and beautiful. Know the rules. Train smart. Fight clean.
See you in the list.
— Mykola Avenirov
Founder, MedievalExtreme