Helsinki Medieval Combat

While often used as a shorthand for medieval combat sport in general, “buhurt” refers to the group melee category of medieval armoured combat. Teams of fighters face off, with the objective of taking down the other team (i.e., making them put three or more points of contact to the ground). Wrestling, grappling, sweeps, shield-punches and striking are all allowed. Working as a unit to defeat the enemy is a must. The team with the last men/women standing wins.

Profights are often compared to MMA in armour. Individual combatants fight using a variety of techniques, including grappling, shield punches, and striking, with the result most often decided by points. KO’s and TKO’s are possible, though rare.

Sword & shield, sword & buckler, longsword, and polearm are single combat categories fought for points gained by skill of arms. Combatants duel using fencing techniques, and do not engage in grappling. The winner is decided by points gained through effective strikes with the weapon.

SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, a global organisation for re-enacting the Middle Ages) fighting is full contact armored combat in which rattan sticks are used for safety (e.g., allowing also thrusts). Fights generally last until one “good” (i.e., strong enough) blow. There is both single combat and melee with multiple people participating in different kinds of scenarios.