Question 1

Isn't this dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not really. While strikes with (blunt) metal weapons are delivered with full force, that's precisely why we wear armor. Most injuries actually result from twisting an ankle or if, for example, someone falls and lands awkwardly on their thumb

Question 2

Are the weapons sharpened?

Accepted Answer

No, all edges must be rounded and at least 2 mm thick.

Question 3

What does all of this weigh?

Accepted Answer

It varies. A lightweight dueling armor worn by a smaller fighter can weigh as little as 15 kg. On the other hand, a heavy buhurt armor worn by a larger fighter can easily weigh 40 kg. A typical weight range for armor is between 25-35 kg.

Question 4

How expensive is it to do this sport?

Accepted Answer

The initial major cost factor is the armor: you can put together a decent set of used gear for around €2000-2500, which is sufficient to get started. However, if you opt for higher-quality, custom-made equipment, some of which may be made from titanium, you can easily spend up to €6,000. Initially, you can consider borrowing armor to see if the sport suits you.
But don't underestimate the travel expenses for tournaments! We travel to tournaments that are up to eight hours away by car, and for world championships, we sometimes even take flights. We always try to arrange carpooling to save on fuel costs.

Question 5

What weapons can you use?

Accepted Answer

There are different sets of rules for weapons, with the currently most used one looking like this: https://botn.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TR_EN1.jpg
In summary, there are various sizes of swords and axes, available both in one-handed and two-handed versions. Additionally, there are maces and halberds

Question 6

What type of armor can you wear?

Accepted Answer

Here too, there are various rule sets. In general, the armor should be authentic, meaning it should have been historically worn at a certain time (within a tolerance of 30 years) and in a specific place (for example: Italy). When constructing the armor for modern sport, compromises are made, as we have different requirements than knights did 500 years ago.

Question 7

Where do you get all this gear?

Accepted Answer

Many blacksmiths, especially in Eastern Europe, manufacture armor and weapons for the sport. It's best to have armor custom-made to your measurements, but you can also find suitable second hand items. Initially, you can also consider borrowing armor from the club; we usually have something available for interested individuals. Just drop us a message!

Question 8

How many of you are there?

Accepted Answer

We currently have around 15 active fighters, and several more who join us for tournaments every now and then.
In all of Germany there are probably around 200-300 active fighters.

Question 9

Where do tournaments take place?

Accepted Answer

Tournaments take place regularly all over the world. In Europe, they tend to be more common in the summer, and in a year, we typically attend around 6-8 tournaments, with that number increasing! We generally aim for tournaments that are within an 8-hour drive from Munich. However, for major tournaments, we sometimes take flights!

Question 10

What does a typical tournament look like?

Accepted Answer

First, participants usually make their way to the tournament location, often carpooling to save on gas costs. For multi-day tournaments, they may set up their camp, which can vary depending on the event. It could involve setting up a historical campsite on a field with tents, donning historical attire, and equipping themselves with all the necessary gear. Alternatively, sometimes a sports hall or a similar facility is provided, allowing people to just put out their sleeping bags and pads and spend the night there.
When it comes to the daily program, tournaments can vary. Some events focus exclusively on Buhurt, while others feature only a dueling tournament, and some include both. Additionally, certain events feature a medieval market that surrounds the tournament, with the battles being just one aspect of the overall experience.
Before the combat begins, there is always a weapons check, during which each weapon undergoes scrutiny to ensure it meets the correct weight and length specifications and does not possess any sharp edges. Following this, battles are scheduled according to the tournament plan, and each team ideally has a shaded area where they can rest between bouts.
In the evening, participants often party together.

Question 11

Where and how often do you train?

Accepted Answer

Once per week we meet in a sports hall in Giesing for traing with padded gear / softkit. This takes place every Thursday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM (except during school holidays). Approximately once a month, we also meet for armored training with fighters from other clubs in Bad Tölz.

Question 12

How can I join?

Accepted Answer

Just drop us a message and come on over! We don't turn anyone away who wants to fight! In the beginning, you don't even need your own gear; you can borrow equipment to see if you enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you're tall or short, thick or thin, male or female. Every body is suitable for buhurt; you just need to leverage your strengths!
Feel free to reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram if you're interested!

Question 13

Where can I get clothes with the club logo?

Accepted Answer

Glad you asked! :D

You can find the official SGM online shop here: https://sword-gym-munchen.myspreadshop.de/all

You can also personalize all of the products; here you will find a repository with different versions of the SGM logo, including in monocolor: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/113fG0og3IU3z-Nxc9MJT_OK8KzBbadlA?usp=sharing

Also feel free to take a look at the Buhurt Family online shop! https://buhurt-family.myspreadshop.de/all

Frequently Asked Questions