I got my first taste of Buhurt and saw weapons broken at bonkers medieval combat event in Greater Manchester

Never heard of Buhurt? You’re probably not alone. 

It is of course a mediaeval martial art form, derived from the old French word ”Béhourd“, which literally translates to “wallop”. The sport takes heavy inspiration from 13th to 16th century style of fighting and sports. Cladded in authentic armour, competitors are given blunted weapons to whack their opponents with. 

The Castleton Cup, held annually in Rochdale, is part of the Honour and Arms Buhurt League Challenger, which takes place in different locations all over the globe. I went down to watch the cup myself to see what this mediaeval madness has to offer.

While taking it all in, I got chance to speak to Danny George, head coach of the Northern Wolves team based in Rochdale. 

“It's a different kind of sport. It's a full contact combat sport, but it's a different level of training,” Danny said. “So if you've got any kind of interest in historical aspects as well as kind of combat, martial arts and training, it marries the two together really, really well. And it's also really good as an alternative way just to get fit.”

Each fight was like a blast from the past. The knights did not hold back — the pounding of axes and swords on steel rang through your ears. Armour was dented and weapons were broken but each fight was as entertaining as the last.

There were 10 UK men’s teams at this tournament, plus one team who travelled all the way from France to compete. The hosts fielded two team themselves, one with more experience and one with less. 

Considering the knights don’t hold back within the contests, there was so much respect and sportsmanship shown when all was said and done. Not only do they bring to life the old style of combat, but it seems they relive knightly values through the sport too.

“All being well, the main aim today is to have fun and come out without any injuries,” Danny said before getting stuck in. “If that happens, that'll be a win in our eyes.”