About Armoured Combat

What is Armoured Combat?

Armoured combat is a modern, full-contact fighting sport where participants wear historically accurate medieval armour and engage in competitive battles using steel weapons. Unlike reenactment or choreography, these fights are real, intense, and physically demanding — blending the traditions of history with the tactics of modern combat sports.

In Australia, armoured combat has steadily grown over the last decade, with dozens of clubs forming nationwide and competing at local, state, and national levels. Events feature everything from 1v1 duels to 5v5 team battles and full-scale melees. The Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF) serves as the governing body for the sport in Australia, ensuring safety standards, competition regulations, and national rankings are upheld.

The sport is closely aligned with the international Historical Medieval Battle (HMB) and Buhurt movements, which originated in Eastern Europe and have now spread globally. Australian fighters compete under AMCF rules at home and under HMB or IMCF regulations when representing internationally.

Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of competition or the historical aesthetic, armoured combat in Australia offers a unique and fast-growing community — and the Knights of Albion are proud to be part of that momentum.

Armoured Combat In Australia
Three Forms of Armoured Combat

  • Buhurt

    Buhurt is the most iconic and team-focused form of armoured combat. Fighters compete in group battles ranging from 3v3 up to 16v16 or more, with the goal of eliminating opponents by knocking them to the ground. This style demands teamwork, communication, and raw physical power. Weapons include axes, swords, and polearms — all used with controlled but full force.

    Buhurt is the centrepiece of international tournaments and the most physically intense format. It’s a true melee — chaotic, strategic, and thrilling to both fight in and watch.

  • Duelling

    Duels are structured, 1v1 bouts where points are scored based on clean hits, control, and weapon use. These fights are judged much like modern fencing or boxing — and fighters can compete with a variety of weapon styles, such as longsword, sword and shield, or polearm.

    Duelling tests speed, technique, timing, and endurance. It’s perfect for fighters who enjoy one-on-one competition and honing their skill against a single opponent.

  • Outrance (Profight)

    A lesser-known but equally intense format, Outrance (sometimes referred to as “ProFight”) is a hybrid of combat sport and martial arts. Fighters compete in timed rounds using both strikes and grappling techniques, with points awarded for hits, takedowns, and control. Think of it as the MMA of medieval combat.

    Outrance is fast-growing in popularity across Australia and is known for its brutal efficiency and spectacular showdowns.


Safety First, Safety Always.

Armoured combat may look brutal — but it’s governed by strict safety rules and standards. All fighters must train regularly in controlled environments, learning proper movement, striking, grappling, and fall techniques before progressing into full-contact steel fights.

At Knights of Albion, safety is non-negotiable. We operate under AMCF-approved rules and always have safety officers or senior members supervising sparring and armoured sessions. New fighters start in “soft kit” (padded gear) to develop fitness, mobility, and control before graduating into full steel gear.

Each weapon and piece of armour must be inspected before every event, and only approved, blunted weapons are allowed. No thrusting or stabbing with pointed weapons is permitted, and blows to the back of the knee, neck, or groin are strictly prohibited.

Injuries are rare but this is a combat sport and they do happen during events and sometimes training. That’s why training, conditioning, and mentorship are vital to long-term success in this sport - more than just the right weapons and armour, we educate for the whole fighter safety.

Weapons & Armour

Armoured combat relies on accurate and regulated historical equipment — but with modern safety considerations. Fighters wear authentic, period-specific steel armour (usually 13th–15th century), and use blunted steel weapons that are approved under AMCF and international competition guidelines.

All gear must pass a weapons and armour inspection prior to any AMCF-sanctioned tournament. This includes ensuring the correct historical period, checking for sharp edges or damaged rivets, and confirming that padding, mobility, and structural integrity meet minimum safety thresholds.

  • Helmets must be enclosed and secure

  • Body armour must be rigid, layered, and historically accurate

  • Weapons must meet length, weight, and shape requirements specific to each competition type

  • All equipment must be free from damage and safe for combat use

Learn more about weapon and armour specifications at buhurt.org.au/weapons

Whether you’re building your first kit or upgrading for international tournaments, the AMCF is your go-to authority on gear requirements and safety standards.