The region of New England is famous for its dark skies, allowing for breathtaking stargazing. However, there is another kind of knight that is relatively unknown, the Historical Medieval Battle team, the New England Renegades. These members recently showcased their impressive armor, weaponry, and skill sets at the Armidale Autumn Festival. Their captain, Matt Taylor, has been part of the team for just under three years and was initially drawn to the idea of medieval history after stumbling upon online content. He was surprised to discover that there was a team in his local town of Armidale, and his curiosity led him to explore the sport further. The sport in question, Buhurt, is a medieval battle sport that originated in Ukraine and has gained popularity in Europe and America. The primary objective of Buhurt is to eliminate opponents by forcing them to the ground. A combatant is considered “dead” when a third point of contact, such as a knee, hand, or weapon, touches the ground. During a recent interview, Matt Taylor highlighted the challenges of participating in Buhurt. “Just how hard it is to actually fight and move and breathe in these suits of armor was pretty eye-opening for me,” he said. “Something which you need to sort of train yourself out of and train getting used to it and you can actually breathe, you just need to focus on it a little bit more, that was one of the biggest lessons on top of actually using the weapons or moving in the armor itself.”
 
The team’s next event is Winterfest in July, followed by the medieval fair in Newcastle in late August. The New England Renegades are an open team, welcoming new members to join their ranks. The team’s armor and equipment are provided by the club, although some members have their own. For new members, the soft kits are an excellent way to practice drills without the added weight of armor. Matt Taylor emphasizes the importance of trying out the sport: “I always say to people that I don’t think my inner child would ever forgive me if I had the opportunity to dress up as a knight and fight with a sword, and I didn’t take it. It’s just too much fun.”
 
Some key facts about Buhurt and the New England Renegades:

• The sport of Buhurt originated in Ukraine and has gained popularity in Europe and America.
• The primary objective of Buhurt is to eliminate opponents by forcing them to the ground.
• A combatant is considered “dead” when a third point of contact, such as a knee, hand, or weapon, touches the ground.
• The New England Renegades are an open team, welcoming new members to join their ranks.
• The team’s armor and equipment are provided by the club, although some members have their own.
• Soft kits are used by the team for practice drills, allowing new members to get accustomed to the equipment.

 
As the New England Renegades prepare for their upcoming events, they invite anyone interested in learning more about Buhurt or joining their ranks to reach out to them. For those curious about this medieval battle sport, Buhurt is an exciting and physically demanding activity that requires strategy, skill, and physical fitness. The New England Renegades are a great example of a team that embodies the spirit of Buhurt, and their passion for the sport is contagious. In conclusion, the New England Renegades are a unique and exciting team that showcases the medieval battle sport of Buhurt. Their passion for the sport and their dedication to their craft are inspiring, and their events are not to be missed. If you’re interested in learning more about Buhurt or joining the New England Renegades, don’t hesitate to reach out.