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Knights Clash: Medieval Combat Takes Beijing by Storm
28 Oct
Summary
- Full-contact medieval combat events now draw enthusiasts in Beijing.
- Martial arts coach Guan Xiaoqi is promoting the sport's growth.
- Chinese athletes are gaining experience against international teams.
Around 80 fighters in steel armor recently stormed a Beijing park, their weapons clanging in a spectacle reminiscent of a medieval battlefield. This full-contact armored combat, known internationally as 'buhurt', has been growing in China for about a decade.
Guan Xiaoqi, a martial arts coach nicknamed "Postman," is a key figure in expanding China's medieval combat community. He believes the sport offers excitement and passion to young people, noting a steady increase in participation in recent years.
The physically demanding nature of buhurt tests both strength and mental fortitude, with competitors battling until opponents are subdued. Participants describe a significant sense of achievement after each contest, emphasizing mutual exhaustion and perseverance.
The Shanhe Cup Full-Contact Armored Combat Open in Beijing provided Chinese athletes a rare opportunity to compete against seasoned international teams from countries including Italy, Russia, and France. While acknowledging current shortcomings, Guan remains optimistic about the progress being made.
