Fighting the Knights of New England (Medieval Combat)

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

We're curious... What kind of weapon would YOU use?

[@dorivaldojunior2254]

A mace. It works against armor right? 🤣

[@chrisparr21]

A whip

[@anonydun82fgoog35]

a longbow and a bodkin tipped arrow?

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@dorivaldojunior2254 If you hit hard enough 😂

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

Flamethrower 🙃 Or maybe a polearm. Seems like the learning curve is a bit less than a sword, plus they have greater reach.

[@woodchuckknight7820]

Hey this is Chuck! Thank you so much for coming. You did a fantastic job covering the sport, telling a great story and I appreciate the time I got in the video. I really enjoyed the experience and Harris you did amazing out there for your first time. I am glad you got to fight on my team for even a little bit. I am showing this video to everyone I can. Keep up the great work!

[@ramsesrodriguez1049]

Do you know anyone in the Colorado area? 🤔

[@worldeater2414]

You seemed really nice!!!!!! Im sure if i found armor i could fit into i would want you there as my teacher and guide! :)

[@woodchuckknight7820]

@@worldeater2414 Thank you! I truly appreciate it. I really enjoy helping new people learn about this sport and get stared. I am always happy to give any advice I can and my channel is basically designed to help new fighters train and get into this awesome hobby.

[@ramsesrodriguez1049]

@@woodchuckknight7820 thanks. I have a go and see what it's about

[@stalinsoulz7872]

Hello chuck Good sport Brother

[@johnbon7449]

Insurance company: "What happened?" Me: "Battle axe."

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

LOL - Could totally happen

[@Joe-im3gs]

imagine😂😂

[@maaingan]

@Humuhumunukunukuapua'a skydiving, ice climbing, base jumping, and wingsuit gliding are more answers to NEVER, ever EVER bring up to insurance

[@sirbonobo3907]

what insurance?`` LMAO

[@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin]

"sports related injury" "involving a... batlle axe?" "Did I say battle axe? No I didn't." "Yeah you did. Earlier you did." "Um... forget I said that." *throws glitter in his face*

[@TonyTCTN]

in a couple places in Europe (including my country) they organize large scale medieval style battles, 150 v 150 people, it's crazy :D

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Thats amazing! What country are you in?

[@goncalo1410]

@@OfftheCuff_Series A couple months ago I saw an event here in Portugal with knights all over the world

[@scrat5099]

@@OfftheCuff_Series Come to scandinavia. We have viking festivals with big battles too.

[@nickyd.4633]

When I lived in Europe when I was younger, they had whole Jousting Tournaments aswell as hand to hand combat. It was pretty amazing to watch.

[@giorgiociaravolol1998]

@@scrat5099 we have the same in Italy. We also have jousting competitions, knight fights 1v1 up to 10 folks I believe and then archery, "balestra" shootings of Ravenna and Gubbio (considered the best in the middle ages); then ancient italic, greek, roman fights and so on. In some regions, like Sardinia, reenactment/combat groups go far back as the bronze age

[@rambolambo93]

"Why are you a part of this?" "Violence... just unbridled violence. It's just so much fun." I love how pure that is, it's kinda wholesome in a weird, graphic way.

[@assertingdominance1759]

Violence is just human nature my friend

[@johnx140]

@@assertingdominance1759 amen to that

[@BepisBoi69]

Fr

[@Gr3nadgr3gory]

Very wholesome. He found a proper outlet. We all have that urge, we just channel that energy differently.

[@JelloFluoride]

Ngl That was hot lol. I'd like to show her some swordplay. I'll see myself out...

[@ringgold05]

As somebody who has fenced for years I think the way the competition is set up is really cool. Instead of getting eliminated when you lose, you get to keep on fighting, just on a bigger team.

[@crispylizard4348]

Yeah while winning not feeling hollow because if you win every round you become the leader of a massive team and eventually the winner of the entire event

[@gmkgoat]

Mad props to Harris for donning the armor and stepping into a melee.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Thanks 🙏 it was rough!

[@thefightingknight]

@@OfftheCuff_Series one thing I will say for next time, keep your shield up and stand with your feet equal the distance of your shoulders. Otherwise great job with your first time.

[@saturnianrings3920]

@@OfftheCuff_Series How’d it smell?

[@Bee-tj8gc]

I feel like its only a matter of time before one of these judges gets axed in the face. boxing and mma refs have taken hits before, watching 16 people in a ring swinging actual swords and axes. no way its not going to eventually happen

[@randomgaming3961]

@@Bee-tj8gc they are fairly blunt and light weapons, so it’d probably give them a concussion, no doubt it’d do damage but it’s not certain that they’d die.

[@AnaStasyB]

- Why are you here? - Violence. 😆🔥

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Unbridled violence!!

[@latter-daysaintbatman2679]

She definitely sounded like Brienne of Tarth with a tendency for brutal fun.

[@ScipioWasHere]

That’s a top notch shield maiden

[@BaNaNaCeZeT]

There's 3 types of people in this sport. 1. Those going for 100% medieval accuracy. 2. People going for badass and almost overtuned outfits. 3. Memers

[@saturnianrings3920]

What more could you want.

[@brovusmarillian3303]

Nerds/Larpers: "I'm here for the lore and always wanted to be a knight." Ex-Convict/Ex-drug addicts: "I'm here for therapy." Ex-marine: "...I just want to fuck up some dudes."

[@te9591]

I would flip the Ex Cons and Marines answers.

[@-Markus-]

They are all nerdy larpers

[@kinocorner976]

@@te9591 It’s universal…

[@michaelgresham1980]

* former marine. There is no such thing as an ex marine. I spent 26 years in the household of a marine sergeant. I know

[@ravenspire0240]

@@michaelgresham1980 my father who's a marine always said that there's no such thing as a "former" marine. You could be 78 years old and be a US Marine.

[@jakefarrell7031]

Something that I also really liked about this was the tournament style. The way it was set up, there was no one and done, even if you lost you still get to keep competing and having fun

[@IloWilste]

Promotes sportsmanship too since you have to join your opponents team

[@BringDHouseDown]

We're reconnecting with our roots, it's not a coincidence that many of us are feeling a desire to do so.

[@Envoy_Intuition]

Chivalry 2 devs probably sitting on the sidelines taking notes at these events 😂

[@sarven5974]

or Mordhau devs

[@LeftJoystick]

@@sarven5974 Mordhau is too toxic of an environment to even deserve mention.

[@sarven5974]

@@LeftJoystick Nah, I wouldn't say that, its marginally improved over time, but its ofc present, just like in any game.

[@TheStonewall117]

@@LeftJoystick how is it Toxic(I don’t play)?

[@weefatpie]

@@LeftJoystick please don’t discredit the rest of the community that just want the game to grow over a few bad apples :(

[@OvelNick]

"so you need to check in as support right?" Sorry, that was hilarious! This looks like a total blast! I could DEFINITELY see this as therapeutic!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Would you join in??

[@egg00737]

@@OfftheCuff_Series i know that *i* would! when im an adult

[@TacSav253]

17:08 "Ayy look at me. Look at my finger." "Alright get in there. Go." *Instantly collapses*

[@driprubies2464]

“Violence, unbridled violence….. I love it” - best answer and also why I watch this myself!

[@exithamlet.]

sooo many beautiful charismatic people! it’s absolutely amazing to watch, i didn’t even notice the time, thank you!

[@BryceNewtson]

This is some of the best coverage on our sport that I've seen.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Amazing 🤩

[@messire9837]

That's not your sport. Béhourd is French, always has been. since even before your country was invented by France, as in FRANChise, in all probability.

[@IDoABitOfTrollin]

@@messire9837 imagine a gatekeeper on a knight fighting sport... Degenerates come in all sizes I guess

[@messire9837]

​@@IDoABitOfTrollin I don't fight for fun. I fight to rid nature of my enemies just the way I faught to remove Henry Bauclerc my own father's shelf eons before you were born. That is also me, exactly the same thing. That's why I'm a REAL middle edged warrior, just like my father before me, not some reenacting interpretative sort of US clown calling it "our sport". I'm the count of Champagne, last but most definitely not the bottom of the least of one of the mightiest lines in European MYtory, talking about said generacy and all of that. So "Saigneurs Sachiez, Qui Orne Son Ira" Do you have a problem with me, peasant? Also, I'll keep spitting in glitch just the weight I see feet, just so you know you don't even need to waste time complaining about my intellectual superiority. You self logging welp with a beam in my eye. Now shut it and get back in line. It's been six months and Montcalm has yet to reach success teaching you peasanting founding farmers to walk in a fine line, one you're not supposed to snort, you madmelad. And please stop liking your own comments, you worthless breath of thin air, you. Are you a beginner troll or something, you madmelad? Mmmh? "The generacy"... Lelz.

[@Suesserto_000]

@@messire9837 he meant “Our” as in people who likes fighting in armor, not American or British or anything. A soccer player regardless of their nationality, can refer to soccer as “their” sport.

[@warbearin]

21:05 *Celebrates HEAVY* Text: "This competitor was later disquallified".

[@warriorfire8103]

Ya that timing cracked me up!

[@enriquecabrera2137]

i half expected something doom and gloom like he died or was hospitalized.

[@badrequest5596]

@@enriquecabrera2137 he was basically a diamond player jumping into bronze and silver lobbies

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Would YOU fight in armored combat?

[@paulthebarbarian7115]

Yes. Get Vicious or Get Out!

[@angelo5902]

Only if I can bring a Glock

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@paulthebarbarian Yes!! For anyone looking to see more action - please check out Paul the Barbarian’s channel!

[@harrisdirnberger2362]

Put me back in!!

[@hollyh7758]

Only if I would get to fight Harris the Great

[@laynemorris3031]

This was incredible, in the final rounds I was literally cheering “YOU CAN DO IT HARRIS!!” Only to be met with “fatality”

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

😍😯

[@BG-gg8wi]

15:05 I just love how he’s sitting there, in defeat, getting crushed 😂

[@jedzabel7331]

Hi I'm the guy from Milwaukee in the bright blue and yellow. Great video, probably gonna pass this on to potential team recruits just so they can see what we're about from the perspective of someone whose never fought in these events before. It was great y'all made this.

[@christinafroman7668]

Haha I know that guy!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Please share it around wherever :)

[@MyLonewolf25]

Where is it you go to do this? I’m from that area too and definitely want to check it out!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@MyLonewolf25 This event was hosted by the Knights Hall. You can look on this site to find somewhere close to you! armoredcombatsports.com/

[@jedzabel7331]

@@MyLonewolf25 I'm in charge of a small team still trying to figure out some stuff, but we have semi regular practices now. The easiest way to get in touch about this is probably through our Facebook or Instagram. If you hmu at Milwaukee Iron Stags armored combat on Facebook or milwaukee.ironstags on Instagram I can get you more details.

[@tomsmith2595]

Someone should show up as Solair and assert there dominance

[@nicotin9887]

That would be absolutely awesome 😆

[@korpakukac]

Where dominance

[@claymore7315]

Praise the sun! Don't you dare go hollow! \ITI/

[@ramenseie2481]

@@claymore7315 I know you would come here, not disappointed, Praise the Sun \\[T]//

[@SpartanS1ayer195]

I'd so do that

[@MrDrainy]

This looked like a ton of fun!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Would you do it?

[@MrDrainy]

@@OfftheCuff_Series Not myself no haha

[@jmhinnen]

Oh, it was. :) I fought there; in fact, I was the guy from New Orleans. My gas tank gave out before the Rumble, though. :/

[@goshawk4340]

Yes. I would like to get into this.

[@jedironin380]

You got the "Ton" part right! ;) I was in the SCA for a couple of years back in my college days, that was close enough to the real thing for me!

[@CyberScott86]

Love the music in the background throughout the video. Nice.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Glad you like it!

[@momentiummonroe1475]

When it comes to injury/fatality in this sport. Typically In real medieval combat Men would lob objects at one another like arrows, rocks, lead balls, etc Till enviably a melee ensued usually starting with spears and halberds being the first tool for combat. Once Lines had been broken or the majority of Spear type weapons hand been broken it became basically this. Men would target chips in there opponents armor from all the prior engagement to strike lethal blows, If there where no points of weakness on there opponents armor the goal was simply as it is here to tire the opponent out to the point of exhaustion or bash there head around till they loose consciousness. Once the battle was over there where typically men sent out to stab anything that moved, collect belongings, pray over the dead and to pile the bodies and burn them. I think it's fair to say 50% of medieval warfare Armored casualties where downed from exhaustion or concussion and shortly after gutted while unconscious. I think this is basically typical going back to the Iron Age. Really the only cultures that differ from this type of warfare back then would be the Scythian, Turkish, hun, horse lord type warfare which was probably devastating and more movie esc since those cultures lacked high standards of armor and instead preferred a more glass cannon approach of speed and accuracy rather than that endurance and power approach so many settled peoples utilize. Really no one dies because this is only one piece or step in completing a battle. The other steps can't be recreated so easily and we should all say a silent thanks we have no need to. Saying Armor works almost implies it's impenetrable. In truth we simply lack context to grasp how brutal and covered in shit, piss and bloody mud warfare truly was and still is to a lesser extent. I mean these are quick bouts, can you imagine the state of a man who's been fighting in the mud with slippery shoes for six hours continuously not only that, but men of noble birth fighting there own family's and forcing there own neighbors and fellow folks to endure and die in a state like that? Honestly it's impossible for even current warfare veterans to relate with that level of loyalty, determination, bravery, skill, instinctual animalistic brutality or sheer endurance. Truly veterans of the old world where harder than there armor since it wasn't the armor that kept you alive, but your will to survive through a hell on earth for however long was required.

[@jackphillips2785]

All extremely great points, I agree with you 100% Buhurt is only a very small glimpse into what a fully fledged heated battle would be like

[@thejohn6614]

Those are some great points and apply in many circumstances but not everyone who fought in wars were knights, nobles, or could afford armor. When they found that mass grave on that Scandinavian Island they saw how most of the dead had injuries to their legs because they weren't fully armored so the other side targeted their legs to take them out. We now that many poor went to war and often had leather armor. Many times unarmored combatants would just try to knock armored guys down and then go in any crevice with a knife. They would swarm a knight if possible. Henry v brought in tons of archers who also used daggers but that was a bit of a game changer to the French.

[@zaaxi7424]

Most casualties would also occur in Ancient warfare after an army routs rather than in the actual combat itself, but yes huge pushing battles of masses of people lasting hours would be so exhausting

[@jimboniusmaximus6018]

Most medieval armies did not wear full suits of armor like this though, as it was extremely expensive to produce and maintain. Which is why the majority of cost effective militaries were outfitted with wood shafted polearms, axes, spears, layered shields, and padded lighter armor like chainmail, or studded leather. All of which could absolutely be penetrated in melee combat. Maybe elite units who were well funded wore full plated armor, but for the majority of fighters of these times, that was far form reality. Weapons were heavy and designed to inflict damage, they weren't regulated to the point where they would just bounce off the enemy blow after blow until they fell to one knee. So, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say "50% of the casualties" grappled with each other and pushed each other over, until pure exhaustion was the norm. Also, I don't think the romanticism of "veterans of old" holds them to any higher standard to the brutality of warfare, compared to their modern counterparts. War is war. There's nothing noble about it. Knights included, leveraged every advantage they could to win. Chivalry made for good politics and spectacle. For the vast majority of footman who found themselves in combat, it was kill or be killed.

[@ReignierAvon]

I believe unconscious knights were typically taken captive, rather than gutted post-battle. A knight's ransom was worth a small fortune.

[@DarkDay2012]

The grab and fatality at 11:25 was just beautiful

[@JohnDoe-pt7ru]

The way he just walked up like a boss was amazing lol

[@DaddyDeGrand]

The bit at 6:59 sounds like it could be an amazing basis for a PVP game. Tournament format, say 8 players at a time, 4 1v1s, 2 2v2s, one 4v4 and the leader of the team that wins becomes the victor, with everyone under him being ranked 2-3-4th based on performance. Some game developer should go with that and make a game around that gameplan.

[@vincdraws4742]

@blank man I'd like them to add some other factions in too if they ever do that

[@94Guybrush]

I guess that Mount & Blade's tournament are like that

[@srslothington]

@@mateo9467 So how'd the game idea come along?

[@cubemagpie]

Chivalry is kinda like this

[@welp6653]

Critical strike Roblox

[@Thunor93]

These are always fun to watch, use to do this but there was a accident where in combat I got a pummel in the eye, I am blind in my left eye now but I still go to these events when I can to watch. Also my weapon of use was Normandy style Dane Axe.

[@notfunnnydude]

"I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee."

[@Thunor93]

@@notfunnnydude "let me guess, someone stole your sweetroll"

[@cosmopx1855]

I relate with that quote at the start, it's true, combats of any kind are just amazing, the competition, the adrenaline, the energy lifting, there are times that I'm almost dying of fatigue but still keep going and giving my best like it's nothing, I fight karate though, wouldn't know much about swordfights

[@danieldelestry7302]

Goodness gracious! Well done, Harris! This was way more physical than I ever would have imagined!!!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Oof, oh it was!!

[@Nnnope]

I imagine maces are not allowed because even with a helmet on I bet it would knock you out. Next most effective I guess would be a really big axe

[@esammydjisammons8070]

Maces are allowed, but the weight requirements are much lower

[@darkfishthedestroyer139]

are things like poleaxes and bec de corbins allowed or are those too dangerous to use

[@esammydjisammons8070]

@@darkfishthedestroyer139 poleaxes are allowed, but anything 6ft plus you’ll only see in 21s or above, so there’s a line to protect axemen. Striking with a hammer faced weapon is not allowed in any of the leagues to my knowledge, even with weight restrictions, a hammer is just too good at pressure cutting through armor

[@connorperkins8854]

Maces are hard counters to armor

[@darkfishthedestroyer139]

@@connorperkins8854 hammers too, and or a bunch of decently equipped peasants rushing the knight with daggers

[@Joachim_Meyer]

I do hema right now but I can't wait till I'm older and can participate in something like this! Good work on your video!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Thanks so much! What are the biggest differences with Hema?

[@Joachim_Meyer]

@@OfftheCuff_Series hema is more commonly based off of treatises from masters such as Joachim Meyer or Fiore and covers unarmored combat. While we simulate unarmored combat we wear padded gambesons, fencing type masks, and gloves to protect ourselves. Depending on what you are doing changes up the weapon you use. The most popular weapon would be the federschwert which is a longsword trainer that was used in the medieval ages. As far as the point and sport system, hema is similar to fencing in which the bout ends when a solid strike is landed. Depending on the type of strike or where it landed points are given. The fight usually ends after five bouts. While strikes are the main point indicators, grappling and disarming techniques are used and can give points.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@Joachim_MeyerThanks so much for the information! Looks like we will have to do something about Hema, huh?

[@Joachim_Meyer]

@@OfftheCuff_Series that would be awesome. Get the trifecta of SCA through pennsic, ACL, and HEMA

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@Joachim_Meyer That would be awesome! It's really cool how there is so much crossover. For instance, a few people at the Rookie Rumble had spoken with us at the Pennsic War event when we went there.

[@adrianblania5565]

Hearing witcher ost in the begining of the video warms my heart :D

[@mechminded2207]

Axe is clearly the superior weapon, allows you to get a hand free to strike, and to use the handle as leverage.

[@dixonhill1108]

It's way too op, and is gonna cause cte. Having to use sword and shield is far better in terms of safety and i imagine it'll lend itself to more skilled play.

[@bsmnt23]

I'm both an active member of the SCA and HEMA practitioner, and it's been many years now since I grew up in New Hampshire. I gnash my teeth that this was not available back then.

[@dorad100]

Another reason for disqualification would be throwing his weapon.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Interesting!

[@jd2379]

@@OfftheCuff_Series ye he can hurt the judge by throwing that stuff since he is not armored, and even some of the standbyers.. I don't follow this sport, but my guess.

[@somefuckstolemynick]

What if you need to end him rightly?

[@dorad100]

@@somefuckstolemynick then you do HEMA

[@medievalextreme7613]

Tha is for the mention! You made a great job with this episode!

[@felix.der.ritter]

Maybe a do a medival Extreme sponsoring :)

[@Differenceization]

@@felix.der.ritter or you can join a MedievalExtreme affiliate program ;)

[@Hostility1812]

Coupon Code: Hostility

[@PartyItUp4Ever]

@@Hostility1812 lol damn, i wish i had seen this

[@kalleanka2796]

Seems like takedowns and tackling is one of the strongest things you could do. Could you run without weapons or only a shield and just tackle/wrestle people down? Just curious seems scoring/weapon hits etc didnt seem to be part of this?

[@oyblech8671]

two years back (thanks for making us skip 2 years, covid...) I was at a medieval fare where they did 5v5. one team there were two left on one team, 4 on the other - 1v1 and 1v3. the 1v1 guy of the losing team managed to trip his opponent, then threw both his axe and his shield away, ran to his buddy, grabbed one of the enemies by his leg and just threw him right out of the ring. 5 people in subsequent rounds copied that technique and not a single ref said a word. I mean we could've had shit refs but they were the same ones that judged the qualifying for some european tournament. pretty sure you can go in as lightly armed as you want :P

[@WrecktifiedUSBB]

This is LARPing with metal gear. This is not training, actual combat, entertainment, or even much less a sport. This is a bunch of delusional adults who watch lord of the rings and now fancy's themselves Aragorn. At least i had a good laugh.

[@muhammadamirun3777]

The weapon is supposed to slice flesh and kill people therefore ending the battle . Since killing people is not an option, so tackling it is then

[@kalleanka2796]

@@muhammadamirun3777 Im pretty sure everyone knows the purpose of a weapon. But thanks for explaining that. Originally I was asking if there was more too it, like a point/scoring system etc. Which there doesn´t seem to be.

[@ivocorte1580]

@@WrecktifiedUSBB Yeah man that's the problem I have with this. For sure bashing each other with blunt pieces of metal is fun, but you it's not fencing nor medieval fighting, it's just glorified tackling. People play recklessly because they can't get hurt, and i still don't get how points are scored if you can take as many hits as you want (and it's worthless trying to get in armor gaps with your weapons) and the only way to win is with tackles.

[@hardstylelife5749]

That was quite an epic video, very well done...it really makes wish to join it ))

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@armartin0003]

The way they do the lists is brilliant. If you cripple your opponent you're only hurting yourself in the long run. Well thought out! I'm 99.9999999% confident that this way of doing things has prevented a lot of serious injuries and perhaps some deaths.

[@Keragom]

Buhurt is an amazing "MMA like" sport. The armor seems really historically accurate, the weaponry is for safety reasons obviously not. The combat itself is historically VERY inaccurate though. This has barely anything to do with accurate historical combat or to be exact "martial arts". That's where you are supposed to look towards HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). What Buhurt tends to accurately present is how "grappling" has a very important role in historical especially armored combat.

[@ZedF86]

I think it has to do with the rules they are using. In one on one duels, I can see technicality being a functional part of scoring and "KO"s. In a melee though, it'd be hard to score it, so they essentially use football rules. I suppose if you had a panel of 16 judges each focused on their own combatant? Iunno. Fun to watch though.

[@Michael_MW]

Well said. IMO, you have to think of HEMA as a martial art and less of a 1:1 representation of what is "historically accurate" combat. Martial arts are not the same as actual battle. Historical texts show various techniques of overcoming your opponent in various scenarios. It's extremely valuable to consider them. But what HEMA does not showcase well (because it's not meant to) is the chaos and physical exertion of actual battle. As a guy who is familiar with both worlds and has even fought in the armored combat league, I can say that both practices have their historical value. No, the techniques used in the ACL are mostly not historical. They're brutal melees designed to bring your opponents to the ground, where they can theoretically most easily be dispatched. And I agree, the weapons are not historical, because they are dull and /not/ designed to damage an armored opponent. (There's actually a list of illegal weapons we can't use, and the illegal ones are essentially all of the things you would actually need to worry about coming across in battle.) So I like to say to folks that if you take some of the historical techniques of HEMA and add the violence, chaos, and physicality of armored combat, then that is probably the closest thing we have ever gotten to replicating "historically accurate medieval combat".

[@lordcarve]

While this may be inaccurate, it does at least try to represent working together as a team in a tournament type setting, which is definitely the type of thing that happened. HEMA captures unarmored combat in a survival or duel type setting, but also doesn't necessarily translate into a battlefield formation.

[@texasbeast239]

Maybe buhurters could study a few more HEMA treatises and lift a few less weights in the gym, to strike a better balance in the list? I want to join this sport, and I think that is the tack I would probably take. Don't whack and wait, then whack and look for a moment to grapple. Whack several times with a combo learned as part of a weapon flourish, then drop your opponent while he's dazed.

[@JohnDoe-pt7ru]

Lol HEMA is like point karate while Armored Combat is like MMA. One is a highly restricted dance and the other is closer to actual fighting.

[@brandonriggle3860]

There are also dueling events that are points based and not as brutal, but still full steel. They generally run duels under the same organizations.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Awesome!!

[@georgewilliamson5667]

Something I read before about medieval combat (and granted, I only know a little, so I could be wrong) is that often the results came from grappling on the ground as opposed to swinging your swords at each other. From what I understand, the one who wins is the guy who is able to get the other guy on the ground, draw his dagger, and stick the other guy through one of the gaps in the armor.

[@Bee-tj8gc]

thats why samurai invented ju jitstu

[@jackphillips2785]

Yep I am no expert myself just a young practitioner of this sport. The way to defeat someone in armour is to get them to the floor and stab them in the eye or any other gap. But because this is such an effective strat it can't be done safely. So in this sport if you get knocked off your feet you have been defeated to sort of simulate this. If you like the idea of armoured opponents fighting on the floor look at buhurt profights, which is the same sport but slightly different rules. Essentially it is a 1v1 fight like you see at the start of this video but after you take your opponent to the floor you get ten seconds to keep hitting them (no stabbing, but plenty of punches)

[@chickentenders8419]

@@Bee-tj8gc they did not…

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

Knights were actually pretty rare and valuable so once they were on the ground the losing knight usually surrendered and was either ransomed off or impressed into the service of their captor.

[@Mr.Wayne84]

Hearing that the competitors come from all walks of life and how it's therapeutic for them is what caught my ear. 🤘

[@eastwindspecialties5402]

Those battle axes and halberd seem to be the most effective and intimidating weapon as opposed to the long swords and shields

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

That was one of our takeways, as well. Harris went back and forth on deciding what to use for a weapon but was convinced to use a sword. It's my hunch that they encourage newcomers to use swords

[@harrisdirnberger2362]

@@OfftheCuff_Series I think next time I will use an axe. I had a pretty hard time navigating around the shield, to be honest!

[@Steelwall44]

They're great until the gap is closed. It's alot harder to grapple with the halberd compared to a sword and shield.

[@BlastinRope]

@@Steelwall44 lindybeige has done some in field skirmishing with sword vs spearman and its been awhile since I watched it but I think the result was as you said, once the distance is closed the advantage is gone... But closing the gap came down more to blind luck from charging in than being able to skillfully do so, the spearman controls the initiative

[@Steelwall44]

@@BlastinRope absolutely, good video. However, with our sport, the weapons are all blunted, so the risk of closing that gap goes down.

[@seankrachun6118]

Great video, I think this captured the culture of our sport perfectly. As the well dressed ref at the event, I'm glad you made it out! Hope to see you come out again sometime!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Sport coat and flag, eh?? We’ll make it happen!

[@seankrachun6118]

Yep that's me! I run the South Jersey Pine Barons! There are 3 events which will get me to pull the suit out, weddings, funerals, and Rookie Rumbles.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@seankrachun6118 Amazing!! 🤩 You did a great job! You were announcing as well, yes??

[@seankrachun6118]

@@OfftheCuff_Series just a little yelling at fighters so they knew when to enter the list. It helps to have a loud voice when everyone's got helmets on!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@seankrachun6118 I can totally attest to that! It is a totally different world inside those helmets haha

[@elephantspaintingelephants]

Okay so Bloody Beaver Shield is probably the greatest sly joke I've seen in a while

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Angry beaver!!

[@miya6008]

I love seeing “armor battles” as it’s sometimes referred to.. it’s entertaining af and interesting

[@JustWhyFFS]

Funny, the video they showed when Chuck was talking about what got him into the sport is the same video that got me here

[@BeatsByZ3P0]

We also have early medieval combat, where points are scored based on weapon skill rather than knocking each other down

[@temujin5743]

Can you send a link to it?

[@grug4324]

Phenomenal videos, absolutely my new favorite channel

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

So glad to hear it :) Have you competed in anything like this?

[@grug4324]

@@OfftheCuff_Series yes I am a world renowned slayer of one eyed trouser snakes

[@wesleygonzales2049]

I imagine those with prior hockey experience have an advantage

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

ooOoO 🤟

[@smosmo4617]

Very enjoyable video, not negative, informative, and a slice of life I'd never have known about.this is what youtube is all about.great job

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@tallywacker7242]

Used to larp with foam swords event were big and very active. Ive been thinking about stepping into the big leagues

[@pixelarrowproductions]

Really cool to find this video. I live in New Hampshire, and I've actually talked to Jay and been to his HEMA club. Really cool guy. Great vid

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Thats awesome! I'm glad you've found our channel! Are you going to do any training at the Knights Hall?

[@pixelarrowproductions]

@@OfftheCuff_Series I was considering it, but unfortunately by the time I found out about it, I would not have had much time to train there. Leaving for university in the Midwest shortly, so unfortunately it didn't pan out. Still, really cool stuff. Major props to Harriss btw (idk which of you replies to the comments lol) for stepping in, that looked intense.

[@splatninja9447]

I'm so stoked. I'm moving from a state with no HEMA clubs to one with 6, 2 of which I can drive to easily. I've always loved the history of medieval warfare and I cant wait to feel the pain and return it in kind.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Very exciting!

[@TBDF12]

The way to win every match is to just practice judo or any takedown heavy martial art. It takes a lot of hits to make someone give up but only one throw or trip to end a fight.

[@JohnDoe-pt7ru]

Yep, which is why samurai were taught jujutsu which focused on grappling and throws. It was the precursor of judo and jiu jitsu.

[@TBDF12]

@@JohnDoe-pt7ru yeah although the rules here make takedowns and throws way better than real life, not to mention very few participants would be prepared for it

[@BG-gg8wi]

10:03 As a person who has done this before, it’s actually really common to be ready to swing at someone who your aren’t fighting 😂 basically, when you get to being so ruthless, it’s almost instinct to immediately want to swing at someone immediately

[@BG-gg8wi]

@Andrew Lai because you know about swinging on a medieval battlefield, right?

[@Ackalan]

How do you recognize your growing team? I'd be more lost in that part than any other.

[@mitchellgarcia3532]

looks like a ton of fun and a killer workout

[@WarlordFlanker]

So excited to see more coverage of my sport, hell yeah!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Woo! Have you been competing for a while?

[@WarlordFlanker]

@@OfftheCuff_Series ill be coming up on 5 years next June 🤘 I started when the Warlords were first founded.

[@AfterDarkVision]

11:28, can we appreciate how casually the guy just blocked the attack an restrained the opponent allowing his partner to hit him?

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Haha so glad that you noticed this :)

[@aspopulvera9130]

Just imagine how brutal it is during medieval times where you had to hack and slash with all your might using sharp weapons

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Totally 😬

[@temujin5743]

Not on full plate armor

[@ZedF86]

Full plate is remarkably resilient and hacking and slashing wasn't really the goal. In foot combat, even a sharp sword was a last resort (essentially the equivalent of a sidearm or knife today) and would have been used to find gaps in armor. Techniques were developed specifically for that purpose. Typically they'd have used big and heavy weapons with long hafts that could cause significant damage even through the armor or could be used to throw them off balance. Maces and warhammers were another answer to chain and heavy armor, in that a good blow from a mace could still break bones or other blunt trauma without penetrating the armor, and warhammers were often equipped with picks anyway. Even then, advances in armor made those semi-obsolete. The gun was the most definitive answer to plate and heavy armor. and is the reason soldiers stopped commonly wearing it. Warfare has been a constant battle of innovation in weaponry, to armor or defenses to defeat that weaponry, to more weaponry to defeat that.

[@mrclean7634]

@@temujin5743 full plate makes that shit worse now you have to hit vitals like the eyes and in gaps that might not even kill you quickly

[@bennnymiddleton40]

Hey I met Chuck two last November, saw them fight in Essex Vermont

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Very cool! Such a great guy

[@infinitewingwang909]

the leader of the 4 man teams armour looks incredible. super badass

[@trickmiller8169]

the only thing holding a lot of people back is probably the expensive costs for the armor and weapons

[@choff01]

Make it!

[@trickmiller8169]

@@choff01 it would cost even more to forge your own armor. The weapon would be relatively cheap compared to the price of armor.

[@choff01]

It's not cheap but if you have the equipment and can learn then you can hammer it out yourself. People do it all the time. It is very time consuming and not easy but, it is entirely possible. Also, its cheaper than buying it. Buying the mail though is worth it. That is really tedious!

[@mrorangecookie1430]

As someone who lives in england. I wish they did events like this here wow! Its so cool

[@shotgunbettygaming]

....they do. armouredcombat.co.uk/

[@hamburgler9839]

To bad england sucks!

[@wearenotamused6455]

I grew up in NH and my friends would LARP like this on the weekends... but we used foam and PVC pipe weapons. This looks like so much more fun.

[@michaelfranklin3971]

Second video I've seen by you guys, and second time I've watched till the end. Liked, Commented, Subscribed. Keep up the good work!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

So glad you found us 🥰 enjoy more to come! We’ve got some fun stuff in the works. Where do you think we should go next??

[@khloelangei3551]

I will play this sport soon. Im now hooked

[@arevolvingdoor3836]

"everything i saw was ruthless", me, "looks like american football to me, im in"

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Ha! Have you ever competed in something like this?

[@arevolvingdoor3836]

@@OfftheCuff_Series nope but it honestly reminds me a lot of playing football on the offensive/defensive line

[@woodchuckknight7820]

@@arevolvingdoor3836 There are some definitely similarities to football at the start of a fight. Happy to connect you to local teams if you want to learn more and start fighting

[@ColonelSanders17]

I'm interested in this because it is one step closer to how my ancestors fought.

[@The_Norseman]

“I owe my fighting chance to a knight named… Chuck.”

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

A knight named Chuck … sounds like a cool band name 🧐

[@SykkoCartoons]

1:42 Dat Knight really on a switch.

[@RuralRootsLiving]

I can only imagine how much this exploded after Game of Thrones

[@jimboniusmaximus6018]

It just seems like the weapons become mostly obsolete and it divulges into a grappling match wearing armor. Other than cosplaying, what advantages do the weapons (like a sword and shield) actually have if they're essentially non-lethal? Just use a blunt weapon every time for this sort of competition, then drop it and start punching and grappling. Is there some sort of point system you can win by instead of just throwing your opponent to the ground, or knocking them down? Otherwise, it seems like if a team just dropped their weapons and rushed their opponents, then that would be highly more effective in this setting. The missing piece here is the weight and penetration of the weapons, which is highly regulated. So, they become more of a stylistic statement, than a functional tool. I guarantee if you took the full weight of a war hammer to the head, you wouldn't be standing there just taking it. Same with an pole-axe, it WILL penetrate armor to some degree. While I appreciate the idea of this all, because of the limitations of the weapons, this isn't akin to medieval combat. It's just rough housing with expensive armor.

[@JohnDoe-pt7ru]

This is how real fighting is, armed or inarmed. If you can't take someone out at distance, you get into a clinch and then grappling. The samurai were taught jujutsu which was focused on grappling to throw the other guy down. Armor really does change everything.

[@GIGroundNPound]

I really can appreciate this as a medieval enthusiast, SCAdian, and dabbler in HEMA for sure! The only thing is that, as a viewable sport, the melee devolves into a grapple quite often (not that this is a bad thing necessarily). Considering the way infantry combat was for the period, this makes sense; but it is less enjoyable to watch at times. Overall, awesome and would totally love to do it!

[@podomuss]

I disagree that it makes it less enjoyable But I do think they should have a separate competition within the tournament that has rules in place to curb grappling and hand-to-hand combat That way we could have both grappling and better weaponplay

[@13thcentury]

The combat is very a-historical. Pretty much a modern invention, loosely borrowing from 16th to 17th century manuscripts. Armour is all over the place. Sheesh. Find a period... stick to it. Punch Shields are an anachronism. Shields aren't for bop bop bop. Anyone who can use a shield knows it isn't a boxing glove. Nail polish? Give me strength

[@gravygraves5112]

I would like to try this for sure. Seems like a steep entry cost though with the armor and what not hahaha!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Totally! It seems like it is quite common for newcomers to borrow armor or buy used armor off of other athletes that have updated their gear!

[@KingZealotTactics]

It's expensive, in the thousands.

[@woodchuckknight7820]

It isn't really any more expensive than many hobbies, like paintball, dirtbiking, etc. You can get a full kit for$ 2,000 that is safe and usable. Happy to talk more if you have interest.

[@gravygraves5112]

@@woodchuckknight7820 Yeah, what would be considered a decent place to start for the armor? And what retailers are recommended to look at for gear?

[@woodchuckknight7820]

@@gravygraves5112 Medieval extreme like they talk about in the video is one of the best off the shelf realtors for this sport. My best suggestion is to go to Www.armoredcombatsports.com and use the "knight finder" to find the closest team to you. Meet them and try on gear. There are a ton of small realtors and armorers that teams will connect with and get gear made by.

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Big man in a suit of armour. Take that off, what are you?

[@warmcanadain7649]

11:25 can we all appreciate how funny and flawless that guys block was I mean he perfectly blocked the sword and grappled the guy without even looking

[@boom350ph]

I wanna see hema KZbinrs like shad or skullagrim or metatron in this event

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Would they do pretty well?

[@pixelarrowproductions]

@@OfftheCuff_Series depends. I think Skallagrim has the best chance since he actually goes to HEMA clubs and practices. Metatron is probably the next most likely to win anything. I love Shad, but he strikes me as more of a historian and enthusiest than a warrior. I don't think he goes to HEMA clubs or anything like that.

[@facs599]

19:32 not ashamed to say I recognised Paul's voice before his face

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Great catch! Have you fought him before?

[@facs599]

@@OfftheCuff_Series hahah unfortunately not. He has a KZbin channel called Paul the barbarian, v entertaining stuff

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@facs599 His channel is great! He actually helped us out a lot with this project. Wonderful guy! Wouldn't want to step into the list against him though 😂

[@facs599]

@@OfftheCuff_Series Oh god I agree, I meant to say "fortunately not" lol

[@nicheman4455]

This is rad, I'd love to do this someday, my only concern is getting the gear together for it and what it might cost me

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Totally valid. A lot of newcomers use loaner gear as they get their equipment figured out. You could reach out to a local group and see what is available!

[@jackphillips2785]

Yeah buying an entire set of armour all at once is quite a bit of money, but you don't need a full suit to start fighting, as Off the Cuff has said a lot of people borrow kit, me included. Plus when you first start out you will most likely be training in soft kit more often than full armour (depending on what club you go to)

[@josejohn9478]

At basic training in the military they load you up in gloves and a helmet and vest and give you Pugil sticks and just let you go at it in the summer heat. You get tired so quickly it's insane being that hot and encumbered and just giving it your all to take the other person out.

[@astrozombie2021]

I've been playing ice hockey all my life... this looks even more aggressive than that... count me in!

[@MarkDirnbergerT]

I can't believe you went into the ring, and more than once. Other than the rules related to weapon configuration, how historically accurate is the actual fighting engagement?

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

It seems to have been quite realistic. Any experts have any other input on this??

[@woodchuckknight7820]

@@OfftheCuff_Series Happy to answer as much as I can. The sport is as close to historical medieval tournament rules as possible. Blunted weapons were used just like ours, and generally once knocked down the fighter was considered "eliminated". Some medieval tournaments did involve actually taking fallen enemies back to your side to be actually ransomed back to the opposing force. This was actually a way that some knights earned income in peace time. The term "melee" actually comes from this style of tournament. So how accurate compared to ACTUAL battles - it is a simulation, but as close as a simulation as historical knights also did for training in tournaments.

[@krispalermo8133]

@@woodchuckknight7820 Something about having to buy your equipment and horse back at 20% to 30% of full market value. If you been overly .. prideful .. the judges and head priest would have you pay 50%, regard the extra 20% as a fine which the judges and local church handed out as .. charity .. to the crowd. In my area we had or still have before 2020 lock downs a foam weapon larp club. About 20 years ago we had a group from the next county over come through and tried to hustle us for our equipment at 30% value. They only counter head hits as points, which is not by the rules so they though they were a bunch of tough guys. We ask them if they want to play by points or bare chest beat down. They wanted to do bare chest beat down. Well some of us spent our childhoods/ teenage years doing Sumo style slap boxing, football, needless to say, we had nerve damage where we don't .. feel .. pain once we get moving. I dislocated my ankles playing football in a muddy corn field, so I can't run. And even in my mid 20's if I step wrong my body feel like it just dropped into ice water and the only feeling I have is the pain in my ankle. Nothing else is notice. Then we had the few Ogres, three guys over 6ft6in. And the hot redhead lady that played racket ball. The visiting group lost and cried to our local police department saying they were hustled. My house leader told them just to take their stuff and leave. Turn out that group's older relatives tried Dojo raiding my uncle's Aikido jujujtsu Karate school back in the 1980's and my Taekwondo school back in the early 90's. Their families have a history of losing. " Thank G*D we did not play for points." .. well, the redhead would have beaten all of them, us guys were just the meat shield for her. All of my main twists & sprains were caused by over extending and slipping on carpet, grass, gravel, and mud. I am just amaze these guys in the video didn't fall down that much. One thing I have learn by the age of 28 years old. If a 13 year old girl can just run up to you, tag , and move back before you can take a single step, it is time to find a new hobby. The guys pull their hits, the girls never do.

[@heilmodrhinnheimski]

For anybody who practices this sport, there’s a point I’m rather curious about: how exactly do you determine whether an opponent has lost? I see that if their knee touches the floor, they’re out, but is there another way to defeat an opponent?

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Anyone have the right answer to this??

[@jackphillips2785]

Hello I am a young buhurt fighter the way the rules work where i am (and they seem to be the same here) are when their knee hits the floor they are out. so you win by knocking your opponent to the floor

[@ibdizzy2685]

The two main ways for a team to win a round is to force the entire enemy team to make three points of contact with the floor (eg take a knee, fall over, two feet and one hand) or for it to be a 3v1 left standing

[@heilmodrhinnheimski]

@@ibdizzy2685 In that case, is there really any point to using weapons if it seems like just grappling your opponent is the best strategy?

[@ibdizzy2685]

@@heilmodrhinnheimski The difference between a punch and a hit with a weapon is that the weapon is a force multiplier, a punch may be good but a solid strike with a weapon is usually better. Grappling is a huge part of this sport but it only works when the persons tired or caught off guard, the best way to get them to that state is softening them up with weapon strikes.

[@brandonriggle3860]

I've fought with some of those guys! I see Sage in there, and maybe Michael. Buhurt is the way!

[@brandonriggle3860]

And Logan, too, I've fought with him a couple times.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Right on!! Have you been fighting for a while?

[@brandonriggle3860]

@@OfftheCuff_Series I actually just started back in December, first official fight was in April. We've been working on building our school here in Omaha, NE for SCA, HEMA, and Buhurt.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

@@brandonriggle3860 That is amazing! Is the community pretty large there?

[@brandonriggle3860]

@@OfftheCuff_Series eh, not nearly as large as the east coast or Texas, but between all of the midwest cities there's a decent sized community.

[@deathfoe8016]

I feel like I should wave my fan as the boys fight for my hand

[@jasonburke1671]

ive actually been looking for this in the Chicago area cause it seemed like a fun way to finally get in shape somewhat

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

You could check this out 🤷‍♂️ facebook.com/hydraschiland/

[@Eltharyon]

This is amazing, I wish we had such events here in Italy, I would definitely partecipate!

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

I'm sure there is something near you! Have you heard of Battle of the Nations?

[@Olson323]

Look around, there is a lot happening in Italy. I knew whole crew going from Poland to Italy at least twice a year for events, and it must have been something big

[@MyTimeAbroad]

I'm sure in most European countries there is plenty like this especially in Italy

[@junichiroyamashita]

Cristo,se fosse possibile mi iscriverei oggi. Mazza e scudo e sono pronto.

[@ll-er9ti]

Well, you do have Calcio Storico :)

[@angry_lumberjack7715]

We need to get ourselves into the Olympics boys our sport should be in there

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

It would really get the people going!! What do you think would be best? 1v1 or Buhurt?

[@angry_lumberjack7715]

@@OfftheCuff_Series I would think 1v1 like fencing

[@angry_lumberjack7715]

And go for hits and weapon skill

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Would be awesome!!

[@therecalcitrantseditionist3613]

That would be horrible, as the Olympics ruins and takes all the good aspects out of every sport it chooses in include. People get disqualified for hitting too hard in karate. It happened recently where a guy won a gold metal by being knocked unconcious. Should tell you all you need to know about the olympic committees commitment to the integredy of sports

[@crusader6796]

I hope this sports don't end in future.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Hopefully it grows!

[@helohnukwa]

OMG, "I dislocated my shoulder last weekend...", said with a smile as if it was nothing... ! 🤣

[@s0x245]

5:58 For some reason, the beaver on the skull made me laugh so hard.

[@knowhere9121]

I never tried this or anything but in fights where there are more than 3 people, wouldn’t it be better if all members focused on 1 person at a time? (replicating a common war strategy)

[@tricofino]

You can do that. But if you get distracted you will have your backs to the oponent and that will be an easy take down.

[@knowhere9121]

@@tricofino yeah I did guess

[@vondantalingting]

Why didn't I see any of these games using warhammers, maces, and flails.

[@woodchuckknight7820]

warhammers are not legal for the sport. They were historically designed to break armor and the risk of injury is too high. Maces are used but have to meet certain weight requirements for safety so a one handed axe is generally more effective.

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Some of the competitors used maces :)

[@OfftheCuff_Series]

Thanks for the insight, Chuck!

[@krispalermo8133]

@@woodchuckknight7820 Hard rubber replica.

[@mcsquilliam3978]

That tournament format is unreal, nobody doesn’t make the next round, everyone teams up with their past competition, genius

[@Mistah_Boombastic_BiggieCheese]

There needs to be a national league for this sport in the US just like the NBA. People would pay good money to see these fights in basketball stadiums

[@kennylim6449]

man this is now in my bucketlist

[@emilwittenhoffhvid6688]

What about the Vikings? It would be awesome to see a Viking tournament