Sup!
We are Ruckus, the Wellington Buhurt team.
We train and compete in medieval combat, this isn’t pretend, the hits are real and the sweat is pouring! Here at Ruckus we welcome everyone of all backgrounds and skillsets, even if you have never seen a sword in real life, we can give you all the tools and techniques to become a machine on the field, all you need to do is turn up! We train a variety of disciplines, from technical weapon skills through to throws and clinch techniques from a variety of martial arts. All the tools you will need once you armour up for the thrill and glory of steel on steel combat!
How to Join
Sign up for the intake to join our basic course.
Time
Mondays 7 – 9 p.m.
Friday 7 – 9 p.m.
Optional extra Sunday training 10am –2pm (armour and steel training)
Location
PURE Movement
41a Rutherford Street, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.
Cost
Our intake training sessions are $50 per person for the 5-week course.
Contact us to know more and book your place on our next intake.
Our Training
Our club conducts regular, structured training. As a beginner, you will start off with learning the foundation techniques and drills, then you will step up to soft kit duels and group fights designed to refine your skills before getting your first taste of steel. Sounds exciting? Join us and find out!
Dedicated Training Facility
At the Ruckus Club you have access to everything you need to learn how to fight. We have an indoor arena, called a list – no cancelation due to weather. We have training equipment, called a pell, designed for weaponry for you to practice on. We have plenty of spare equipment you can borrow until you purchase your own.
Training System
Upon joining you will be taken through a dynamic training process. Each step of it is designed to ensure a speedy, yet not overwhelming introduction to the sport of HMB. Once you have gained the required minimum to enter and participate in tournaments safely, we will sit down to discuss your personal goals and adjust your training program.
Base training
Fundamentals of movement, striking and defence. Work with the sword and shield weapon set.
SOFT training
Drills and full speed sparring using safety equipment to prepare you for fighting in steel.
STEEL training
Full range sparring in armour using steel weapons. This is where you specialise in your weapon set, and your goals in the fights.
Tournaments
Tournaments are a chance to pit our skills against other teams, and an important part of your development in the sport - go through your limits, be sure in your equipment, trust your team mates.. We love touraments and competitions as its a chance for us to spend time together as a club. Plus we get to hit our friends!
Experience
No previous experience or fitness level required. Our instructors will come up with a training program matching your skill level and personal goals.
Equipment
Make sure you bring your own water bottle, wear comfortable work out clothing, closed toe footwear. You will be lent everything else you need to get started.
Under 18?
You need to be over 18 to fight in steel.
However, younger athletes are still able to train and compete using safe (soft) equipment. Ask your parent or guardian to get in touch with us and we'll guide them on how to get you started.
What to Expect at Your First Training?
First thing first, you'll first be taught some basics, followed by light and structured sparring in soft armour. You'll be given group instruction as well as some 1-on-1 tuition. The class is friendly and informal: we are aiming to adjust it to fit the students' learning pace – even if it runs over the time limit, you're not expected to pay extra.
Club Instructors
Sage Lawler
Has been involved within the HMBNZ community since 2013 and has fought overseas for the NZ team at Battle of the Nations. He has also lived and trained in Austria for two years and has been part of Ruckus since 2017.
Denny Denski
Has been part of Ruckus and the HMBNZ community since 2017. He also has been to Battle of the Nations representing NZ.
Our Community
Our main strength lies in our community – the club acts as a social hub where you can meet like-minded people and build a strong bond of friendships forged through combat.
Historical Medieval Battle (HMB)
HMB is a sport that combines historical armour and weapons with a modern ruleset to create a full-contact sport. HMB has since migrated all over the globe with teams from over 41 countries, 4200 athletes aged over 18 years worldwide. There are annual world championship tournaments that see the best fighters from all over the world compete in both duelling and group categories.
1v1 Duels
Duels are points based 1-on-1 fights. The goal is to win as many points as you can within the given time. Based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship, HMB duelling range includes Sword and Shield, Sword and Buckler, Longsword, Polearm, and Profight categories.
Group Fights
This is a team discipline, sometimes called Buhurt (from Old French béhourd: "wallop"). The main objective is to be the last team on your feet. You can use swords, axes, maces, halberds – you name it, and your goal is to ground your opponents, either by a powerful blow, by using a grappling technique, or by throwing them.
You can choose your discipline to focus on. Perhaps you want to be a sword and shield duels fighter? Alternatively, you might prefer to stand shoulder to shoulder with your teammates, smashing down the enemy lines with a poleaxe?
At the Ruckus Club we can teach you duels and buhurt HMB. All you need to do is to start. We have all you need to succeed – a dedicated training venue and equipment, flexible training system, and knowledgeable coaches to help you on your journey.
Contact Us
We're always recruiting new members and looking for new opportunities to hold tournaments and promote our sport. If you want to learn more about us or you'd like to have a tournament at your event, drop us a message and we'll get back to you in no time.