'Bohurt': A Combat Sport Spreading in China

Around 80 fighters clad in steel armor stormed one of Beijing’s parks, as the sounds of swords, axes, and long weapons clashing against shields echoed through the air, evoking medieval battlefields. Among the participants was Guan Xiaoke, known as “the Postman,” who traded his office job for 30-kilogram steel armor and a passion for medieval-inspired combat sports, which rely on full-contact physical engagement, according to Reuters. Guan now works as a martial arts instructor and dedicates much of his effort to expanding the base of practitioners of this sport in China, hoping it will transition from a hobby to a widely recognized and popular sport. “It is a sport capable of inspiring young people and igniting a spirit of enthusiasm and challenge in them,” he said, noting that the number of practitioners and participants has grown steadily in recent years. He explained that these competitions test not only physical strength but also mental resilience, as competitors wearing heavy armor face off in bouts that continue until one fighter knocks down the other. The sport, known globally as “Buhurt,” originated among groups in Eastern Europe dedicated to reviving and reenacting the lifestyles, culture, and battles of the Middle Ages. Over time, these reenactments evolved into an organized competitive sport. It arrived in China about a decade ago, attracting a small but growing community, particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. With the participation of foreign teams, Guan said that the “Shanghai Open Martial Arts Cup” hosted in Beijing provided Chinese fighters with a rare opportunity to test their abilities against more experienced competitors from countries such as Italy, Russia, and France.