Major resident enjoys unique contact sport

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

There’s a new and unique contact sport that is becoming popular in Canada, especially on the prairies. Tyson Kemery, a resident of Major, Sask., is an enthusiastic participant in the sport.

“Fighting in armour is an experience like no other. It’s chaotic, loud, exhausting and probably some of the best fun I’ve had in my entire life!” Tyson said.

Practically speaking, full-contact steel fighting is individuals wearing full body armour, carrying shields and blunt weapons and engaging in combat. The sport has its origins in Europe but grew into a modernized version of the high Middle Ages’ grand tournaments. The sport’s original name is “buhurt”, but the modern-day sport was invented in Russia about fifteen years ago and started up in Canada six years ago.

Today, Tyson belongs to the Calgary based group called the Silver Gryphons, which is part of the Historical Armoured Combat Sports Association (HACSA), founded in 2018. There are eleven companies across the nation, including one in Regina.

“We have people from all sorts of backgrounds compete, from football and rugby players to powerlifters and farmers,” Tyson said. “All you need is the spark to want to fight in armour.”

Tyson’s spark was ignited when he took a few sword fighting classes in Calgary. When he discovered the HACSA, he was invited to a small tournament near Three Hills, Alberta, in August of 2019.

“There was enough spare kit that I got to fight in duels and a small three versus three group match, and from then on, I was absolutely hooked!”

Tyson continued to explain the dynamics of the sport. Duels and group matches are very different fights. Duels are point based on correct strikes and throws and best two of three matches. Group fights are team-based, in which the main goal is to knock your opponents to the ground almost any way you can. They can be anywhere from 3 vs 3 matches, all the way up to massive 150 vs 150 battles seen in Europe. There are also pro-fights, similar to Mixed Martial Arts, with a sword and armour.

“In group fights, the idea is to get an opponent to make three points of contact with the ground by striking your opponent with a blunt weapon. Grappling, trips and throws are very common. Once all the team members are down, it’s on to the next round. The duels are like fencing, except you have to get a good strike on the opponent’s armour,” Tyson explained. “All formats are exhausting, amazing, and unlike anything else I have competed in or seen.”

The kit, Tyson referred to earlier, is a full suit of period-accurate steel armour and blunted steel weapons. “My kit comes from Ukraine. Armour can weigh as little as 50 pounds, or as much as 120 pounds, depending on the material used. Titanium is the lightest and strongest, tempered spring steel, and the most common,” Tyson explained. “I put almost $5,000 into my armour, but I’m 6’ 9” and almost 300 pounds.” The cost varies depending on the manufacturer and the material used. It’s recommended that new participants borrow armour until they decide to commit to the sport.

“If you’re wearing armour that fits properly, it’s no more hindering than wearing ski pants, but it’s heavier,” Tyson said.

Unlike most other martial arts, fighters hit full-force and full-speed, but the golden rule is no thrusting. “Despite its very violent nature, Buhurt is all about competing as safely as possible,” Tyson said. “There are areas of the body that are designated no-hit zones, and striking these areas intentionally will result in a tournament disqualification.”

I asked Tyson if his significant height and weight were an advantage. “In group fights, yes. But in duels earlier in Okotoks this year, I got my butt kicked by a guy who was 5’ 6” and beat the crap out of me in sword and shield. It comes out in experience and tactics and such,” he replied.

The Winter Cup at Okotoks was the only event the HACSA was able to host before all the health regulations came into play. “Myself and four other members of the Silver Gryphons fought hard all day, defeating several other companies to take home the gold in the 5 vs 5 category,” Tyson said.

As a result, Tyson was invited to fight with team Canada at the International Medieval Combat Federation world tournament in Spain, but the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, at home, Tyson trains as he would for any contact sport, using weights and cardio, and tries to travel to Calgary for team practices whenever possible.

The sport also gets children involved. “The Calgary Gym (The List YYC) has a great kids program headed by the team Captain Richard Manns.” Children aged 6 to 12 years, are taught footwork and weapon work and wear padded foam armour.

“I strongly encourage anyone with even a slight interest to find your local chapter or company and head on down to strap on some armour and fight. You’ll meet some of the nicest people who will ever hit you with a sword,” Tyson concluded. “All it takes is enough interest in an area to start up a chapter.”

Tyson isn’t alone in his enthusiasm for the sport. Chapters have been formed in Vanguard, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Drayton Valley, Regina, Brooks, Whitehorse, Hinton and Red Deer.

PHOTO: Tyson Kenney in a duel.