Invicta and the Knightmares: A Journey of Strength and Honour

Welcome to the start of a new series where we introduce the world to the Buhurt International teams. In this series, we’ll shine a spotlight on medieval combat teams from across the globe, sharing their stories, achievements, and what makes them unique in this incredible sport. We kick off with Invicta and their female team, the Knightmares, hailing from the UK.

Based in London and the surrounding counties, Invicta is a competitive and growing club within the UK medieval combat scene, with the Knightmares as their dynamic female counterpart. They train year-round at their outdoor list in Cobham, Surrey, with members braving all weather conditions—sunshine, rain, and even snow. Invicta also boasts chapters in Rainham, Kent; Hook, Hampshire; and Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Key Players Driving Invicta Forward

Rowland Longley (Club Captain) Rowland, affectionately known as "Badger" due to his iconic black and grey beard, has been a cornerstone of Invicta since its inception in 2017. His extensive connections within the global medieval combat community have propelled the club to new heights. If you’re from a country not yet on his radar, reach out via Facebook—Rowland probably knows someone who can help.

Bruna Longley (Knightmares Captain) A highly ranked duellist in longsword, sword and shield, and sword and buckler, Bruna leads the Knightmares, Invicta’s female team. Her commitment to excellence has placed the team on a steady path toward international recognition.

Ben Bailey (Club Treasurer) Ben manages Invicta’s finances and fighter registration while also serving as a fighter and an accredited Regional Marshal. His financial acumen ensures the club remains on solid ground, while his contributions on the battlefield make him a key player.

Glenn Burden (Club Secretary) Known to the team as "Daddy Glenn," Glenn is responsible for maintaining Invicta’s Code of Conduct and liaising with event organizers. A dedicated fighter, he is also working towards his Regional Marshal qualification.

Lexy Jasper (Club PR Manager) A part-time polearm enthusiast, strongwoman, and full-time physics student, Lexy handles the club’s public relations. Thanks to her efforts, Invicta has gained visibility across multiple platforms, particularly Instagram, which has become a key tool for recruitment.

Jacob Cronin & Ben Robertson (Vice Captains) Jacob and Ben play crucial roles in running training sessions and developing strategies with Club Captain Rowland. Ben also manages logistics for tournaments, while Jacob has made headlines for his 2023 bout against Tom Hardy and his appearances on YouTube’s Off the Hook.

Notable Fighters

Clive: An immovable force, Clive travels great distances to train and compete with Invicta.
Doug: Known for his agility, Doug’s incredible speed was on full display at Way of Honour 2024, where his leaping attacks left a lasting impression.
Samantha: A veteran of the sport, Samantha is a dominant grappler and duellist, having claimed silver in Sword and Shield at Bitva Libusin BLWC.
Artyom: A powerful halberdier, Artyom’s hits are unforgettable for anyone on the receiving end.
Stefan, Gregorz & Denis: Stefan is a globe-trotting duellist, while Gregorz and Denis focus on training newcomers, sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of blacksmiths, carpenters, administrators, and cooks keep Invicta running smoothly, providing everything from armour repairs to nourishing meals during tournaments.

The Story Behind Invicta

Invicta’s name and logo are steeped in history. Hailing from Kent, the club adopted the region’s historic white horse emblem, which dates back to 6th-century heraldry. The horse, named Invicta, perfectly encapsulates the club’s ethos of strength and resilience. The club’s motto, “Strength and Honour,” reflects their commitment to fair play, whether it’s matching teams in tournaments or living out these values in daily life.

Achievements and Rivalries

Although they like to stay humble, Invicta has had some impressive achievements, including two memorable encounters with the actor Tom Hardy. They are also fierce competitors in the UK, with a friendly rivalry against the Northern Wolves and a relentless pursuit of the White Company for the top spot. Internationally, Invicta has made its mark, winning the 5s at Tambach-Dietharz in Germany in 2023, securing second place in their group at Way of Honour in 2024, and consistently excelling at the Claregalway Castle Cup in Ireland.

One of Invicta’s proudest partnerships is with The Loxwood Joust, a sponsorship that allows the club to award the annual title of “Loxwood Knight” to a standout fighter, along with a full suit of armour. This honour has gone to rising stars Andrew Keeley and Seb Greaves, both now integral members of the first team.

The Knightmares are also making waves, advocating for the growth of the women’s division in the UK and proudly representing Invicta at international events.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like many teams, Invicta faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the club persevered, holding virtual Zoom training sessions that kept morale high and the community connected. Today, their biggest challenge is managing growth. With four separate training locations, they must strike a balance between nurturing new talent and maintaining the competitive edge of their seasoned fighters.

Preparation and Team Spirit

Tournament preparations at Invicta are meticulous, with Ben Robertson coordinating with the captains to finalize fighter rosters, check armour, clean weapons, and plan logistics. Beyond their organizational strength, Invicta’s true defining characteristic is their camaraderie. Whether celebrating a victory or lifting a teammate like Seb Greaves onto their shoulders after he was named Loxwood Knight, the team’s unity shines through.

Keeping Morale High

Invicta’s positivity is contagious. They host annual social tournaments at The Loxwood Joust, where teams from across the UK join for weekend events filled with camaraderie, barbecues, and story-swapping. At their end-of-year AGM, fighters bring their medals and trophies, and the club recognizes both on-field successes and behind-the-scenes contributions.

Looking to the Future

Invicta’s goals include establishing a consistent second team in the UK and traveling to more international tournaments. They invite any event organizers looking for a competitive UK team to get in touch—Invicta’s fighters are known to be as well-behaved off the field as they are fierce in the list. “The halberdiers are always a question mark, but with a colouring book and some crayons, you, and they, should be fine”.

How to Support Invicta

Fans and the community can best support Invicta by following and sharing their social media pages: Instagram (@invictabattleheritage and @knightmares_medieval), Facebook (@invicta.bh), or by sending a friend request to Invicta Knights on Facebook. If you see them at events, don’t hesitate to say hello—Invicta is known for their approachability once the fighting is done. For any inquiries or tournament invitations, contact them via their socials or email at invicta.medievalcombat@hotmail.com.