A little over two weeks ago, the Teylingen Castle Tournament took place in Holland, organized by the Zwaardvechten club (Den Helder) of the Medieval Combat Netherlands. The event was masterfully led by Fabian Kuiper and Dusty Franken. Under the auspices of Buhurt International, this high-intensity international tournament occurred under a blazing sun with temperatures close to 35 degrees Celsius, pushing the German, French, and Dutch fighters to their physical and mental limits.
The fighters competed in three disciplines: sword and shield, sword and buckler, and long sword, with a live broadcast of professional quality provided by Dusty Franken. Our on-site reporter took the time to interview two fighters who particularly distinguished themselves during the tournament in terms of results, technique, and determination in their fights.
Interview with Ruben Rau
Nationality: German
Experience: 3 years
Question: Why did you participate in this tournament?
Answer: I love the sport, and when traveling to a tournament is feasible, I always look forward to participating.
Q: Did you find what you came to look for?
A: Yes, I found some good duels, nice people, and proof that my 3 years of work were worth it.
Q: How did you prepare for this tournament?
A: I prepare in several ways. First, I always try to learn from more experienced fighters and know their routines. For this particular tournament, I did a lot of fitness training with kettlebells. Knowing the weather conditions, I made sure to stay hydrated and consume enough electrolytes. Bringing a wet towel to cool my neck has also been a game changer!
Q: What is your next medieval combat event?
A: The next event will be DCW in Telgte. I'm looking forward to some great fights, great opponents, and enjoying the moment with an awesome community!
A little word for your club, your opponents, the Buhurt International organization?
I’m Ruben, team captain of Bellator Noctis Armoured Duellists Westphalica. I’m honored to be part of this amazing sports scene. The whole organization was exceptionally professional and exuded a spirit of fair play and friendship. I have immense respect for the fighters, who are heroes in their armor. But even more respect goes to the people behind the scenes, who make such events possible. You are indeed the true heroes, often unjustly forgotten.
Interview with Orphée Hagenstein
From Alsace Combat Médiéval
Team: Ostlander
Nationality: French
Experience: 3 years
Question: Why did you participate in this tournament?
Answer: It happened by chance. I was at the Bratwurst Museum participating in the Swaiut Cup when Xavier, my captain, told me that he would be going to the Netherlands with Victoria the following month for another tournament. I told him it was great and that I was happy for them. It was not a disguised way of asking to be part of it. And then he asked me if I wanted to come. The time to check my schedule and I was in!
Q: Did you find what you came to look for?
A: When I registered I was promised wine if I came. There was wine on the table in the evening. More seriously, I came to look for several things: opponents I didn't know, surpassing myself and facing some familiar faces. I found all this and much more!
Q: How did you prepare for this tournament?
A: My best! A little over a month before the tournament I injured my knee during a demonstration. My opponent was a little too enthusiastic. I spent the following weeks treating my sprain and taking it easy to try to give a decent performance during the tournament and above all not to injure myself further.
I would have liked to do more cardio for the tournament and I knew I was going to pay for my recovery, but it wasn't the first time I took part in a tournament already injured. I came to look for self-improvement, which also involves overcoming these kinds of small inconveniences and returning to fight as quickly as possible.
Q: Tell us about the best moment you experienced during the event?
A: The best? Do I really only have to choose one? You know what, I'm going to give you two, because there are two rounds per match, yes that's my excuse, I assume it. The first was when I was chatting with you and Xavier after the sword and buckler and you pointed out to me that I was theoretically third. Sword and buckler is the event where I didn't think I would get on the podium anytime soon. When I really realized it, I almost cried between fatigue and emotion.
The second best moment, I will put it a little above the previous one, is when Xavier won two medals in duels. I was so happy for him, he totally deserves it. Seeing him succeed wasn't a surprise, I was hoping for it and I knew it was going to happen, but damn did it make me happy!
Q: Tell us about the opponent who impressed you the most?
A: Henk, without hesitation! The tournament started with the long sword event, it was extremely hot and it was hard for everyone but at one point I thought he was going to faint. Yet he made it to the end, before continuing with the sword and buckler then the sword and shield! He had a hard time, but above all he impressed me with his will and his tenacity. A good example to follow! Henk is also a very nice person outside of combat, and reliable according to one of his friends. I look forward to seeing him in other tournaments and following his progress.
Q: What is your next Buhurt event?
A: I will be present at the Miesbach tournament at the beginning of August for the melee, in great shape I hope and with my neck protection securely attached. Those who were there last year will understand! For the others, let's say that an Alpenkrieger had a slightly clumsy polearm.
A little word for your club, your opponents, the organization, Buhurt International?
And why not a little word for everyone? First of all for my club, Alsace Combat Médiéval, the only béhourd club in Alsace, there is a great ambiance and if you want to discover our sport and you are from the region, do not hesitate to contact us!
Thank you to my training partners, brothers and sisters in arms (you too the Lady in Yellow) and in particular to Xavier, my coach. To my opponents in this tournament: a big thank you to everyone, you have shown fair play, respect, solidarity! I want opponents like you at every tournament!
Was this your first tournament? Perfect, see you again in the next tournament! Have you had to bend your knee to an opponent? Don’t give up, you will do better and better!
Buhurt veterans, see you soon! Did you enjoy this tournament? Me too and it’s thanks to you!
The organization, hey, a big thank you to you! You were on top, everything was managed so that we fighters could concentrate on the tournament without having to deal with external concerns. Special mention for the post-tournament evening, with unexpected but very pleasant discussions! We look forward to seeing you again whether you are an organizer, fighter or simply present next time!
Buhurt International, young but very promising federation! Thank you for allowing me to express myself here! Thanks to Dany who made this possible. At my very small level I'm trying to help the federation grow, but you've already done so much in such a short time... I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for us!
And you who are reading me, you love our sport but you don’t feel like a fighter? Buhurt International is always looking for referees, photographers, editors for articles! Don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’m sure there is a place for you among us!
Tournament results: Sword & Shield: 1. Ruben Rau
2. Dany Drobnjak
3. Xavier Depeyre
Buckler: 1. Dany Drobnjak
2. Xavier Depeyre
3. Orphée Hagenstein
Longsword: 1. Dany Drobnjak
2. Ruben Rau
3. Felix Ramon Poppenberg
~~~
The interviews were conducted by Dany Drobnjak, capturing the spirit and dedication of his co-participants. Editorial by Aleksandra Lebdowicz.
If you want to know more about the exciting world of medieval combat, follow our coverage of upcoming tournaments and events.
Photos: Medieval Combat Netherlands, Anne Moss and Nane Rau
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