Formed in 2022 from the merging of the Des Moines DoomBringers and the Order of Wrath, The New Order has steadily grown into a unified Buhurt team in Central Iowa. With a focus on collaboration and local development, they continue to build their presence both on and off the list.
A Unified Vision In the spring of 2022, The New Order was born from the merging of two established teams, the Des Moines DoomBringers and the Order of Wrath. This collaboration, spearheaded by Captain Zachary Shadu, sought to create a stronger, healthier Buhurt community in Central Iowa. By fostering teamwork and unity, the team achieved a major milestone at Carolina Carnage 2024, where they trained and competed as a cohesive unit. Their progression to bracket stages underscored their growing potential and ignited their determination to keep pushing forward.
Key Players and Leadership
The team's success stems from the contributions of several dedicated members:
Captain Zachary Shadu leads from the front, inspiring the team with his fitness expertise and introducing effective training regimens, drills, and strategies.
Curtis Knapp serves as a coach, adapting skills to suit individual team members, enabling them to excel.
Aaron Miller fosters a sense of belonging by engaging with members and ensuring their experience is rewarding.
Ashley Shadu and Kaylee Knapp champion the growth of the women's division, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the team.
A Logo That Tells a Story
The team's logo symbolizes its origins, combining the world serpent from the Order of Wrath and the skull from the DoomBringers. Retaining the purple and green from each predecessor team, the logo reflects unity while honoring the past. The name "The New Order," chosen through a team vote, emerged during the planning stages, when Zachary labeled the merger file with this name - a fitting tribute to their shared future.
Defining Moments
Among their proudest achievements are Carolina Carnage 2024 and Whacksgiving 2024. At Carnage, the team fought as a unified group for the first time, reaping the rewards of their hard work. At Whacksgiving, they stood toe-to-toe with some of the top teams in the U.S., proving their progress in training, teamwork, and dedication.
Overcoming Challenges
Distance posed the biggest challenge for the team, with most major tournaments located far from Iowa. To address this, they partnered with local businesses and neighboring teams from Omaha, Minnesota, and St. Louis to host regional events, fostering a thriving Buhurt scene closer to home.
Strategies and Rituals
Preparation is key for The New Order. They analyze videos of opponents and themselves, focusing on self-reflection and improvement. Pre-tournament rituals include long road trips, fostering camaraderie and setting the stage for competition.
Chasing the Fight
The team's motto, “Chase the fight, not the medal,” encapsulates their philosophy. While winning remains the goal, they value hard-earned victories and lessons learned from tough matches. Every challenge helps them grow stronger, whether it’s mastering a takedown or discovering new strategies.
A Strong Community
Beyond the list, the team thrives on a tight-knit community spirit. They bond through cookouts, team outings, and Discord check-ins that cover everything from nutrition advice to workout challenges. This camaraderie not only keeps them motivated but also strengthens their resolve as a team.
Looking Ahead
For 2025, The New Order aims to compete in more tournaments and expand their women’s division, ensuring a vibrant presence in the sport.
Join the Fight
Fans and supporters can follow the team on:
Facebook: The New Order Armored Combat
Instagram: @theneworderarmoredcombat
Stay tuned for updates on local events, practices, and community outings as The New Order continues to forge its legacy in the world of Buhurt!
Article prepared based on materials from Zachary and Ashley Shadu Editorial Aleksandra Lebdowicz