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Unyielding Orphans: The Legacy and Strength of Sierotki

Growing from a small group of fighters into a nationally and internationally recognized team. Known for their resilience, close-knit camaraderie, and adaptable fighting style, Sierotki has not only earned podium spots but has also forged a legacy built on teamwork, skill, and a relentless drive to overcome challenges. This article delves into the team’s history, key players, achievements, and goals, offering a glimpse into what makes Sierotki one of Poland's most dynamic and spirited medieval combat teams.


Sierotki was born from the ambition of lesser-known fighters who, finding themselves without a team, joined forces to create something new. Founded in 2010, the team quickly rose under the leadership of Wojciech Gula, who drove them to the top ranks in Poland and onto the international stage in tournaments like the Dynamo Cup and Prague Falchion. In 2019, Janusz Giercuszkiewicz took over, establishing the first buhurt school in Krakow and guiding the team to 11th place in the 2020 Buhurt League. From their humble beginnings, Sierotki’s mission was clear: to prove that a self-made team could compete with the best. Over time, they have done just that, capturing the attention of Poland’s buhurt scene and steadily rising in rank. What began as a small group of lesser-known fighters has transformed into a respected force in national and international competitions, thanks to their dedication and unbreakable unity.



Key Players and Roles

Sierotki prides itself on teamwork above all. Certain team members, including Łukasz, Hubert, and Janusz, have been instrumental in anchoring the team’s success, providing invaluable leadership and expertise. Among Sierotki’s fighters are prominent duelists Piotr Kriger and Kateryna Umiarova, whose exceptional skill and precision make them two of the team’s most accomplished fighters. An integral part of Sierotki’s strength also comes from the contributions of our “fresh blood,” including Leon, Krzysztof, Piotr, and Artur. And, of course, we are proud to have the best fans supporting us.


Origins of the Team Name and Logo

The name “Sierotki,” meaning "The Orphans," is also widely recognized in Poland as a Czech military formation that played a pivotal role in the Hussite Wars. The team has drawn inspiration from the Hussite symbols—the goblet, red and black colors—and their enduring motto, “Veritas Vincit,” meaning “The Truth Will Prevail.”



Greatest Achievements and Proudest Moments

Sierotki has reached the podium multiple times in the Polish Buhurt League. The team also served as the foundation for Poland 2 and Poland 3 in the National Team’s 5 vs. 5 category. However, their most significant achievement came in the 2020 Buhurt Next tournament. This event demonstrated that, despite nearly an entire roster change, the team spirit could be preserved, allowing them to achieve remarkable success even in the face of adversity.


Overcoming Challenges

Like many teams, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a drop in morale and interest in the sport, particularly among veteran fighters. But this setback did not weaken the spirit of the orphan team for long; they rebuilt themselves almost entirely from the ground up. Just as they regained their strength, another hard strike followed—the outbreak of full-scale conflict in Ukraine, which deeply affected the entire community. Many events were canceled, and numerous goals had to shift, delivering a significant blow to team morale. Yet, once again, the team persevered. Constantly setting new goals, recruiting fresh fighters, and pushing to reach new heights, Sierotki has remained resilient against all odds.



Tournament Preparation

Sierotki holds two training sessions per week to integrate new members and refine techniques. Twice a year, they host a two-day camp for all fighters, where they evaluate progress, celebrate achievements, and strengthen their bonds. Post-tournament analysis sessions help the team assess performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and track overall progress, both individually and collectively.


Defining Strengths and Unique Characteristics

Sierotki’s strength lies in their teamwork. Rather than assigning rigid roles, they train every fighter to be adaptable, ensuring that any member can fulfill various roles as needed. This flexibility, combined with their commitment to mutual support, has become a hallmark of the team.


Keeping Morale High

Sierotki’s dynamic is akin to a close-knit family. They share both the highs and lows, supporting one another in their growth as fighters and as individuals. Rather than employing formal motivation techniques, they focus on fostering camaraderie and enjoyment, which naturally keeps morale high.



Future Goals

In the coming season, Sierotki aims to secure a new training venue, recruit more fighters, and acquire equipment to help new members compete. They’re also looking forward to participating in as many tournaments as possible to gain further experience and exposure.


Team support

The best way to support us is by coming to our tournaments and cheering us on; nothing gives us a better kick than hearing “Sierotki! Sierotki! Sierotki!” from the crowd. We’d also appreciate it if you followed us on social media; while it’s a bit quiet now, we’re actively working on building our online presence.


Stay connected with Sierotki:


To my, to my! Sierotki!



Edit Alexandra Jasper, Aleksandra Lebdowicz All photos provided by Sierotki team

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