What are eye bars in Buhurt?

Buhurt is a sport that revives the essence of ancient medieval tournaments, where the safety of the combatant is paramount. In this context, essential components arise to ensure protection, such as ocular bars. These provide crucial defense at one of the most vulnerable points of the armor set: the eye slot of medieval helmets.

What are Ocular Bars in Buhurt?

Ocular bars are metal plates specifically designed to be installed inside the helmets used in Buhurt. Their main function is to protect the eye slot, preventing weapons or fragments from reaching the combatant's eyes. Although they are not historically documented for use in authentic helmets, these bars are permitted in modern Buhurt competitions as long as they meet certain requirements.

Key Features of Ocular Bars

• Effective protection: They completely cover the eye slot, ensuring that no weapon can penetrate to the eyes.
• Safety dimensions: It is recommended that the opening between the bars does not exceed 25 mm.
• Variable installation: In helmets with side-hinged visors, internal bars can be added tailored to the design of the helmet.
• Visual consistency: Any historically undocumented design must be painted black, preserving the historical aesthetics of combat.

Functioning within Medieval Combat

Modern Buhurt seeks to balance historical authenticity with current safety needs. Although replicas of medieval armor and weapons are used, elements such as ocular bars have been enhanced to ensure that the combats are as safe as possible. Strict standards like the prohibition of blows to vulnerable areas reinforce safety, and ocular bars play a crucial role in this system.

Considerations for Practitioners and Manufacturers

For combatants, ocular bars are not merely an optional component; they are an essential part of protective gear. It is important that the helmets are designed with the installation of these bars in mind, respecting both safety and historical appearance.

• Recognized standards: Ensure that the helmet and ocular bars meet the standards set by the leading Buhurt organizations.
• Conscious manufacturing: Those who manufacture armor should integrate ocular bars as part of the design, balancing aesthetics and protection.

Ultimately, the evolution of safety elements like ocular bars demonstrates the adaptation of modern Buhurt, which honors the legacy of medieval combat while protecting its practitioners under contemporary safety standards.