Who is the Marshal in Buhurt?

In the fascinating world of **Buhurt**, a modern discipline of medieval combat known as historical fighting, the role of the **Marshal** is fundamental. This sport, which has gained popularity in various parts of the world, is characterized by intense fights that simulate the jousts of the 14th and 15th centuries with replicas of armor and non-lethal weapons. The marshal stands as the central figure who ensures safety and justice in each competition, guaranteeing compliance with the rules and ensuring the historical authenticity of the equipment.

This emerging sport, originating from Russia and Eastern Europe, has found its way to Latin America, Western Europe, and Asia, bringing with it the rich tradition of medieval battles and tournaments. Within this context, marshals are authority figures who ensure that the game remains safe, organized, and authentic.

Types of Marshals in Buhurt

In Buhurt, the arbitration system consists of different types of marshals, each with unique responsibilities that ensure each combat takes place in an orderly and safe manner:

• Knight Marshal: Considered the highest authority, the Knight Marshal leads the team of marshals and has the final say on penalties. They ensure that the equipment meets historical and safety standards, also supervising the management of other marshals.
• Field Marshal: Located within the combat area known as "the list," these marshals directly manage the confrontations, paying special attention to group battles.
• Line Marshal: They act outside the combat area, keeping records of results, weapon loss, and armor errors, and serve as counters in individual duels.
• Technical Marshal: This marshal oversees and approves equipment changes during encounters, in collaboration with the Knight Marshal.
• Authenticity Committee Representative (AC Rep): This committee ensures that all clothing and equipment meet historical requirements, validating this aspect before each competition.

Main Responsibilities of the Marshal

The responsibilities of the marshal are as varied as they are critical to the success of any Buhurt event. Among their main functions are:

• Implementation and enforcement of all event and combat rules.
• Inspection and verification of the safety of equipment and armor.
• Intervention in case of violations or inappropriate conduct, ensuring a safe and fair competitive environment.
• The ability to make informed decisions in unforeseen situations during fights.
• Supervision of the authenticity and technical adequacy of the equipment.

The marshal's attire, featuring distinctive yellow and black colors inspired by the 14th to 16th centuries, facilitates their identification during combats, ensuring that their presence and authority are always visible and respected.

Importance of the Marshal

The marshal is more than just a referee in Buhurt; their role is to be a guardian of the essence and tradition of the sport, ensuring that competitions are not only safe and fair but also true to their historical roots. Their rigorous training and commitment to these principles are fundamental to the growth and global acceptance of Buhurt as a sport.

Marshals are invisible, but their impact is monumental. Every fight conducted with safety, fairness, and adherence to the historical code is a testament to their hard work and commitment.

The growing popularity of Buhurt internationally, with events such as the International Buhurt World Championship scheduled for 2025, further underscores the importance of this essential figure in the competitive arena. With the global expansion of the sport, especially in regions like Latin America, where Mexico stands out for its associations and organized events, the marshal's role transcends the mere arena of combat, solidifying their status as a central figure in the sporting legacy of Buhurt.