Loxwood 2025 - Ladies' Passage of Arms

August this year the Knightmares took part in the Passage of Arms, a tournament dedicated entirely to new fighters. This tournament has been running for several years, but in 2025 we were able to achieve something magical: the first women's iteration of the tournament. We had 34 incredible women taking part, with fighters from the UK, France, Ireland and Belgium, on a total of 9 teams.

What stood out most wasn't just the skill or the competition - it was the spirit. The female buhurt community is one of the most welcoming and supportive spaces I've ever known. I'll never forget one of my first tournaments, where Steph Kiddle turned to me and said 'Stick with me, I've got your back'. That sentence has stayed with me ever since, and it perfectly captures the atmosphere we had.

Having my own team, my girls, competing out there — it was just incredible. Out of 9 teams, the Knightmares came joint first place. I'm happy for their achievements and proud to be part of such a team!

Celestine started training as one of our shyest fighters. She often paired up with much more experienced people, which can be intimidating. I still remember her saying once, “I never win against anyone.” But she kept going. Week after week, she showed up, trained hard, listened, learned — and at Passage of Arms, I saw her apply every technique, fight with determination, and never give up. She used all the potato horsepower she had, and it was glorious to watch.

JD could easily rely on her natural strength and build — but that doesn’t define her alone. She doesn’t know what effortless means. From the early “bambi-leg” training days to becoming an absolute beast in the list, her progress has been remarkable. She’s dedicated, committed, and hungry to improve. She made every effort to train, to learn, to grow. It’s no surprise she was voted Most Valuable Fighter — she earned every bit of it and is truly an inspiration. 

Meghan has a demanding work schedule that made training difficult. Nevertheless, she came to compete and smashed it. Her sword and buckler performance was brilliant, and when her team needed her, she stood her ground like a tank. She fought with much heart — and that’s the best quality any fighter can have beside you in the list.

Bela also couldn’t make it to every training, but she has this incredible ability to absorb knowledge quickly and apply it when it counts. Her positive attitude and fighting spirit make her exactly the kind of teammate every captain wants.

Everyone was out therefor each other - lending armour or weapons, cheering from the sidelines, celebrating each other's victories and lifting each other after tough rounds. It was about respect and admiration. I'm so proud to be part of something so meaningful for beginners - an event that not only helps them feel ready for the UK League, but offers the best prizes thanks to our amazing sponsors, who believe in growing the sport from the ground up.

I couldn't be prouder of every new fighter who stepped into that list, and of this community that continues to grow stronger together. This is what Passage of Arms is all about - courage, cameraderie and respect. And this year, we lived it fully.

Strength and Honour

• Bruna

L-R: Meghan, JD, Bela and Celestine of the Knightmares