Sometimes, you hear the threat before you see it coming.

The unmistakable clang of steel hits your eardrums as armor clashes among itself and swords prepare to slice the air.

Medieval music fills the space as knights move in heavy, deliberate steps toward their opponents. Armor secured and weapons ready, their cautious movements debate who will take the first strike of the night.

Yet seconds before metal boots begin pounding the ground, a moment of softness precedes the clash as a singular rose is placed in the hands of one audience member; a symbol of thanks offered to those brave enough to witness the duel. 

While it may feel like something pulled straight from the 14th century, this isn’t a distant battlefield. It’s Sunshine Studios Live this Friday. 

For one night this month, Colorado Wardens, a team of modern-day knights competing in full-contact armored combat, will transform 3970 Clear View Frontage Road into a battleground. 

“People often show up thinking that maybe it’s something like role playing or something less intense or competitive,” Colorado Wardens Captain Ryan Shulman said. “I think people are often surprised by how hard-hitting and exciting the event really is. The crowd is usually electric, and the fighting is usually intense.”

For those ready to witness the brutality, there’s more to the duel than meets the eye. Here are four things to know before entering the world of armored combat. 

How do these fights actually work?

Despite the chaos, armored combat is far from a free-for-all. Each match follows structured rules, with various fighting styles available for competitors.

Dueling is a one-on-one, point-based fight focused on weapon skill. Competitors face off using weapons like swords, shields or polearms, aiming for controlled strikes to legal target areas. 

Each successful hit earns a point, and after three rounds, the fighter with the higher score wins. 

Pro fighting combat takes that one-on-one format and turns it into something closer to mixed martial arts, except in full armor. Fighters can grapple, throw their opponent to the ground and continue striking until the round ends, blending technique with brute force.

Team-based matches bring a different kind of energy. Group fights can range from two-on-two matchups to large-scale battles with teams of up to a dozen or more. 

At Sunshine Studios Live, spectators can expect two-on-two matches in between duels, where the goal is simple: take down both opponents at the same time. If one fighter falls but their teammate remains standing, the fallen competitor can get back up and rejoin the fight.

Even with the intensity, safety rules are strictly enforced by Buhurt International and the International Medieval Combat Federation. 

Certain areas are off limits, including the groin, neck and feet, and if illegal strikes occur, a yellow-card system keeps the competitors protected.

Is that armor for show or survival?

“People often ask, ‘How much does it hurt’ or ‘Does it actually hurt to get hit in armor?’” Shulman said. “The armor is enough to keep you out of the hospital, but the very nice collection of bruises I’ve accumulated has been a sight to behold.”

Short answer: It’s built for survival, but competitors can still feel every punch. 

Fighters suit up in full kits modeled after 13th- to 16th-century designs, complete with helmets, shoulder plates, gauntlets and leg armor, all custom-made.

Along with the heavy armor, the weapons may be blunted, but they’re still very real. 

Depending on the build, a full kit and weapon can add anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds, turning every step, swing and stumble into a full-body workout, Shulman said.

A custom suit of armor can take up to six months to make and typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000.

“We have a couple of people who have extra suits that can be loaners,” competitor Andrew Solarie said. “But most armor is custom-made for each individual fighter because that’s the most effective way to be good at it: to have armor that fits you.”

In other words, it may look like something out of a Renaissance fair, but once the helmets go on, it’s all sport.

How big does the competition get?

While the Colorado Wardens have almost 50 members, the scope of armored combat stretches far beyond Colorado Springs. 

Some members have even turned their local training into international titles. 

Greg Fisher, president of the team, has won multiple international titles in sword-and-shield, long sword and melee competitions. Another member set to compete this week, Shoshana Shellans, is a multi-time international gold medalist in women’s sword-and-shield duels.

Both Fisher and Shulman have made it onto Team USA, representing the country at the IMCF World Championships in Denmark this July.

Internationally, the sport is more established in Europe, where full-contact armored combat is taken as seriously as any professional sport.

With the Colorado Wardens as the main buhurt team in the state, Shulman said practices range from areas like Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, with participating members from neighboring states.

So you want to be a knight?

Interested in stepping into the battle yourself? 

Alexis Solaire, Colorado Wardens’ marketing coordinator, said the team welcomes newcomers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels.

“It’s one of those things where even if somebody isn’t accustomed to athletic training or working out in the gym, we have the resources to get them started,” she said. “However, anybody who’s done CrossFit or combat sports will definitely have a big leg up at practice.”

Alongside weekly training sessions, the group hosts a “newbie day,” offering a space for anyone to join the team while learning basic footwork, stances and safe-falling techniques. 

The next practice available to newcomers will be held on Saturday as a women’s-only event, available to anyone who RSVPs on the Colorado Wardens’ Facebook.

“Even though we’re a bunch of guys in armor running around with swords, it’s a little different than the most common sword sports,” she said. “We’re not role-playing, and these athletes are very serious. They spend a lot of time conditioning and working on their fight IQ, and they really bring their whole heart to the ring every time.”

IF YOU GO
What: Colorado Wardens
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sunshine Studios Live, 3970 Clear View Frontage Road
Price: $30.93, eventim.com