The HMB movement is constantly growing and developing. During the five years of the HMB World Championship “Battle of the Nations” existence, the lists welcomed more than thirty National Teams from different countries. And, as it turns out, it’s not the limit!

At the moment, HMBIA knows about the appearance of several new National Teams. About six months ago, National Teams of Brazil, Colombia and Chile were formed.

The new Latin American National Teams have everything needed for successful development and training for fights held according to the HMBIA rules. In particular, Chileans plan to gain experience and strengthen relationships with other Teams by taking part in the tournament planned for October 11-12, 2014 (Buenos Aires, Argentina). The info was provided by Andy Di Francesco, one of the tournament organizers.

– Andy Di Francesco:
“The guys from Chile are planning to come to Argentina in October. We invited them. They will be able to communicate with the fighters and learn a lot of new things.”

HMBIA reports that the main goal of Latin American fighters is participation in the HMB World Championship “Battle of the Nations”, but it doesn’t specify the year of their debut.

In addition to South America, new National Teams also appear in the cooler parts of the planet, for example Norway. The Team includes 14 fighters at the moment. The guys are starting to train and get sets of armor. It is possible that the composition of the Team will expand soon. According to Nick Møller Pedersen, chairman of Norwegian HMB organisation, there are many people in Norway interested in HMB sport, but who have not made their final decision yet. According to Pedersen, he is completely focused on bringing the National Team of Norway to the HMB World Championships “Battle of the Nations”-2015.

There are National Teams that have been existing for six or more months, but have never taken part in “Battle of the Nations” due to various reasons. Among them are Teams of Ireland, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. According to representatives of the HMBIA Presidium, the guys are very serious about the requirements of the Association and have satisfactory equipment.

The countries actively organize their internal tournaments. However, the Irish, the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz want more, among their main objectives is a trip to such a major tournament like the HMB World Championship “Battle of the Nations.” The fighters do their best to fulfill the ambitious plans. They prepare for the trip both mentally and physically, as well as financially. Thus, it is very likely that the large audience will see the new Teams at the Championship next year.

Malta is also preparing its National Team for the World Championship “Battle of the Nations”-2015. Now the Team is in the process of formation. Representatives of Malta want to come to the next World Championship as a mature, well-coordinated National Team. They attend tournaments and festivals, gain experience. By the way, the Maltese were among the audience at the two previous “Battle of the Nations” (in France and Croatia), so they got enough food for thought.

Now, concerning the fifth continent. Fighters of the South African National Team plan to overcome all the difficulties and attend the event. South Africans are already preparing for the trip to the HMB World Championship “Battle of the Nations”-2015, they have to get armor meeting HMBIA’s requirements, and get money for the trip.

Also, the National Team of the Netherlands is being formed at the moment. HMBIA is convinced that in the coming years, “orange” men will be able to enter the lists. At the moment, the process of chosing fighters and finding sponsors is in full swing. According to the guys, they hope to take part in the World Championship “Battle of the Nations”-2015, but a lot of things need to be done.

Such trend in the development of HMB sport around the world is promising. Appearance of new National Teams will increase competition, make battles even brighter and harder, and the Championship even more spectacular.

Katherine Koda
HMBIA News