Artem Berehovyi, the combat captain of the Taurus UA team and the team Ukraine 2 for buhurts at the HMB World Championship Battle of the Nations 2019, recalls his first Battle of the Nations. Being the very young HMB fighter he took part in the very first Championship, which was held in 2010 in Ukraine:

“This was a truly significant event for the entire Ukrainian reconstruction movement. The Khotyn Fortress itself is located in a very picturesque place on the banks of the Dniester River, with large earthen ramparts, a vast outer wall and and beautiful view around.

At that time, I was a young fighter, with the experience of battles for only 2 years. I  only had the experience of participation in local Ukrainian festivals and tournaments. Therefore, the experience of fighting with 4 foreign teams was simply unforgettable! I was looking forward to these fights all the months of preparation for the Championship. ”

Artem as part of the National Team of Ukraine participated in mass nominations. Due to the lack of experience of such competitions, where the formation and long wooden weapons are of great importance, the young fighter went to the first gathering with the Russian team armed with two swords.

“That lesson my helmet and I remembered for a long time! I was young and courageous, but logic and common sense quickly prompted me to change my left sword to a strong shield. I was pleased with the result and subsequent conclusions, ” admitted Artem Beregovoi.

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian team was the host of the Championship and this affected every fighter of the country:

”The first 2 Battles of the Nations will always occupy a special place in memory, as during these years the Championship was held in Ukraine – my motherland. On the one hand, the burden of responsibility, and on the other, the native walls helped. As a result, the young Ukrainian team managed to get silver in the mass nomination in 2010 and 2011, and silver in 5 vs 5 in 2010. It is worth noting that my teammate Sergey Makukha was part of the that five team. I am glad that to this day we represent Ukraine in the international arena together.”

The Battle of the Nations 2010 radically changed things in such areas as historical fencing and historical reconstruction, introducing the world of HMB.

“I am very glad that we followed the next path of 10 years along with many participants of that Championship. Now we are looking forward to Battle of the Nations 2021 and, as it turned out, the annual break and global quarantine have aggravated the desire to continue this glorious journey and support the motto of all HMB fighters of the world “fight & travel”.

HMBIA News thanks Artem Beregovoy for valuable memories of the first Championship and will continue to share with his readers the fun and informative stories that happened to HMB fighters from different countries at their first Battles of the Nations.