The Alexander Nevsky Cup became the 1st full scale experimental tournament included in the HMBIA Marshals Committee project, codenamed HMB Future. It was held in Saint Petersburg on May 29th in collaboration with HMB Russia. During this event, the experimental rules in the 5vs5 category, with the participation of 5 teams, were implemented.
The following changes and adjustments took place:
– adding of the top bar to the rails;
– fighters can change during the round;
– allowed hand\shield touch of the list surface after the throw.
One of the most noticeable adjustments that was tested was the change of the shape of the rails, with adding the 65 cm wide top bar. This adjustment changed the overall situation with list usage technique and grappling, as the average time of the round was reduced by approximately 35%.
The news about experiments in Russia became resonant and the HMBIA News editorial office decided to ask HMB athletes from different countries what they think about such experiments.
Australian fighters are interested in the project and vividly discussed the experiment:
“The new list looks really interesting to fight in. Removing the ability to hug the rail would massively change the dynamic of some fights. And combining that with the third point of contact rule would allow for a lot more variety of throws. Were not sure about switching out fighters mid round. I’d have to experiment with that myself to see how it works out.
I wouldn’t mind running an experimental tourney. We’re upgrading our list at the moment and it wouldn’t be too hard to attach the top board. It would certainly be interesting”, said Bryce Lightbody, the captain of the HMB Australia team.
Pawel Kurzak also highlighted changes related to the possible introduction of the lists rails shape.
“I like the idea of the “shelf”, it will definitely change tactics and dynamics of the fight. Personally I’m a bigger fan of lower (hip height) lists but I know they will not be introduced. The “shield touch” rule is the step in the right direction. It may take some time for fighters and marshals to get used to though.
The changes during round… unnecessary chaos, generally unnecessary complication. We’re trying to make the fights more attractive for the fans, why make it more difficult to understand?”
Angel Estrada, the captain of the HMB Mexica team agrees with Pawel regarding the possibility of substitutions fighter in the team during the battle.
“I think it’s a great sign that rules for buhurt categories are still looking to evolve and be more dynamic! In my opinion, the added rules for list grabbing are a smart way of adding a challenge to the status quo: you can still use the list as an added tool to control an opponent or gain stability, but it will require more than just holding on to it.
Regarding the switching during combat rounds: I think it’s interesting, but as it stands right now it can create more confusion rather than add strategy to the fights. I hope this can be further developed. I liked the idea of testing these rulesets in tournaments as a “beta” so we can all see them unfolding, instead of leaving it on paper or to a poll”.
Joonas Lammasniemi, the captain of the HMB Finland team noticed one more aspect of the rule about the possibility to change the fighter:
“Not being allowed to grab the list makes fights more dynamic, getting strong fighters off the list is near impossible at high level combat. As for the changings fighters during fighting seems to make new tactics possible but changing fighters from under the list makes it a hazard for falling while going in or out, especially for bigger fighters”.
Bogdan Sbitnev from Kyrgyzstan liked The Alexander Nevsky Cup experiments:
“The format itself is a big plus for practicing tactical interaction in 5 vs 5 buhurts. Such format itself is interesting and there will be fans of these fights”.
In addition, Bogdan Sbitnev noted that he has long wanted to take part in the 2 vs 2 fights and also added that at the next tournament in Kyrgyzstan, which is planned to be held in September 2021, fights in this category will certainly be held.
So, as we can see, the experiments carried out at the Alexander Nevsky Cup in Russia are generally supported in the world. Unfortunately, due to quarantine restrictions in many countries, it is now impossible to conduct battles and try out experimental rules on yourself. However, everyone with whom we talked about the experimental tournament expressed a desire to join the HMB Future project.
HMBIA News editorial office is looking forward to sharing with you the results of these tournaments and our experience with the experimental rules.
