My Story

Hi, my name is Nicholas Donnan, I’m 28 years old, a proud veteran of the Australian Defence Force, and a survivor of testicular cancer. After facing one of the toughest challenges of my life, I am now in remission and channeling my energy into something I love — competing in armoured combat, also known as buhurt. I compete nationally and internationally as part of Beasts Armoured Combat Inc, Australia’s top Division 1 men’s team. This sport isn’t just about fighting in full steel armour; it’s about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible. For me, buhurt has been a way to rebuild my strength and confidence after cancer, to stay fit, and to connect with an incredible community of athletes who share the same passion for challenge and camaraderie.

What is Buhurt?

Buhurt is a fast-growing full-contact combat sport fought in armour. It includes three main categories:

• Buhurt: Team battles, last person standing.
• Duelling: Points-based single combat with weapons such as longsword, sword and buckler, or polearm.
• Outrance: Armoured mixed martial arts.

The sport combines strength, strategy, endurance, and teamwork, and is rapidly growing in Australia and internationally.

Why I'm fudraising?

I am raising funds to support my participation in upcoming national and international competitions, including travel, accommodation, and the specialized armour, safety equipment and recovery this sport demands. These resources are essential to ensure I can continue competing at the highest level and representing Australia on the world stage.

Achievements

2024 Abbey Challenger 2nd place 5v5

2024 Abbey Chanllenger 1st place 12v12

2024 Waihora Reborn (New Zealand touranment) 2nd place 5v5

2025 Abbey Challenger 1st place 5v5

2025 Abbey Challenger 1st place 12v12

2025 Buhurt International World Cup 13th place 5v5 (representing Australia's 2nd team)

2025 Buhurt International World Cup 1st place 12v12 (representing Australia)

2025 Buhurt International World Cup 1st place 30v30 (representing Australia)

2025 Newcastle Cup 2nd place 5v5

2025 AMCF Nationals 1st place 5v5

2025 AMCF Nationals Ultra heavyweight champion outrance

2025 QLD male fighter of the year

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events (2026)

I aim to continue competing nationally and internationally in 2026, including:

• Abbey Challenger (Australia, April)
• Winterfest (Australia, June/July)
• Buhurt International (BI) Invitational (Romania, July) - pending
• IMCF world championships (Denmark, July) - pending
• Southern Relms (Australia, August)
• AMCF Nationals (Australia, October)
• New Zealand (October) - pending

These events, along with other potential competitions, will help me develop as a fighter, gain international experience, and strengthen Australia’s presence in global buhurt.

Your Support

Your support will not only help me cover these costs but will also allow me to continue pursuing a sport that has been transformational in my life — giving me purpose since leaving the military.

Thank you for considering supporting me and my journey in Australian buhurt. Every contribution brings me closer to the next competition and helps me continue doing what I love.

Links to check out

Personal

Sporting instagram to follow my journey: @jade_nick_buhurt

Sporting

Club website: https://www.beasts.org.au/

National organisation: https://www.buhurt.org.au/

International governing body: https://www.buhurtinternational.com/