Sparring gear?

[aku aku]

The group I work out with is thinking about doing some stick and staff sparring and I was wondering where to get good safety equipment? Also, is there any gear I should go out of my way to avoid?

We were looking at hockey gear but there are a couple of places that sell stick sparring equipment, does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks.

[Chad W. Getz]

Kombat Instruments, Limited: http://www.bloodsport.com for fencing mask. Or you can try getting used ones. The WEKAF mask is also good for protecting your head, it is a bit heavier though.

Gloves: WEKAF makes a stick sparring glove with an open palm and little leather finger straps. This is a good glove if you guys are only going to do standing stick sparring only and no clinching or groundfighting. Other than that, light hockey or lacrosse gloves should do good.

Cheap soft elbow and knee pads can be bought anywhere.

Train progressively, and have fun. There is also a review of equipment by different fighters on the web site.

[Don Chi Sao]

Sparring

Are you still in Oakdale and want to spar?

[JBolton]

For what its worth, the most important thing to remember when getting into weapons sparring, as previously mentioned, is to train progressively.

I highly suggest the GM Canete helmets at first before you move to fencing masks. If you use a staff made out of anything harder than rattan, you will be really glad you have the GM Canete helmet on! It also has good protection for the back and top of the head. After that, get a good, solid sabre fencing mask after you learn to avoid taking too many shots to the head.

You probably want to start with some heavier hockey gloves too. I have tried the "light" street hockey gloves that the Dog Brothers use and my hands were almost broken. Lacrosse gloves work well too. Some people like to cut out the palm so that they are holding the stick in their hand rather than the slippery glove.

Kombat Instruments has this type of equipment and they are really good about any problems with equipment. Nick is a part of DBMA.

I personally don't like the WEKAF "mitts" versus hockey gloves.

I also suggest that you use Rollerblade elbow and knee pads since they are very cheap these days and you will undoubtedley take some painful (and potentially destructive) elbow and knee shots at first.

Hope this was helpful.

Johnathan Bolton

https://www.houstonstickfighting.org