cheap face protection?

[Duff Man]

Here are a few more
http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparring_Gear/Headgear/Ronin_Headgear.aspx , http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparring_Gear/Headgear/P2_Full_Face_Headgear.aspx , http://www.awma.com/productdetail/2508-proforce-thunder-padded-combat-head-guard-w-face-cage.html  But as already said, how much is your head worth?

[Temple]

Have one of those

[qroon]

That looks good. I wonder how sturdy the mask/grills are.

[Jenny]

I would assume you only need head and hand maybe wrst gear.

It depends.  If you're going to do full-contact, full-force sparring with polycarbonate blades, I recommend as a minimum head, hands, throat, kidney, elbow, and knee protection of a hard, impact-dispersing substance such as HDPE or steel, with padding behind.
 

Hey Master Nero, how is the visibility in the fencing masks?

I'm not Master Nero, but my experience is that peripheral vision is somewhat diminished, which isn't a problem in Olympic style fencing, because your opponent is always right in front of you, anyway.  In Rapier style fencing, you have to be aware of it, and compensate by keeping your situational awareness up.

[Master Rel]

There are several used fencing masks, suitable for saber with full vision potential on the E of bay...quick google will reveal all.....$50-75 average, good luck with your hunting.

[Master Nero Attoru]

It depends.  If you're going to do full-contact, full-force sparring with polycarbonate blades, I recommend as a minimum head, hands, throat, kidney, elbow, and knee protection of a hard, impact-dispersing substance such as HDPE or steel, with padding behind.

Good advice.  I never go full force and typically duel with Artorius, so we forego that level of protection... but it's DEFINITELY better to be safe than sorry here.

I'm not Master Nero, but my experience is that peripheral vision is somewhat diminished, which isn't a problem in Olympic style fencing, because your opponent is always right in front of you, anyway.  In Rapier style fencing, you have to be aware of it, and compensate by keeping your situational awareness up.

Also a good point.  The things are designed for one-dimensional combat, up and down a strip.  It's just you and the opponent, with limited lateral movement.  Of course, if you're in a situation where you need that kind of peripheral vision, the fencing mask isn't as ideal anyway... the thing has little protection on the back (once again, not designed for attacks from the side or back).

[Jenny]

I concur.  For general mele, of the available options, I think the hockey helmet linked above is the best bet... but again, it _will not_ protect against thrusts.  The point of a polycarbonate blade will go right through that grille.

[Master Nero Attoru]

I concur.  For general mele, of the available options, I think the hockey helmet linked above is the best bet... but again, it _will not_ protect against thrusts.  The point of a polycarbonate blade will go right through that grille.

Yeah exactly.  You go with one option to protect against strikes, you lose the thrust protection.  It's a tough call.

The fencing mask will give you fine protection against thrusts and strikes from the front, and overall unless you're fighting multiple opponents you should be facing your adversary anyway.  IMO that's a pretty decent choice for head protection.

[Temple]

Someone should just make a formal dueling handbook like the SCA and those other Clubs

[Jenny]

That would require... organization!  Yikes!

[Temple]

Holy roasted goatflesh batman....

[Jenny]

Seriously, I'm not qualified as an instructor in Kendo or Shinkendo, the actual sword arts I practice, and I never earned my knighthood in the SCA.  So if I'm not qualified to instruct at that level in actual martial arts, how could I arrogate myself the right to come up with a handbook?

It is now, as it generally is, my advice that if someone wants to learn about lightsabre combat, they should find an established martial art and a qualified teacher, and learn about sword arts.  Some choices include Kendo, Kenjutsu, Shinkendo, Kumdo, Tai Chi... someone in your area is doing sword forms.  Find them.  Enroll.  Learn.

And I'll go on tossing out suggestions from time to time to help keep those who disregard that path at least marginally safe.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Seriously, I'm not qualified as an instructor in Kendo or Shinkendo, the actual sword arts I practice, and I never earned my knighthood in the SCA.  So if I'm not qualified to instruct at that level in actual martial arts, how could I arrogate myself the right to come up with a handbook?

It is now, as it generally is, my advice that if someone wants to learn about lightsabre combat, they should find an established martial art and a qualified teacher, and learn about sword arts.  Some choices include Kendo, Kenjutsu, Shinkendo, Kumdo, Tai Chi... someone in your area is doing sword forms.  Find them.  Enroll.  Learn.

And I'll go on tossing out suggestions from time to time to help keep those who disregard that path at least marginally safe.

Formal training is definitely a recommendation.  While every style of swordsmanship is different (mainly due to the different types of swords and their functionality), from what I've seen each of them teaches you the core concepts you need for lightsaber combat.

From my own background, fencing is a pretty good option to start out with (especially if you have trouble locating a nearby dojo to learn one of the aforementioned martial arts at).  Instruction is pretty commonly available - if not at a club then at the local YMCA or whatever - and it definitely gets you familiar with the essentials.  Plus it's great exercise!

[Master Rel]

Agreed!

Fencing is a great place to start the sword technique process...one of the few official options other than a niche within a martial arts program or with the SCA...with the established structure you can learn so much quickly that would escape most folks on their own, best to have something to work with than guess about.

The added bonus is the high probability of access to used equipment and potential for light saber sparring program...hopefully an instructor or two