Gear for Lightfencing

In Lightfencing (ASl-FFE, HKLA, USL etc.) gear is a key component to the practice and play of the sport. This gear not only protects us from injury, but also protect our opponent, giving us the freedom to hit them without fear of hurting them. Without gear, fencing become dangerous and hazardous. Since Lightfencing uses the whole body as a target, this gear must do specific things. Also, different gear is used for different activities. 

How much gear?  There are several different training drills and games leading up to full bouts. Different gear is necessary at each step: 

1. Solo practice: when you are practicing by yourself, this is up to you. Most train out of their gear, so that they can get a more dynamic workout with more freedom of movement. But, doing your solo practice in your full gear occasionally is a great way to prepare for competition, get your technique down as you will be required to in a bout, and add difficulty to your exercise. 

2. (level 1) Arming rallies and related activities: For the cooperative two person games and drills like rallies and velocities, a mask and gloves is the minimum required. Any time you are doing an unrehearsed two person exercise a mask and gloves should be worn. 

3. (level 2) Light free play and “club practice”: When you are in a class setting with a certified coach or instructor, light free play with the rule set is common (often called “club practice”). In these situations where contact is being made, however light, and the action is unrehearsed, elbows and knees are added to masks and gloves. While back of the head protection is recommended at all times with a mask, it is not mandatory at this level intensity. 

4. (level 3) Full bouts and Competition: whenever you are doing full bouts, full sparring, or are competing, the entire set must be worn. Mask with back of the head and neck protection. Gorget/neck protection, shoulders and torso, elbows and knees, and finally gloves for the hands. Cups for male anatomy, plastrons for female anatomy. 

Gear in order of importance or gravity: 

Some gear is more critical than others in certain settings. Certain areas are more vulnerable to injury and permanent damage. 

1. Back of the neck and groin: Trauma to these areas can result in permanent disability and death in some circumstances. The cervical spine is very vulnerable and can cause life altering effect when injured. Blood vessels, nerve and nerve bundles, and reproduction organs are at extreme risk of permeant damage. 

2. Head and face: Obviously the eyes are vulnerable to permanent injury or disability. maxillofacial injuries such as orbital fracture and knocking out teeth are also very likely. Concussion and skull fractures are a possibility if protection is not worn. Fencing helmets equipped with a back of the head protector are excellent protection against these potential injuries and are the best choice for facial and head protection. 

3. Joints: These areas are the most vulnerable during play. Light injury is extremely common, moderate injury is very likely, and severe injury is possible to the knees, elbows an dother joints. Fingers are at particular risk for fracture, compression injury, or sprain. The tendons of the rotator cuff are all vulnerable at the shoulder. Gloves, shoulder, knee, and elbow protectors are worn for this purpose. 

4. Long bones and soft tissues: On the spaces between the joints are the long bones and muscles. These areas are the most common place to be hit and the risk to these areas from the poly-carbonate blade is minimal. Welts, bruises, and abrasions are the most common. Welts and abrasion can be protected against by wearing long sleeves and pants to cover and bare skin. Bruises can be mitigated by the wearing of a thick padded jacket or gambeson. 

Each tier of protection Protects from specific types and severities of injury: 

1. Protects from groin, cervical, and frontal injury.

2. Protect from maxillofacial injury, concussion, finger breaks, and eye injury.

3. Protects joints from impact and other trauma to ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. 

4. Protects against abrasion, welting, and bruising of the skin. 

(It is important to note that it says “protects” and not “prevents”. There is always some risk incurred even when proper gear is being used.) 

Gear levels 

Level 3: Full kit. For sparring and competition. 

Level 2: Head, back of the head, elbows, knees, and gloves. 

Level 1: Mask and gloves