Not getting killed...

[alsey]

It's not as good as armor, but if you can't afford it, you can get away with a heavy padded coat, gloves and a three weapon fencing mask. I actually practice with the mask and gloves for the most part. Contrary to popular belief, shinai don't normally hurt that badly

don't really know much about fencing masks, but dude...knocking someone out with a shinai is easy.

[lordtariel]

don't really know much about fencing masks, but dude...knocking someone out with a shinai is easy.

If you're a skilled practitioner, sure, even with the helmet. I'm not saying it's a perfect way to go, but it's much cheaper than full armor. Maybe I've just not been hit hard enough. I figured I was though cause I do get bruises and welts from time to time. The guys I fight with are mostly serious SCA guys, but they know how to hit. A shinai is a weapon and should be treated with respect. If you're practicing at a level where you're going full on trying to beat each other's brains out, then armor's the safest way to go, but I've gone out pretty hard with what I've posted and haven't had any problems.

[bushido_man96]

There are sword styles that block with the back of the blade, there are styles that block with the flat of the blade, and there are styles that parry with the edge of the blade. Also, what was referred to as 'voiding' in western styles was popular as well. Voiding was getting the body out of the way of the strike. Then a counter strike could be made.

[Salus]

once again thank you guys very much,

I've been "dueling" with a few of my friends with a contraption i made up

I went to Lowes and bought a piece of plastic conduit (SP?) and some foam made to cover pipes, i then cut the conduit to the correct length, duck taped the foam on, and WHALA! sparring "swords"

after awhile we found out they hurt abit and head shots are not pretty, so we bought hockey masks and wore those and toned down the power of the strikes abit, lol

and best thing is the "swords" only cost $3 each to make

my problem is theres no dojos in my area that teach sword techniques,

but thank you for the links, they are always helpful

Salus

[lordtariel]

As was stated in another post somewhere on this forum, something that works really well are those foam swimming noodles. since they're already hollow. I'd also recommend running a line of electrical tape down one or both sides to designate "blade edges"

[KamasandSais]

hit them first lol

[Scotty]

I went to Lowes and bought a piece of plastic conduit (SP?) and some foam made to cover pipes, i then cut the conduit to the correct length, duck taped the foam on, and WHALA! sparring "swords"

This is similar to a sport martial art called 'chanbara'. The police also use them to simulate riot conditions. Good idea!

[parkerlineage]

I went to Lowes and bought a piece of plastic conduit (SP?) and some foam made to cover pipes, i then cut the conduit to the correct length, duck taped the foam on, and WHALA! sparring "swords"

I like that idea! I may have to try that...

WHALA!

hahahaha...you're clearly not French...(voila)