Sparring and the Hands...

[Rod-Thornton]

This subject has doubtless come up in past threads, but I am wondering about hand-protection during sparring.

Specifically, I have been using modern equipment (read: foam-padded) and I have seen some sparring done with historical equipment (i.e., metal-over-leather gauntlets/armored), and I am wondering which methods protect best.

It seems as though a metal (not maille) gauntlet would protect best against even padded weapon hits, while my broken left pinky can now attest to the inefficacy of some modern foam-padded protections. One of our guys uses a "martial-arts" glove that appears like it would get 'er done as well.

Can the folks using differing hand protection comment? I'd like really to hear from users of metal gauntlets in particular as they fare against padded weapons.

[Bill Welch]

I use heavy welding gloves, that fit pretty tight. The rest of our group have hockey gloves, but hardly ever wear them as they are somewhat difficult to get a good grip with,so mostly they also wear heavy leather gloves. Have tried the Tactical gloves, but didnt really like them, they were too cumbersome. You will likely find that after a while you will quit leading with you hilt, and won't get hit in the hands near as much(or ever).
Unfortunaly no matter what kind of gloves you wear(with the possible exeption of steel gauntlets,but I really can't say as I have never worn them) when you get hit hard in the hands you still will want to roll around on the ground.
<img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Jake_Norwood]

I use LaCrosse gloves--they offer roughly the same protection as hockey gloves but with better articulation in the digits. The newer versions are smaller, too, with denser foam.

Jake

[Mike Cartier]

we use cut down hockey gloves and cut down lacrosse gloves. I would be very careful fighting with paddeds and no gloves. I have nearly broken my thumb before even when i was wearing gloves. Won't do anyones training any good to be unable to hold a sword.

[Shane Smith]

I likewise use lacrosse gloves most of the time for the same reasons as Jake but I go without hand protection on occasion with anything but steel. I know the risks and am willing to live with the consequences in order to have a better feel for the hilt. If I get hurt because I don't wear the gear, it's no-ones fault but my own.I can live with that.

[Jake_Norwood]

I hear ya', Shane. I don't wear gloves nearly as often as I probably should. I tend to put them on to protect an injury, rather than prevent one.

Jake

[Grant Hall]

Mike I could have used this advice about a week ago before my sparring parter shattered my thumb <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> , oh well its my own fault, its getting stronger, im just worried cause its not the first time ive broken it, it seems to heal well but breaks easy. (When Im drunk I sometimes swing wide and only hit with my thumb, it always hurts the next morning and for about a week afterwards <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

[KatherineJohnson]

I'm going to invest in some kind of hard shell protection, either steel gauntlets or something made out of tough plastic.

I hate the way it will change the actions and movements of my fencing, but I recently had my middle finger broken fairly badly while sparring and it was a bit of a wakeup call, I want to box and fight professionally so I cant really go risking my hands like I used to.

[Shane Smith]

...my sparring parter shattered my thumb

I never consider it my partner's fault when an injury occurs in freeplay. I consider it the price of doing business when my own sword doesn't cover me properly due to my own failure of technique. I think that we must accept that this is a martial art and that injuries will occur sometimes if we are not thoroughly covered by full protective gear ,and on occasion, even when we are.

I'm not trying to give you a shot directly...just sharing my own thoughts on the above <img src="/forum/images/icons/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Matthew_Anderson]

Like everyone else, my hands have taken a beating over the years. I don't mind occasional injuries, I think that's just part of studying a nartial art, but it bugs me when I can't train properly for a couple of weeks because of a hand/finger injury. I really feel I've yet to find the "perfect glove". Ideally, I want something that provides good protection from hard hits, but still allows me to manipulate my weapon correctly. So far, the best compromise I've found are MMA style gloves with 3/4 fingers. I added a pad to cover the thumb area. The back of the hand, knuckles and fingers are well padded with dense foam. The finger tips are exposed, but I find I ususally don't take too many hits there. Of course, I feel like it's mostly my fault if I get hit in the hands anyway. Generally, when I take a hard hit in the hands, it's when I strike short or off-target. When I make a commited attack that is in range and on-target, rather than being tentative or sloppy, my opponent must react to it. In this way, I maintain the intitiative. It's usually a sloppy, slow, or out of range cut that exposes your hands to attack.

[Rod-Thornton]

Katherine:

I guess that was the gist of my initial question....what sort of success with a hard-shell (be it metal or rigid plastic) type of hand protection have folks had? The lacrosse gloves, while robust, trade off protection with a lowered ability to feel the sword and rotate hands for various cuts.

I was wondering if rigid gauntlets would do the same. Perhaps Matt &amp; Shane have experience with their armored work?

[Matthew_Anderson]

I find it very difficult to perform proper blossfechten techniques with a "clamshell" style gauntlet. Finger gauntlets are a little better, but really, don't provide as much protection of the fingers from hard impact as you might think. Seriously though, the more you train, and the more you concentrate on good techniqe, the less you will get hit in the hands.

[Jake_Norwood]

Hi Rod.

Revival Clothing/Chiv Bookshelf had plans for a glove that was lined with kevlar and padding but still of a manageble size recently. I don't know where it's at in production, but my hopes are high.

Jake