KALI AND HEMA PROTECTIONS(90)

Essential protective gear for Kali and HEMA

Practising Kali and HEMA requires appropriate safety equipment. These disciplines involve various weapons such as sticks, fencing swords and other historical weapons, exposing practitioners to real impacts.Historical martial arts require specific protective gear to allow for realistic training without compromising the safety of participants. From fencing helmets to chest protectors and limb protectors, each piece of equipment meets specific needs depending on the intensity of the practice and the type of weapons used.

Head and face protection

The head is a priority area to protect during fencing training and sparring. Several options are available to practitioners depending on their discipline.

Fencing masks meet 350N or 1600N standards. Metal mesh helmets are particularly suitable for Krav Maga, martial arts and boxing. Transparent bubble helmets are ideal for Kudo and Kali. Stick fighting style dog brother, eskrimada combate, Balintawak style Kali in particular, but also Bataireacht, cane defence and Bartitsu. The choice of protective helmet depends directly on the intensity of the attacks and the weapons used. The balance between visibility, protection and comfort remains crucial.

Hand and forearm protection

The hands and forearms suffer the most frequent impacts in the practice of HEMA, historical martial arts and fencing.

The range of gloves available extends from articulated HEMA gauntlets to leather fencing gloves, including reinforced models, mittens and Kevlar and carbon gloves. Some practitioners opt for adapted hockey gloves. Forearm protection includes canons, shell models, short or long elastic versions, and even full leather armour.This equipment protects exposed areas while maintaining the dexterity needed to handle weapons.

Protection for the torso and lower limbs

The chest, shoulders, elbows and legs also require suitable protection. Lightweight breastplates or rigid plastic plates protect the torso. Combat shoulder pads cover the shoulders.

Elbow pads are borrowed from hockey, boxing or tactical equipment. Knee pads, thigh pads and foam-padded HEMA shorts absorb impacts. Some models incorporate steel or plastic reinforcements for competition. This equipment ensures safety without hindering mobility during intensive sparring.

Full armour and training outfits

Full kali and eskrima armour offers complete protection. Redman outfits, used in self-defence, allow instructors and students to work at full power.This equipment combines a reinforced mask, steel or composite chest protector, and limb protection. It is particularly useful for full-intensity stick exercises and realistic combat simulations. The full-face mask ensures optimal visibility while providing maximum safety during training.

Choosing protection according to your practice

The choice of protection varies according to the discipline practised. HEMA with long swords, combat fencing, or knife fighting impose different requirements.The intensity of club training and the level of HEMA competition also influence the selection. Some versatile protective gear is suitable for several disciplines, while others meet specific needs. A suitable helmet and appropriate HEMA gloves are the basis, to be supplemented according to the techniques practised and the impact zones specific to each discipline.