Hard Protection/Miscellaneous

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Hard protection is required on limb joints for sparring activities. Throat protection is also universally required for sparring activities. Groin protection is required for persons with external male genitalia, and recommended in general for sparring activities or tournaments. 

Chest protection is heavily recommended for all practitioners, especially practitioners with developed breast tissue, as impacts to the breast tissue can lead to scar tissue formation in the breasts and abnormal tissue scans. All chest protection also reduces impacts to the ribs from cuts and especially thrusts. Breast-shaped chest protection should also be avoided due to fit issues and deflecting blows toward the sternum of the wearer.

Forearm protection is often not required but is highly recommended as impacts to the arm occur frequently.

Throat protection as offered by PHA

Throat protection offered by SoCal Swords

Arm and Elbow Guards at Purpleheart Armoury

Arm and Elbow protection by SupFen at SoCal Swords.

Amber is an artist and practitioner based in Louisiana who makes custom Kydex protection for the forearms and upper shoulders at a very reasonable price. 

Protection for the knees and shins at PHA.

Knee and Shin Protection at SoCal Swords.

Chest protection for impact dissipation.

Groin protection is required for all male external genitalia, and recommended for female external genitalia. Can be acquired online or through sporting goods outlets.