So I'm a bit stuck when I comes to finding the right head gear for Mau Rakau sparring. Essentially I've boiled it down to three options; Helmet 1 Helmet 2 Helmet 3 The reason why I included the second option is because I've seen guys from HEMA, and other European stick fighting arts use them, as well as the dog brothers. I'm not sure how well it will handle a 6ft taiaha though. All our weapons in sparring have padded ends. For those that are unfamiliar heres a video of what Mau Rakau sparring looks like. [ame="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gOi-cbQSXyk"]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gOi-cbQSXyk[/ame]
The 3-weapon mask is not sufficient without back of head protection. A better option is this: http://www.afinternationalsporting.com/product_info.php/products_id/145/cPath/8 I have one, and it stands up to some fairly stiff federschwerter. Against those staves I would suggest wearing a rugby scrum cap under whatever you choose. I've never used the FMA-style helmet, so I couldn't say. Other options: http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=561 You could also cover the three-weapon mask with this: http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_HE...f_the_Head_Protect_p/spes-head.mask.back1.htm I would also get some rigid throat protection. AF makes a nice "priest collar" style that I use and works great. It's saved my trachea more than once.
