Force-on-force resources (links please)

Hey guys,

After reading some of Mercop's MCS blog (http://mail.myptsmail.com/mercop/blog/) I thought this thread could become a useful resource for links to the following items:

-Blowback airsoft guns for a reasonable price (hopefully someone knows of a subcompact DAO model specifically?)
-Training knives (I have looked online perfunctorily, and rather than Benchmade or Cold Steel models I'm interested in foam, rubber, and ink-marking knives for reasonable prices)
-Headgear, mouthguards, etc for reasonable prices
-Boxing type gloves that allow use of training weapons
-Anything else that might relate in some way.

The object is to get a list of resources where people can spend $100-200 and have everything they need for 2-3 people to practice force-on-force.

I know JShirley, hso, and others probably have a lot of bookmarks saved up and experience that relates to this stuff.

Thanks
Conwict

I would put this (along with the relevant training) near the top of my "resource" list for FoF stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/Training-Speed-Life-Vol-Definitive/dp/0976199408/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239300680&sr=8-1

A lot of the stuff I've trained with was made (or modified) by dojo members.

PVC insulation was one favorite aid to make training weapons less injurious. You make a sleeve with this and duct tape to cover training knives (http://www.jinenkanseigi.com/wooden_tanto.htm). Still hurts, but no serious injuries unless you stab someone in the face. Training spear heads are made with tennis balls to cover the very end of the shaft, with lots of PVC insulation covered by duct tape.

I'm not sure how much training with swords most folks here will do, but if you do train with them, fukuro shinai (http://www.jinenkanstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TEFSL) will come in handy. Wear eye protection!*

I've trained with 3, 4, and 6' (and longer) sticks. The best material I've found is canvas micarta. 3' sticks should be 7/8-1", while 4 and 6' should be 1.125 or 1.25". The downside to using these in force on force is that these very heavy sticks will easily break bones. The good thing about using these when training is that they are practically unbreakable. Up to 4' sticks can be ordered here (http://phenolic-sheets-rods-tubes.com/C-CE-rods.htm).

You'll have to look around for longer micarta rods. I have also, in the past, ordered "dowels" in a variety of woods. Hickory (http://www.midwestdowel.com/catalog.php/CatID=17/)is one of the best, but for 4' and shorter lengths, ramin works great (http://www.midwestdowel.com/catalog.php/CatID=23/?SessionID=tj8boau6kb68g1e9s3a0p1bmq1). It's very tough and inexpensive. Midwest used to sell longer pieces, but you'll have to look around to find 6', or call for a quote.

Hope this helps,

John



*I'm not sure if the Jinenkan link is still in use. If not, you can at least see what fukuro shinai should look like.

Thanks both-a-yas. John, I actually had seen a link you posted to those 4' micarta sticks right before, bookmarked it, and then I read Mercop's blog post...then I had an idea that I could consolidate all the info here.

I feel like such and inspiration. When it comes to training folders I only use Spyderco Enduras. The current headgear we are using is the Macho stuff from Karate Depot and I really like it. I use boxing gloves for all kinds of drills and the ones I got from Wally World have been going for the last two years.- George