This is a recording a match at a Sword Arts meeting in May 2013. Both fighters are wearing an arm guard which is almost like a gauntlet.
These matches are simple. One must strike down an opponent and in speculation be alive and standing as the victor. Sword Arts looks at a valid weapon hit as: a weapon action that would kill or incapacitate someone. In other words, it ends the fight. Valid sword hits with the blade of a weapon are: strikes, slashes, slices, and thrust. We do not count touches, nicks, grazes, taps, hits to just clothing, scratches or flat hits. In a sword fighting confrontation with battle ready weapons non valid hits that would not end a fight will only agitate an opponent already looking to kill you. Its in your best interest not to motivate them further. Respect for everyone and everything is a valuable point made or taught in almost all styles swordsmanship and weapons combat.
