I've done stick fighting with heavy sticks and heavy protective gear. I've done stick fighting with light sticks and light protective gear.
These guys use heavy sticks and minimal protective gear, not to mention full-contact knees, elbows, and head butts as well as takedowns and groundfighting on a hard wood floor.
I'm glad someone is out there doing this sort of testing of what works. I'm even more glad that it isn't me.