Tomcat combat training II - Won't start the fight without armor

[Biggoo]

I want to learn master strike as everyone says it's OP. But Tomcat wouldn't fight me. Says I should wear proper armor. I already wear almost the best armors available to buy from the blacksmith. What's the damn armor requirement?

[DrakeCross]

Do you have a helmet on? If not that is why, considering you have to duel him and its with real weapons, so he doesn't want to kill you.

[A686]

Were you able to figure out a workaround for this? No issues on my first play through but now on my second he claims he would shred me because I am not wearing armor... but I am, including a helmet.