Light armor, I'm a small guy so I need speed on my side. I designed a set of leather armor for myself when I got bored in class one day. Light but durable. Reinforced steel on the arm bracers, a harden leather chest curass with kindey protection, no helm (ease of movement and extended line of sight), leather leg bracers. I'd carry a Jo staff (lighter and shorter than the Bo staff, but just as affective) and two roman style short swords (20 in blades and little to no hilt) with a small buckler straped on my left arm.
One of the characters off of Kenshin: Wandering Samurai (anime) had one the best ideas. Useing a light blade to defend against weapon attacks and using kenpo to attack with fists and feet. Knock their blade away and give them a roundhouse kick to the head. Very Nice. That would require extensive traning in Kendo and Kenpo to pull it off exfectly, but then we are talking fantasy here.
Also, throwing knifes, badass.