Sunday, August 25, 2013

Gear You Need For MMA Training

By Nolan Barias


Taking a single class in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai is great, and you probably don't really need a bunch of special gear. But if you want to really get serious about your mixed martial arts training, you do need to invest in same basic gear. However, with all the choices out there, it is important to select items that you will use consistently and not waste your money.

When it comes to money, the greatest investment you will make is probably going to be your choice of gyms. Choose a fitness center that specializes in serious MMA training with professional instructors who are experts in their style of fighting. Some gyms charge a flat fee and then you have to pay for extra classes, but a good MMA gym will charge a monthly due that includes all of your training, from strength training to Muay Thai.

As with any sport, wearing comfortable clothing that fits well is important. You can probably get away with fight shorts and a t-shirt, but you might want to invest in a rash guard, as well. Rash guards, which fit snuggly against the body, hold in sweat and also won't soak up the sweat of your opponent, so they are also more hygienic. In addition, a rash guard, because of its proximity to the body, won't tear as easily as a t-shirt. Your fight shorts should fit well and MMA shorts tie up snugly. Unlike boxing shorts, these also are designed with side slits to make movement easier.

Protecting your hands is important and you will need to invest in a good quality pair of MMA gloves, as well as boxing gloves. Boxing gloves are essential both for bag work, as well as when sparring with an opponent. Mixed martial arts gloves protect the hands yet allow enough movement for grappling with an opponent. You can select a pair with or without a thumb coverage, but having your thumb free can make bouts much easier. With all of the gloves, look for strong stitching that will hold together throughout bag work, sparring and grappling.

The last thing you want is to suffer a bone break during training, so invest in a good pair of shin guards. There are MMA shin pads that are fine for a beginner and allow more movement, but if you do focus on Muay Thai training, you will want a pair of Muay Thai pads, as well. These run from the knee down and protect the knee, shin, ankle and instep.

While some fighters dislike headgear, it really does prevent injury and why risk damage when you are training. Obviously you won't be wearing it in the arena, but you don't want to suffer an injury before you even start your first bout. Mouth gear also is important, and while there are pieces out there that cover the top and bottom teeth, a single mouthpiece is probably fine and should be fairly inexpensive to purchase.

You also will need to carry these items around in something, so purchase a sturdy gym bad that will hold everything from clothes to shin guards and more. You probably will find that you need other small items, so make sure the bag is roomy enough to accommodate your gear and accommodate items such as toiletries and tape.




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