MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is a full-contact combat sport that allows grappling and striking, both standing and on the ground. MMA uses different techniques from other combat sports and martial arts and it is one of the most popular sports in the world today.
Like any other sport, MMA also requires special fighting equipment, largely to protect fighters during training sessions. Having the right equipment is essential for a safe and successful training.
So, if you are planning on starting your MMA training soon, you’re probably wondering what do you need in your gym bag. Here is a list of the most important gear you should purchase before starting your MMA training:
Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves are essential for working on strikes. They are very important for training because they protect your hands and wrist, as well as the hands of your training partner. For sparring, you should wear 16oz gloves in order to protect your hands and knuckles. There are hundreds of different boxing gloves available on the market, but make sure to choose high-quality leather gloves that offer utmost protection and will last you a lifetime.
MMA Gloves
There are a few differences between gloves for MMA and gloves for boxing. MMA gloves separate the fingers like regular gloves and leave the last fingertips and knuckles exposed. The difference comes from the fact that MMA fighters need to be able to use their hands freely during the grappling action. Another notable difference between boxing and MMA gloves is the amount of padding. MMA gloves are thinner and less padded than the boxing gloves. While MMA gloves are occasionally used in training, they’re necessary for competitions. You can wear your MMA gloves during sparring and grappling sessions so you can get accustomed to them. When buying MMA gloves, make sure to choose quality leather gloves that fit well – 8oz for training and 4oz for competitions.
Hand wraps
Hand wraps are also a necessary piece of equipment for protecting your hands during training or competing. By wrapping your hands and wrists, you’re adding extra layers of support and protection to prevent damage and injury to the tiny and fragile bones of your hands. There are various styles of hand wraps available, so choose a pair that works best for your purposes. However, you should avoid stiff wraps, so instead look for hand wraps that have some elasticity in them.
Headgear
High-quality lightweight headgear is essential to protect your head from injuries. The headgear is used to protect the skull from harsh blows during sparring. There is a wide variety of different styles available, so it’s just a matter of personal preference. Try on a few different styles before you decide on buying. A quality fit is essential, because if the head guard is too loose and is constantly shifting, your vision will be restricted.
Cup / Groin Guard
Quality protective cup or groin guard is a must-have for male MMA fighters. The groin guard will protect you against groin injury and pain while sustaining kicks to the front of your body. When buying a groin guard, look for one with a comfortable and stable fit. Also, make sure that the cup itself is made of a high-quality material and make sure that the cup works not only for striking but a ground game also.
Mouthpiece
A mouthpiece is another crucial piece of fight equipment for MMA. The mouth guard will protect your mouth and teeth during training and competition. A well fitting mouthpiece will also keep your jaw locked into its proper position and prevent it from getting broken. You should never be without a mouthpiece, so invest in a good mouth guard that is made of quality material and offers maximum protection and comfort.
Shin Guards
Shin guards will protect your lower legs during sparring, pad work, and training. With a pair of quality shin guards, you will be able to deliver kicks without worry about leg injuries. There are numerous styles of shin guards available, but the two most popular types are shin guards with an open back that has Velcro straps holding it in place and a sleeve that you can pull onto the leg. The Velcro open back types are thicker and offer a greater protection, while the sleeve option is best for light work.