Sunday, 25 August 2013

Gear For Serious 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.

There are many different types of gloves on the market and you can easily get away with purchasing one pair of MMA gloves and one set of boxing gloves. The MMA gloves should be comfortable and not too stiff. Additionally some people prefer a thumb-less glove as it makes grappling easier. Boxing gloves will be use both for bag work as well as for sparring, and it is essential to find comfortable gloves with some type of injected foam molding.

Unless you enjoy being injured, you will need to invest in some type of shin guards. MMA guards are probably fine, and these types of shin coverings definitely allow for more freedom of movement. However, if Muay Thai is really your thing, you would be wise to purchase specially designed Muay Thai guards which protect the shin, as well as the kneecap, the ankle and the 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.

Another piece of equipment that you will need is a gym bag. Just choose a durable bag that can hold your clothes, pads, head gear and other important items. It should be roomy enough to carry everything, but this definitely doesn't have to be overly expensive.




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