| The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its | | | | function is to protect the trunk of the body |
| practitioners. The disciplined training of the mind and | | | | especially the ribs, kidneys and liver from |
| body give a sense of well being but some aspects of | | | | damage.GlovesThere are varying styles of martial |
| Martial Arts training do present a problem.Most forms | | | | arts glove on the market. Each style has a particular |
| of martial art will eventually lead to contact training at | | | | function to perform. Boxing gloves come in standard |
| some level, whether is is light contact, semi-contact | | | | sizes 10, 12 and 16 ounces. the heavier gloves are for |
| or full contact. Whilst training it is important to wear | | | | sparring training the lighter gloves are for |
| the right equipment. But what is the right equipment | | | | competitions. Bear in mind, boxing gloves are |
| and what protection will it afford you?During this | | | | designed for use with hand wraps.Martial arts sparring |
| article I hope to point you in the right direction | | | | gloves are usuall open handed, allowing for strikes |
| towards choosing the protective sparring gear that is | | | | with fists or open hands and finger thrusts. They are |
| right for you.Head gearThis is probably the most | | | | lighter for quicker strikes. Mixed martial arts use a |
| important piece of protective equipment you can | | | | specific glove that is designed for grappling and is |
| purchase. Head injuries are serious and can even be | | | | very flexible.Shin and foot guardsshin and foot guards |
| fatal. | | | | offer as much protection for the attacker as they |
| When choosing head gear for martial arts sparring | | | | do for the defender. Often they are made from |
| there are certain features you should look out for. | | | | foam and poly-urethane (P.U.), are easy to clean and |
| What material is used in its construction | | | | light.The most iimportant thing to remember is the |
| What protective features are particular to the model | | | | cheapest is not always the best. You must feel |
| How large is it | | | | comfortable in you equipment and be confident it will |
| How easy is it to cleanThese questions can be | | | | protect you. Shop around. Many places will be able to |
| asked of most martial arts equipment.Head gear | | | | tell you what the equipment is designed for and what |
| should be comfortable to wear (not too loose and | | | | you can expect from it. |
| not too tight), light for ease of movement and | | | | a good site to begin with is |
| padded well around the crown and base of the head | | | | there is a wealth of information here and questions |
| as these areas are most likely to be damaged and | | | | can be answered quite quickly.Good luck in your |
| are most vunerable.Body ArmourBody armour is used | | | | discipline! |
| primarily in Taekwondo and Karate sparring. Its | | | | |