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