Participating in martial arts can have numerous health benefits. For example, practicing tae kwon do improves anaerobic power and capacity in adolescent men, according to "The British Journal of Sports Medicine." It has also been suggested that participating in karate can reduce anxiety. However, many of the martial arts can also be dangerous without adequate body protection.
What to Look for
Basic martial arts body protection includes a headgear, chest protector and mouth guard. When shopping for a headgear, look for one that has cushioning to protect the back of the head and is open enough in the face so you can see things coming at you from the sides. The headgear should be snug enough that it doesn't shift when you move but not so tight that you feel hot or claustrophobic. Most headgear is made from foam and is secured with a chin strap. Headgear costs $30 to $60.
When buying a chest protector, make sure it covers your entire chest and wraps around the sides to protect the kidneys. It should feel secure but still allow for movement. Like headgear, most chest protectors are made from foam and are covered with vinyl. They cost from $60 to $90.
To protect the teeth, a properly fitted mouthpiece is important. For light sparring, you need only a basic inexpensive one. However, if you practice more intense fighting, then you will need one that covers both the top and bottom teeth. With any mouthpiece, you always must be able to breathe normally through it. Mouth guards come in adult and child sizes and must be the right size to be effective. They can cost from $1.50 to $20.
Common Pitfalls
Often, people buy their chest protectors too small, which can lead to inhibited movement and an increased risk of injury to vital organs. Make sure that your chest protector completely covers your sides and closes in the back. Likewise, people don't always get the right size of mouth guard, especially when selecting one for an older child, who, depending on her size, might need a child-size or an adult-size mouth guard. In this case, if a child-size mouth guard does not offer full coverage, then you should buy her an adult-size one and, if it is too big, cut it down to size.
If you have the kind of mouthpiece that requires molding, make sure you follow the directions carefully. If the mouthpiece is fitted improperly, your risk of dental damage increases should you suffer a blow to the face. People may also sacrifice fit for an attractive look. You should worry about protection first and looks second.
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