Shin guards are an important part of any martial artist's kit bag. Whether you are training traditional martial arts or combat sports, they can help you train longer and harder while minimizing the risk of injuries that can keep you from training. For some, they are an optional extra that protects from the odd scrape, but for others they are as necessary as gloves for a boxer to survive the rigors of training.
Step 1
Pick the right type of shin guard for you. Different shin guards offer differing levels of protection, although it is always necessary to balance the level of protection against the level of encumbrance and comfort. They also come in several different styles.
Step 2
Make sure you have the right type. Some shin guards come with foot protection, while others only cover the shin. If you are likely to be wearing shoes, then obviously foot protection will only be a hindrance.
Step 3
Consider the level of protection you require. Padding ranges from light, cotton, foam filled elasticated slip-ons, to dipped-foam, plastic coated pads that come in both slip on and strap on varieties. The highest level of protection come from heavier Thai style leather shin guards that cover the foot and shin with Velcro fastenings at the back, although MMA fighters often use a hybrid neoprene slip on with a leather pad as a compromise between fit and protection.
Step 4
Make sure your shin guards fit properly. They should cover the whole of your shin, and your foot if applicable, and they should be snug enough that they do not easily move around. Try on someone else's shin guards if possible, as martial arts equipment is most easily purchased online and sizes can vary.
Tips and Warnings
- Double up if necessary. Shin guards come in a limited number of sizes, so those with smaller legs may struggle. A way round this is to wear elasticated foam shin guards under the harder thai style leather shin guard to fill the extra space. This also gives you an exra layer of protection that can be handy.
- Shin guards do not offer total protection and it is still possible to feel pain through them. As they shift around, the area that protects your foot or shin may move, leaving you vulnerable. In some competitions, shin guards are compulsory so you will need to get used to wearing them. In other events, not to mention self defense situations, you will not be able to wear shin guards so you may need to get used to training without them.
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