What To Look For
In order to properly train in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it is important to ensure that you have purchased all of the necessary pads that are used to practice the striking arts. For the feet, pads are worn that cushion the blows of the feet and shins. For hands, there are two styles of gloves that you must purchase for sparring. Boxing gloves are used frequently when the focus is primarily on striking and not submissions. Smaller MMA gloves are also a must, and feature open fingers and less padding, allowing you to practice striking while maintaining the ability to grapple and work submissions as much as possible.
Common Pitfalls
Many beginning practitioners misunderstand the purpose of gloves, and feel that the padding makes striking a non-risk. While the padding does help to lower the energy transferred in a punch, the primary purpose of padding in gloves is to protect the fragile bones of the hand. Therefore, sparring should still be practiced with the proper care for your sparring partner to avoid injury.
Where To Buy
Dick's Sporting good is a national sporting goods retailer that frequently stocks many of the top brands of MMA gear, and at affordable prices. Purchasing in person also allows for the ability to try on the gear and ensure you get the best possible fit. Another option for purchasing gear is to go directly to the retailer through their websites. Tapout and Everlast are both reliable MMA gear companies, and their websites are linked in the Resources section for easy access.
Cost
The cost of your gloves will vary depending on the quality of gloves that you require for training. If you are just starting out in the sport, and are not looking to spend on high-end gloves quite yet, a functional pair of gloves can be purchased for approximately $45; however, you must remember that you will need at least two different pairs of gloves and a set of shin pads. Higher-end gloves will set you back close to $100; however, they will also be more durable.
Accessories
In addition to the gloves that you will be wearing for your striking, you may wish to make additional purchases. A set of padded head gear will help to further reduce the energy transferred to your head when hit, and serves the purpose far better than your opponent's gloves will. Striking mitts and a body pad are useful purchases if you will not be training at a gym, which will likely already have them, and are used for targets for striking practice without injuring your partner.
References
- MMA Gear Guide: Top 10 Best MMA Gear
- Jim Tomczuk, professional mixed martial artist
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