If you occasionally take a kickboxing class or maybe once a week you delve into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, then your regular exercise clothes are probably perfectly acceptable. However, if you are taking your training up to a higher level and truly getting serious about MMA, you will need some special gear. While you certainly shouldn't spend thousands of dollars on every type of MMA item out there, there are a few essentials that you should not be without.
Rather than worry about the gear, consider the type of gym where you train. If you are serious about MMA, you need to work out at a gym where the staff and instructors are equally serious about this complex sport. Choose a location that offers a variety of unlimited classes for one low monthly fee. This means you can hone many MMA skills and transform into a stronger fighter. Be sure your instructors are guys who have had real experience in the ring; learning from a pro is always the best way to go.
While you can certainly use gym shorts and a t-shirt, purchasing some fighting shorts and a rash guard or two is a good idea. They don't have to be high-end designer gear, they just need to fit well, be comfortable and be durable. The rash guard is somewhat preferable to a t-shirt, as it won't end up soaked in your sweat and will repel the sweat of your opponents. T-shirts also can be torn easily, where a rash guard, which sticks close to the body, is a bit sturdier. For the shorts, choose fight shorts with side slits, which will make kicking and movement in general much easier.
Gloves are important protective gear and you probably will need two sets. One will be a pair of boxing gloves, and these will be used both in the ring, as well as for training with bags. MMA gloves also are important and there are many different kinds. You want to choose a comfortable pair that is not too stiff. Some gloves have thumb protection and others don't,and you probably will find that the thumb-less type make it easier to train and fight. Make sure the stitching is strong, as well, so that the glove can take the punishment of fighting.
The last thing you want is to suffer a bone break during training, so invest in a good pair of shin guards. There are MMA shin pads that are fine for a beginner and allow more movement, but if you do focus on Muay Thai training, you will want a pair of Muay Thai pads, as well. These run from the knee down and protect the knee, shin, ankle and instep.
Once you are well trained enough to really spar against opponents, you will need a mouth guard and probably some headgear, as well. The headgear offers you the opportunity to be more aggressive in the ring with less risk of injury. For the mouthpiece, you can purchase these for about $5 or perhaps less and a single mouth guard is generally preferably to the bulky double mouth guards.
Another piece of equipment that you will need is a gym bag. Just choose a durable bag that can hold your clothes, pads, head gear and other important items. It should be roomy enough to carry everything, but this definitely doesn't have to be overly expensive.
Rather than worry about the gear, consider the type of gym where you train. If you are serious about MMA, you need to work out at a gym where the staff and instructors are equally serious about this complex sport. Choose a location that offers a variety of unlimited classes for one low monthly fee. This means you can hone many MMA skills and transform into a stronger fighter. Be sure your instructors are guys who have had real experience in the ring; learning from a pro is always the best way to go.
While you can certainly use gym shorts and a t-shirt, purchasing some fighting shorts and a rash guard or two is a good idea. They don't have to be high-end designer gear, they just need to fit well, be comfortable and be durable. The rash guard is somewhat preferable to a t-shirt, as it won't end up soaked in your sweat and will repel the sweat of your opponents. T-shirts also can be torn easily, where a rash guard, which sticks close to the body, is a bit sturdier. For the shorts, choose fight shorts with side slits, which will make kicking and movement in general much easier.
Gloves are important protective gear and you probably will need two sets. One will be a pair of boxing gloves, and these will be used both in the ring, as well as for training with bags. MMA gloves also are important and there are many different kinds. You want to choose a comfortable pair that is not too stiff. Some gloves have thumb protection and others don't,and you probably will find that the thumb-less type make it easier to train and fight. Make sure the stitching is strong, as well, so that the glove can take the punishment of fighting.
The last thing you want is to suffer a bone break during training, so invest in a good pair of shin guards. There are MMA shin pads that are fine for a beginner and allow more movement, but if you do focus on Muay Thai training, you will want a pair of Muay Thai pads, as well. These run from the knee down and protect the knee, shin, ankle and instep.
Once you are well trained enough to really spar against opponents, you will need a mouth guard and probably some headgear, as well. The headgear offers you the opportunity to be more aggressive in the ring with less risk of injury. For the mouthpiece, you can purchase these for about $5 or perhaps less and a single mouth guard is generally preferably to the bulky double mouth guards.
Another piece of equipment that you will need is a gym bag. Just choose a durable bag that can hold your clothes, pads, head gear and other important items. It should be roomy enough to carry everything, but this definitely doesn't have to be overly expensive.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For additional info about mixed martial arts lessons in San Diego or to find a San Diego boxing gym click here to go to The Arena MMA site now.
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