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.
Your best investment will be the gym you choose. Select a gym that is serious about mixed martial arts, with instructors who have fought in professional bouts and are experts in their field. The gym should offer a variety of classes at one single monthly rate, so you can take everything from conditioning to boxing to Muay Thai and become a more well-rounded fighter.
Proper clothing is important, and you need items that are both comfortable and durable. Fight shorts and a rash guard are both important items. Fights shorts are a better choice than just wearing ordinary clothing because they tie up properly and most MMA shorts have slits up the side to increase your ability to kick and move. A t-shirt can be used in place of a rash guard, but as a t-shirt can be soaked with sweat or easily torn, a rash guard is more durable and you might find it to be a bit more comfortable.
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.
Shin guards are another important piece of protective equipment, and MMA pads are probably what you will need unless you plan to focus a great deal of your training on Muay Thai. For this martial art, there are special pads that protect the knees, shins, ankles and even the instep. It is probably best to start with the MMA pads and add the Muay Thai gear as you become more experienced. Your gym instructors can also offer advice as to what type of protective gear you need to purchase.
While some fighters dislike headgear, it really does prevent injury and why risk damage when you are training. Obviously you won't be wearing it in the arena, but you don't want to suffer an injury before you even start your first bout. Mouth gear also is important, and while there are pieces out there that cover the top and bottom teeth, a single mouthpiece is probably fine and should be fairly inexpensive to purchase.
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.
Your best investment will be the gym you choose. Select a gym that is serious about mixed martial arts, with instructors who have fought in professional bouts and are experts in their field. The gym should offer a variety of classes at one single monthly rate, so you can take everything from conditioning to boxing to Muay Thai and become a more well-rounded fighter.
Proper clothing is important, and you need items that are both comfortable and durable. Fight shorts and a rash guard are both important items. Fights shorts are a better choice than just wearing ordinary clothing because they tie up properly and most MMA shorts have slits up the side to increase your ability to kick and move. A t-shirt can be used in place of a rash guard, but as a t-shirt can be soaked with sweat or easily torn, a rash guard is more durable and you might find it to be a bit more comfortable.
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.
Shin guards are another important piece of protective equipment, and MMA pads are probably what you will need unless you plan to focus a great deal of your training on Muay Thai. For this martial art, there are special pads that protect the knees, shins, ankles and even the instep. It is probably best to start with the MMA pads and add the Muay Thai gear as you become more experienced. Your gym instructors can also offer advice as to what type of protective gear you need to purchase.
While some fighters dislike headgear, it really does prevent injury and why risk damage when you are training. Obviously you won't be wearing it in the arena, but you don't want to suffer an injury before you even start your first bout. Mouth gear also is important, and while there are pieces out there that cover the top and bottom teeth, a single mouthpiece is probably fine and should be fairly inexpensive to purchase.
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 loves writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For more info about mixed martial arts lessons in San Diego or to find a San Diego boxing gym click here to visit The Arena MMA site today.
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