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.
As with any sport, wearing comfortable clothing that fits well is important. You can probably get away with fight shorts and a t-shirt, but you might want to invest in a rash guard, as well. Rash guards, which fit snuggly against the body, hold in sweat and also won't soak up the sweat of your opponent, so they are also more hygienic. In addition, a rash guard, because of its proximity to the body, won't tear as easily as a t-shirt. Your fight shorts should fit well and MMA shorts tie up snugly. Unlike boxing shorts, these also are designed with side slits to make movement 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.
Unless you enjoy being injured, you will need to invest in some type of shin guards. MMA guards are probably fine, and these types of shin coverings definitely allow for more freedom of movement. However, if Muay Thai is really your thing, you would be wise to purchase specially designed Muay Thai guards which protect the shin, as well as the kneecap, the ankle and the instep.
A mouthpiece and headgear are two other important items to consider. Any mouth guard will probably work, so this is an area where you don't have to spend a lot of money. In fact, you can probably find a perfectly good mouth guard for around $5. The headgear might not be necessary in the early days of training. However, as you begin sparring, it allows you to be a little more intense against an opponent with less risk of injury.
You also will need to carry these items around in something, so purchase a sturdy gym bad that will hold everything from clothes to shin guards and more. You probably will find that you need other small items, so make sure the bag is roomy enough to accommodate your gear and accommodate items such as toiletries and tape.
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.
As with any sport, wearing comfortable clothing that fits well is important. You can probably get away with fight shorts and a t-shirt, but you might want to invest in a rash guard, as well. Rash guards, which fit snuggly against the body, hold in sweat and also won't soak up the sweat of your opponent, so they are also more hygienic. In addition, a rash guard, because of its proximity to the body, won't tear as easily as a t-shirt. Your fight shorts should fit well and MMA shorts tie up snugly. Unlike boxing shorts, these also are designed with side slits to make movement 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.
Unless you enjoy being injured, you will need to invest in some type of shin guards. MMA guards are probably fine, and these types of shin coverings definitely allow for more freedom of movement. However, if Muay Thai is really your thing, you would be wise to purchase specially designed Muay Thai guards which protect the shin, as well as the kneecap, the ankle and the instep.
A mouthpiece and headgear are two other important items to consider. Any mouth guard will probably work, so this is an area where you don't have to spend a lot of money. In fact, you can probably find a perfectly good mouth guard for around $5. The headgear might not be necessary in the early days of training. However, as you begin sparring, it allows you to be a little more intense against an opponent with less risk of injury.
You also will need to carry these items around in something, so purchase a sturdy gym bad that will hold everything from clothes to shin guards and more. You probably will find that you need other small items, so make sure the bag is roomy enough to accommodate your gear and accommodate items such as toiletries and tape.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For more information about mixed martial arts lessons in San Diego or to find a San Diego boxing gym click here to visit The Arena MMA website today.
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