Chitika

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Advise On Using MMA Sparring Gloves

By John MacKintosh


Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a full contact sport that involves both striking and grappling an opponent while standing or on the ground. It was originally intended as a contest between different martial arts to see which would be the most effective in an unarmed combat situation. Today the sport is popular around the world, and it is not uncommon to see participants using MMA sparring gloves for practice.

Mixed Martial Art competitions first came to the American shores in 1993, under the guise of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship. That first tournament was won by Royce Gracie, a Jiu Jitsu fighter. This led to an increase in the interest of all of the martial arts.

Initially it was just professional fighters who were involved with MMA, but due to growing popularity it has become more widely taught. It has become more accessible to the public at large, whatever their ages. People state that this form of training is safe for everyone.

Sparring is going to be just one element of your training, and so you are going to need some sparring gloves. As they come in a variety of weights and styles, it is no easy matter trying to decide which are right for you. The main thing to bear in mind is that they are used to prevent injury to both yourself, and your partner.

Sometimes the best thing to do is take a look round your MMA training club, and take note of what others are wearing. Ask their advice, maybe why they prefer that glove over another. Find out how long they have had them, how often they have been using them in that time, this way you can gauge the durability of the glove.

Ideally they should be comfortable and fit firmly in the important areas, probably the most important consideration is that they should feel secure. There is no point having the gloves if you are not confident that they will stay on, especially as your hands start to get slick with sweat. Some opt to get their equipment via mail order over the internet, whereas others the more traditional route of the sports store.

Initially the MMA sparring gloves will feel very stiff, and they are going to need breaking in. This will be especially noticeable in the finger and thumb loop areas. Unfortunately there is no short cut to breaking in these gloves, but remember that the ones you tried on at the club were also new and stiff once.




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