Every sport, every endeavour, every activity has it's own requirements when it comes to kit. For 5 Aside a decent set of Astro's will set you back £60. Chuck in the shin guards, some shorts, a top and socks and I doubt we'll get much change from £150. God forbid you should take up a more expensive pastime. Fancy climbing? Climbing shoes, a harness, helmet, ropes, chalk bag and belay will clock in at around £250. Should you choose to go kayaking you are probably nearer the thousand mark.
So, what's my point? Well, if you are going to come to a Combat Sport class and you intend to participate fully, safely and competently I suggest that the following are minimum requirements. As with everything, you get what you pay for. Out of respect for your training partners I suggest you purchase the best gear you can for the job.
A pair of decent 12-16oz boxing gloves. These don't need to be leather but they do need to be properly padded.
Tao Sport seem to be good value. You can find a decent selection online, Fairtex, Twins, Everlast (no, not the cheap knock offs you find in some of the less reputable sports shops) and BBE all make decent kit. Argos often has good deals on boxing gear but you can't try before you buy.
A pair of wraps. Again, nothing fancy, we'll be going over how to put wraps on so don't worry about how to use them. Wraps are your first line of defense against wrist injury. And you'll feel seriously hard core putting them on. One word, don't get thai wraps, they are twice as long as normal boxing wraps.
A box. Goes without saying. Like all insurance, hopefully you wont need it but just in case...
And a gum shield. Shock Doc are as good as you'll get for less than the cost of a round of drinks and are available from the club.
By all means add to the list. If you prefer bag mitts for hitting the pads, work away. If you have any sense you'll pick up your own mitts so you can practice and teach your skills to family members! If you want to bring your own skipping rope, be my guest. I will draw the line at Vaseline on the face...after all we are just sparring.
We make progress by investing in ourselves. Do yourself a favour and get the kind of gear that will allow you to perform at your best.
If you need any advice speak with Marcus, I am sure he can point you in the direction of some decent suppliers.
Rannoch
Yeah..that's right,well said..last time during Fight Club I had to fight with some fresh guy who had some toy gloves on...that was ridicoulous as if he hit me even by accident...I can't even imagine what my revenge would be..:-))
ReplyDeleteRemek
boxing gloves are required for all classes now?
ReplyDeleteYeah boxing gloves, not MMA gloves. They are not really that kind to your training partner. I would also suggest head gear because there are some head hunters out there who don't know what 50% power means.
ReplyDeleteI thought we were learning how to palm, not punch. I am confused.
ReplyDeleteThis is Combat Sports class not Krav Maga or Tactical Edge. You need gloves for this class!!
ReplyDeletethen maybe re title the post to 'standard issue @ combat sports class'. to avoid confusing the easily confusedlike meself ;)
ReplyDelete