MMA is a full-contact sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mix of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of both striking and grappling techniques, while disallowing holds that restrict the airway or those that would cause serious injury. In general, MMA fighters train for both striking and grappling, while some fighters focus on one or the other.
MMA Gloves
MMA gloves or grappling gloves are small, open-fingered gloves used in mixed martial arts bouts. They usually have around 4-6 ounces of padding and are designed to provide some protection to the person wearing the glove, but leave the fingers available for grappling maneuvers such as clinch fighting and submissions.
- Best Overall: RDX MMA Gloves
- Runner-Up: Venum Undisputed 2.0
- Budget Pick: Sanabul MMA Sparring Gloves
- Best for quality: Hayabusa T3 LX Boxing Gloves
- Best for budget: Everlast MMA Grappling Gloves
- Best for value: Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
MMA Shorts
MMA shorts are made from a special material that makes them light and flexible. This material also helps to keep you cool and dry by wicking away sweat, and it has antimicrobial properties to help prevent bacteria growth and bad smells.
Shin Guards
MMA shin pads fit tightly and are designed for people who grapple. They usually have a low profile so that they don’t get in the way. The pads are usually held in place by a cloth sleeve, which is often made of stretch cotton or neoprene. This sleeve keeps the pads in place, so they won’t come off while grappling.
MMA Trainers Tape
There are different types of tape that boxers can use. Some boxers prefer to use wraps because they are more comfortable than tape. Tape can also come loose from the skin when it gets wet from sweat. Tape can be used as a replacement for hand wraps, but most boxers prefer the comfort and support offered by cloth wraps.
Compression Shorts
Compression shorts are worn under athlete’s board or fight shorts. They keep muscles from getting strained, sweat from building up, and rashes from forming.
- Best men’s pick: Sanabul Compression Shorts
- Best women’s pick: CADMUS Compression Shorts
- Best for hip pain: BioSkin Compression Shorts
Compression Pants/Spats
Spats are a type of clothing that go over your pants. They are tight and fit close to your skin. People wear them when they are training so they can move around better and not get hurt.
Elbow and Knee Pads
Elbow pads help to protect your elbows from being injured when you hit someone. You should still be careful when you give an elbow strike, because it can still hurt the other person, even if they are wearing pads. For this reason, it is important to also wear headgear during intense sparring sessions.
There are many different materials that knee pads can be made from, such as polyurethane foam, polyethene foam, nylon foam, neoprene foam, PVC foam, rubber, plastic, and gel. The material used in a particular part of the knee pad will vary depending on its function- for example, the closure material will be different from the padding material.
Fight Shorts
MMA shorts, also known as grappling shorts, are a type of shorts specifically designed for mixed martial arts. They have a long, slim fit around the legs, and are made from a material that provides both flexibility and durability.
Grappling Dummy
These dummies are great for takedown work. You can use them to practice a clinch takedown, or have a partner hold the dummy up so you can practice wrestling takedowns. The long, straight legs of these dummies make them ideal for takedown work.
- Best Overall: Jayefo Beast
- Best Splurge: Fairtex Maddox Grappling Dummy
- Best Pre-Filled: Combat Sports
Gym Bags
MMA gym bags have special pockets and compartments for shoes, clothes, and dirty gear. They are different from most normal gym bags, which don’t have any of these pockets. Choosing the right MMA bag can be difficult.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps protect your hand from getting hurt when you block a strike or do grappling. They keep your wrist from bending too much and keep your thumb in place.
Head Gear
Protective headgear is very important for people who participate in sports like MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai. The headgear will not stop all the impact of a hit, but it will soften it. Headgear can also prevent cuts that could stop a match from happening.
Heavy Bags
MMA Heavy Bags. RDX makes some of the most durable punching bags around. These bags are designed to be tough and withstand a lot of punishment, even from the strongest fighters. The outer material is stronger than any other bag on the market, so you can be sure it will last.
Speed Bags
Speed bags can help you improve your hand-eye coordination and build stamina. You don’t have to be a professional boxer to use one. Speed punching bags are great for maintaining optimal fitness.
- Best Overall: Cleto Reyes Durable Speedbag
- Premium Pick: Balazs Speed Bag
- Budget Pick: Meister SpeedKills Speed Bag
Mouthguards
This is why it is important to have a good mouthguard for MMA, Muay Thai, or Boxing. A good mouthguard will help absorb the shock of an impact and decrease the amount of force that is transferred to your head or mouth.
- Best Overall: Impact Custom Pro
- Runner up: Venum Challenger
- Best Budget: NXT NXTRND Rush
Rash Guards
A rashguard is a shirt made of spandex and polyester. It protects your skin from getting rashes when you grapple. Rashguards are mainly used in MMA and Jiu-jitsu.
- Best Overall: Under Armour Men’s Rashguard
- Best Simple Design: Gold BJJ Rash Guard
- Budget Pick: Elite Sports Rashguard
Training Pads
The training pads are commonly used in combat sport training to help protect your training partner. They also help you develop speed, power and technique for your leg kicks. Training pads are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment in MMA.
Frequently asked questions about
Q: What should I eat before training MMA?
A: You should eat a light meal before training MMA. A light meal will give you energy without making you feel sluggish.
Q: How often should I train MMA?
A: You should train MMA at least 3 times a week. This will give you enough time to improve your skills and fitness level.
Q: What should I wear to train MMA?
A: You should wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. MMA shorts, a rashguard, and handwraps are all good choices.
Q: How often should I train MMA?
A: You should train MMA 3-5 times per week. This will give you enough time to recover between sessions and make progress in your training.
Q: What are the benefits of training MMA?
A: The benefits of training MMA include improved fitness, increased strength, better coordination, and improved self-defense skills.
Q: What’s the difference between UFC and MMA?
A: UFC is a professional MMA organization. MMA is a general term that refers to the sport of mixed martial arts.
Q: Is MMA dangerous?
A: Yes, MMA is a contact sport and there is always the risk of injury. However, you can minimize the risk of injury by training safely and wearing the proper protective gear.
Q: Who created MMA?
A: MMA, or mixed martial arts, started in Japan in 1985. It was created by Satoru “Tiger Mask” Sayama. However, MMA as we know it started on November 12, 1993 in Denver, Colorado when the first UFC event took place.
Q: How do I become a professional MMA fighter?
A: You need to train hard and consistently, find a good gym and coach, and compete in amateur tournaments. Once you have some experience and success as an amateur then you can move up.
Final Thoughts
MMA is a great way to get in shape, learn self-defense, and compete in a sport. It can be dangerous if you don’t train properly, so be sure to find a good gym and coach. Start training today and see the benefits for yourself!
