3 Essential Pieces of MMA Fighting Gear for Women
Canadian women’s MMA is a rapidly evolving sport. Moreover, its rise in popularity in recent years has resulted in a surge of many female competitors and hobbyists alike. But whether you’re new to women’s mixed martial arts or a seasoned athlete, you must equip yourself with the proper sparring gear to make the most out of your training.
The right gear can protect your body, make sparring easier, and make you less susceptible to injuries. For these reasons, MMA training gear is non-negotiable if you take up this sport. Keep reading to learn more about the 3 most essential pieces of MMA fighting gear for women.
1. Mouthguard
Your body is resilient. It is a self-healing mechanism capable of its own restoration given enough time and rest (provided the injury isn’t severe enough to require medical intervention). However, one part of your body that cannot self-heal is your teeth. As a result, it’s in your best interest to protect them as best as possible during training and sparring sessions.
That’s what mouthguards are for. They protect your teeth by absorbing the blow, safeguarding them from severe impact. Typically, most hobbyists opt for boil-and-bite mouthguards. And while still useful, they aren’t as effective as custom-fit mouthguards, which are more expensive for obvious reasons.
How to Choose MMA Mouthguard
Choosing the right mouthguard comes down to your goals and preferences. If your goal is to compete and you want a comfortable mouthguard while training, you should opt for a custom-fit one. Made with professional-grade materials, a custom-fit mouthguard does precisely what its name suggests. It moulds to the shape of your mouth, ensuring a proper fit as well as comfort.
Conversely, a boil-and-bite mouthguard will suffice if you’re an MMA hobbyist and don’t care too much for comfort. It’s affordable, effective, and can last for a long time.
2. MMA Gloves
As probably the most essential item on the list, MMA gloves are crucial. These gloves protect your hands from the damaging effects of intense combat during your rounds and training sessions. They also prevent injuries and can alleviate the pain that comes from striking. Not to be confused with boxing gloves, MMA gloves utilize a lighter glove composition that safeguards your hands when striking but doesn’t compromise your ability to grapple.
Produced with a fingerless, open-palm design, MMA gloves protect the right parts of your hands yet still maintain the lightweight composition necessary for sparring.
3. Knee and Elbow Pads
If you’re just starting, you won’t have to worry about knees or elbows flying in your direction while sparring. Typically, these attacks are reserved for more seasoned women athletes. The hard-hitting impact of a knee or an elbow to the body is not conducive to a positive experience for beginners. As such, this is something you won’t have to concern yourself with.
However, for those who are gluttons for punishment, a little more experienced, or who just feel better about the additive safety precaution, knee and elbow pads can go a long way. Produced with a similar composition, knee and elbow pads are padded materials that cover the joints to minimize the force of an attack.
How to Choose MMA Elbow Pads
When choosing elbow pads, consider the degree of fit and padding. Why? Many pads are available that are ideal for competition, avoiding injury, etc. Conversely, other elbow pads are suitable for strikers with larger arms, and then there are pads designed for women fighters who prefer a tighter fit.
For this reason, ensure that you try out a couple of them before deciding to make a purchase. Moreover, consider your own preferences and goals for training MMA, as this will help you make a more informed buying decision.
The Importance of Gear in Women’s Mixed Martial Arts
MMA is a sport that can add tremendous value to your life. It can get you into shape, teach you to defend yourself, help you meet new people, etc., all within a safe and friendly environment. But to take advantage of these benefits, you first need to prepare yourself.
And by ensuring you have the proper sparring gear, you are taking that all-important first step in preparation.
