If you are interested in learning combat fighting or multi-martial arts empty hand combat, a great place to start is with boxing. Although many martial arts do not include or consider boxing an integral component to martial arts combat, you will be cutting yourself short if you do not (at the very least) get in a few toe-to-toe sparring sessions.
If you watched and remember the beginning of the UFC Cage Fighting competitions, you might remember how the grappling arts dominated almost every other type of martial. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu system was the most popular at the time. Soon after, every competitor was forced to master grappling or lose as a majority of the fights were on the ground. Fast forward years later and watch some of the fights with fighters like the Iceman Chuck Liddell and you will realize that cage fighting has gone from a ground game to a stand up game. Mainly this is due to the fact that fighters are skilled in both ground and stand up fighting. Moreover, with this knowledge and proof from a host of fights where a competitor won with his fists, you will discover how important boxing is as part of your combat skills.
Before you attempt to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, you will want to ensure that you have the proper sparring gear. There are three main items that you will need:
1. Boxing gloves
2. Boxing headgear
3. Mouthpiece
How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves
First, consider the type of gloves to get. Usually the only question you have to ask yourself when purchasing a good pair of boxing gloves is what ounce you need. For example, typical sizes are 12oz, 14oz, 16oz and 18oz. Essentially the bigger the ounce, the more padding. Therefore, if you are just starting out, you will want the bigger ounce. It is also important to note that this size is based on what your opponent should be using. It will do you little good if you are using 18oz and your partner is hitting you with 12oz gloves. Ensure that your opponent is wearing the proper gear for your level.
How to Choose the Right Boxing Headgear
Most of us do not like to wear head protection because it seems to limit our ability to move or make full use of our peripheral vision. In addition, professional boxing matches often fight without head gear and so wearing a headgear can feel like riding a bike with training wheels. Nevertheless, if you consider that a smart boxer will train and develop their skills (hours upon hours of sparring sessions) with full head protection, you will realize that you too should include this piece of equipment as a must have. Be sure to get a size that is either adjustable or fits perfectly to your head. You do NOT want loose headgear.
How to Choose the Right Mouthpiece
Since you can pick up a cheap single or double mouthpiece for a low price, there is no excuse not to always be wearing one. I made the mistake of jumping into boxing sessions without the mouthpiece early in my career and suffered chipping a few teeth.
Make sure you get a mouthpiece that molds to your mouth - usually just dump it in some hot water and then place it in the mouth and bite down - when it cools, it will maintain the shape. The more you invest, the better the mouthpiece and the more protection you offer your teeth and jaw.
Boxing can be dangerous and too much of it will be damaging to your brain. Be sure to ALWAYS wear protective gear and learn the proper techniques to avoid injury.
Visit Pad-Up Martial Arts Equipment for a wide variety of high quality Boxing Equipment, Boxing Gloves, Sparring Gloves, MMA Gloves, Headgear, Mouthpiece and more.
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