Body protectors are the perfect training equipment for athletes of every level, from experts and seasoned professionals to beginners. Gone are the days when athletes felt uncomfortable or restricted wearing body protectors because of their ill-fitting and extremely uncomfortable design.
Today’s body protectors are more durable and comfortable, and they fit perfectly without causing any disturbance to your movement. You can now train without any restrictions or limits by wearing body protectors designed for specific disciplines.
Related article: 4 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BOXING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Why Body Protectors Are Crucial in Sparring and Training
Like high-quality body equipment, the sparring safety equipment keeps your sparring practice safe. No one likes to go home with broken ribs, severe abdominal impact or extreme pain in the torso. However, you are signing up for severe damage if you don’t wear this essential training safety gear. Not wearing does not only expose you to lethal injuries, but it can also affect your martial arts career.
Sparring prepares you for a real combat sports experience, and while it does have some rules to minimise injury risk, you can still get hurt. Never go to your session without wearing sparring gear essentials. Remember that this session prepares you for the big fight coming in future, and if you go unprepared, you might not make it till the end.
The right and durable body armour shields your body by absorbing the severe impact of kicks, punches and strikes. And when your mind knows you are adequately protected, you get more confidence to practice different striking methods. This helps you in improving your overall performance and techniques.
When you are preparing yourself for your competition, always remember to wear the right equipment. You practice in a safer and more productive environment which is an effective strategy to reduce injury risk and practising the best striking techniques shows the importance of body protectors in training and sparring.
Related article: Mastering Sparring Techniques for Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing and Muay Thai
Types of Body Protectors in Combat Sports
Various MMA gear manufacturers have introduced various body protectors, each with a different purpose. Body protectors are essential gear that can be worn by both athletes and coaches for safety and protection against kicks during training.
Martial Arts Body Protectors
Martial arts body protectors are a great option for various disciplines like karate and taekwondo. They provide full coverage, securing your chest and abdomen from strikes. These body protectors are among the most needed martial arts training equipment. They give lightweight yet complete protection and enable you to move freely without any limitations. They are essential equipment for practising fast strikes.
Sparring Protective Clothing
Sparring allows you to come out of your comfort zone so that you get to practice your techniques and learn new skills. The sparring protective clothing, in this case, holds significant importance. You and your sparring partner must wear a body protector to guarantee safety. The premium padding of the sparring body protectors protects you from hard strikes and gives the equipment a solid exterior that does not break. They are flexible and allow you to move freely with maximum mobility.
Training Body Armor for MMA
MMA is a demanding and challenging sport that requires various protective gear. MMA athletes need a durable body protector with sufficient padding to endure the fiercest strikes. The heavy padding in training body armour for MMA dissipates the impact and keeps your vital organs safe. It provides the ultimate and strongest protection while also allowing for good movement.
Combat Sports Protective Equipment
Combat sports protective gear is a must-have for any athlete or practitioner. No matter your skill level, wearing protective equipment with a full chest and abdominal protector is important as it gives you maximum coverage. The multi-layered padding and durable exterior of these body protectors show how you can trust them for heavy and intense combat sports sessions.
Related article: Why Combat Sports is Perfect For Fitness?
Key Features of High-Quality Body Protectors
There is no denying the fact that body protectors perfectly hug your body to keep it safe from serious injuries. It is a must-have equipment for every athlete and coach for injury-free training. But how do you find the most durable body protector that does not fail you, provides optimal protection and retains its shape?
Well, with many options available out there, you need to find the one that suits your needs best and has the following features.
Material
The material of equipment matters, especially when it comes to combat sports. Invest in training safety gear made from solid materials like leather for longevity. Such high-quality safety gear for combat sports is impact-resistant, so you don’t feel a single kick.
Durability
Your martial arts training equipment should be durable. While the choice of material shows how long the equipment will last, look at its stitching and overall design. Choose a gear that feels comfortable yet durable from the outside to withstand rigorous training pressure.
Padding
The goal of a body protector is to protect your heart and ribs from severe impact, and if it does not have sufficient padding, you won’t feel any protection. Good quality gear has multi-layered padding that does not feel heavy and restricts your movement.
Fit and Comfort
The fit and comfort of body armour are of the utmost importance. A reliable, high-quality body protector comes with customised sizing options and adjustable straps that you can use according to your comfort. It fits perfectly well and feels comfortable.
Coverage
A body protector’s role is to secure your ribs, abdomen, chest and other vital areas. Good quality equipment will always give you high coverage so that you don’t focus on injuries during your training.
Mobility
Flexible, light padding with overall light construction makes a perfect body protector. This type of training gear does not compromise your movement, which is essential for various training disciplines.
Breathability
The body protector should not feel heavy or suffocate you during training. The ventilation panels with a moisture-wicking inner fabric prevent overheating.
The Role of Protective Gear in Martial Arts Training
The role of protective gear in martial arts is quite vast and extends beyond safety. An athlete who goes into the ring with proper protective gear fights confidently, as he does not have to worry about any injury. Conversely, an athlete who does not have proper training equipment worries about his safety, so he might not be able to pay proper attention to his skills and techniques.
It is human instinct to protect yourself against incoming kicks and blows. Many athletes forget their skills during martial arts training and focus on keeping themselves safe. With a safety net, however, they might be able to focus more on their technique, which will also help them progress in their careers.
Training with body armour also improves your focus and gives you mental clarity. Since a piece of high-quality equipment covers your body, you don’t have to worry about getting hit. Instead, your mind focuses on your attacks and how to outnumber your opponent.
The right protective equipment in martial arts also challenges your limits and allows you to train freely. The boxer and the coach both know they are protected, which gives them an edge to train without any restriction and experiment with new techniques and fighting styles. So, if your goal is to not hold back during your training, then get the best, high-quality training gear for yourself.
The body protectors also help a boxer analyse the impact of the punches. You get to refine your punching techniques and know how to throw an effective punch without getting hurt. The adjustable features of this gear allow you to adjust it according to your requirements.
You build ultimate resilience when you know you are training in a safe environment. Your sparring training sessions give you an edge to practice and prepare yourself for real competitions. Wear the right training gear, such as gloves, headgear, body protectors and groin guards, and unlock your strengths.
Related article: Must Have Training Gear for all Martial Arts Fighters
Top Recommendations: Best Body Protectors for Martial Arts and Combat Sports
The best body protectors for martial arts and combat sports provide ultimate protection while being extremely light and comfortable on the skin. The different types of body protectors have different roles, and here is our review of every category.
Martial Arts Body Protectors
Ideal for various martial arts sports, these are the perfect option for those who want unlimited movement and want to focus on precision and speed. They have comparatively lighter padding, which does not feel uncomfortable and also provides maximum protection against heavy strikes. With this lightweight padding, you can focus on your movement. These body protectors also have a solid and durable outer exterior specifically designed to absorb the impact of tough kicks and strikes. The RDX Karate Chest Guard has ideal padding and a durable exterior with moisture-wicking technology that keeps you cool and secure during training.
Training Body Armor for Coaches
Coaches have a tough yet significant role in the life of a boxer or MMA artist. They refine your technique, practice with you, and adapt you to different training styles. During training, coaches also need significant protection so that an artist can train and experiment with new and advanced techniques. The RDX F6 Coach chest protector is an ideal choice for many coaches. You can practice different combinations and train harder with this chest protector. The premium padding with a shock absorption sheet distributes the impact evenly and does not cause any damage. The adjustable system of the body protector further helps adjust it to the coach’s comfort level.
Sparring Protective Clothing
Sparring sessions demand agility and quick response. Wearing bulky equipment to your sparring sessions limits your movement, and you will not get to train with confidence. The sparring protective gear protects you from hard strikes and also feels extremely comfortable on the skin while conforming perfectly to the body. The flexible materials allow you to train without disturbance while showing your full explosive power to your partner. The RDX Mark Pro body protector is extremely lightweight with solid durability, an ideal balance of padding, and breathability. It is indeed a perfect choice for tough sparring sessions.
When selecting your sparring safety equipment, check the weight, material, and cost of the product. Beginners should consider cost-effective and easy-to-wear options that allow them to practice new techniques without any discomfort.
In the same way, professionals and expert MMA athletes should focus on premium-quality products with advanced padding technology, lightweight nature, and long-lasting durability. Get the right training equipment to elevate your training.
Related article: 7 Must-Have MMA Gear for Beginners
Maintenance and Longevity of Body Protectors
Using a martial arts body protector regularly is a good habit to protect yourself. However, with repeated use, the equipment is also prone to developing odour and bacteria buildup. Cleaning your body protector regularly after every use is a recommended practice. Use a mild soap with a damp cloth, and wipe down the surface after you are done with your training. After this, hang your body protector for air drying. Avoid washing it in the machine.
Doing this ensures your equipment is free from germs and has no odour. Germ-free equipment is better to use in training because you will keep yourself protected from injuries and infections. To properly clean your body protector, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them.
Proper storage of gear is also important to enhance its longevity. To maintain the padding for a long time, it is recommended to store your body protector in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it with your other clothes or under compression. And never fold your body protector, or else you will see a permanent deformation.
Since the role of this gear is to keep you safe, you need to inspect it regularly to see if there is any wear and tear. If the padding has become a thing, or there are any signs of damage, change your equipment right away because nothing is more important than your safety.
FAQs About Body Protectors for Sparring and Training
Following are some of the frequently asked questions about body protectors for sparring and training.
1. What’s the difference between sparring gear essentials and training gear?
Sparring gear essentials are protective equipment used in light sparring sessions. They focus on enhanced mobility and light protection. Training gear includes a wide range of equipment used for general practice. Sparring gear has heavy padding to protect you and your partner, whereas training gear has less padding.
2. How Do I Choose the Right Size?
Choosing the right size for your training body armour is extremely important. First, you need to refer to the manufacturer’s size chart. Take your body measurements properly or ask someone to do it for you to get accurate measurements. After you are done, cross-check the measurements with the sizing details of the manufacturer’s size chart. Try getting one size up for your body protector and fitting it by adjusting the straps. Remember to take a size that feels comfortable for your body and does not restrict you from training.
3. Can Body Protectors Prevent All Injuries?
The primary goal for any martial arts protective gear is to minimise the injury risk and keep you from encountering any problems. However, you need to understand a few factors that can keep you injury-free, such as the size and quality of the equipment. Getting the right equipment size matters a lot, as it ensures you wear it properly and do not move unnecessarily. Getting the wrong size means you are exposing yourself to injuries. Investing in durable and high-quality equipment that does not fail you after a few sessions is also important. Choosing low-quality equipment not only risks your safety but also your partner’s safety as well
Conclusion
Your safety is of utmost importance, no matter what discipline you choose. The combat sports protective equipment, such as body protectors, keeps you safe and secure so that you can push your limits and unlock new levels of success. Wearing the right protective equipment secures your vital organs and ensures you are perfectly fit and healthy for your matches. As an athlete, you have a long career ahead of you, and investing in durable protective gear is of vital importance.
Apart from keeping you safe, body protectors also encourage athletes to maintain a solid head-body attachment without thinking about damage. They are not only a tool to keep you injury-free, but they are also important for your core engagement, upright posture, and better training technique.
Everyone, from athletes to coaches, can use body protectors in their training. For athletes, it is an ideal option as this way, you can develop an ideal body punching technique. Your body punching technique ensures you can overpower your opponent. So, invest in a durable and high-quality body protector that enables you to develop strong body attacks and improve your punching technique.
Explore RDX body protectors and other MMA protective equipment to find the best option for you. Select the right size, get your favourite equipment, and sign up for an unmatched training session that prepares you for your big competition.
