Safety is of the utmost importance when practicing martial arts. We are here to learn self-defense and we want to keep training for a long time. Making sure to keep ourselves and our training partners safe will help us to that end. Here are some tips for equipment that we advise purchasing before you begin practicing mixed martial arts.
All of this equipment can be purchased at a local sporting goods store or on Amazon.
Mouthpiece
First and foremost, we advise purchasing a mouthpiece. Unless you want a smile like Mick Foley of professional wrestling fame, A few dollars spent on a mouthpiece can prevent hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of dental surgery. At Twin Dragons MMA, we will not let you free-roll on the Ju-jitsu mats unless you have a mouthpiece.
MMA Gloves
MMA gloves are specifically designed to allow grappling as well as striking. Boxing and MMA gloves protect the puncher’s hands from injury, and in competition, help to prevent extensive cuts to the opponent’s face.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps provide an additional barrier behind the glove to protect your hands. There are many fragile bones and joints in the hand and wrist that can be easily fractured after repetitively punching a bag or mitts. Of equal importance, wrapping your hands keeps the joints, including the wrists, stable which helps to prevent injury. If you are doing bag work, mitt work, or entering the ring, please wrap your hands. Hand injuries can make MMA and life in general extremely difficult.
Protective Cup
For all of the men (and boys that want to keep growing into men) thinking about practicing MMA, you will want a protective cup. It could very well be the most precious investment of your life! This cup is not for drinking, but unless you want to sing falsetto like the BeeGees, you will definitely want to purchase a protective cup.
We hope that this list is helpful for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you on the mats, fully equipped and ready for action!