Most Common Sparring Gear

What is the most common sparring gear? Is it foam sparring gear or the vinyl? Or yet is it cloth gear?

Well the most common type of sparring gear used in traditional karate styles would happen to be the foam. Now that does not mean vinyl or cloth are less in protection, however most modern studios will use the foam because it is easier to care for.

All you have to do with the foam gear is wipe it down with a damp cloth after sparring so that it stays clean. With the vinyl you may have to actually dunk it in water and then let it hang dry. The same goes with the cloth gear - however cloth gear is cheaper to buy. Most sparring gear bought online will be from a company like this http://www.tigerstrike.com/equipment/sparring-gear/ and you can usually get a deal if you buy 3 or more pieces at one time.

Here is a picture of a full set of foam sparring gear with a chest guard:

The Cloth gear will look like this:

Vinyl Sparring Gear looks like this:

For more information about foam sparring gear. It is a quick video!

Getting Flexible - What Do MMA Fighters Do?

So what stretches do MMA and UFC fighters do to prepare for their matches? To compete at such a high level I would imagine you would have to be flexible. Since the more flexible you are the less injuries you have when training and the quicker and more agile you will be.

Here is what one UFC fighter does:

Traditionally many martial arts fighters and competitors would use a stretching machine such as this one http://www.bestlegstretchers.com/shop-gear/metal-leg-stretcher/ or they may use other stretching machines such as these.

However the most important thing is that you warm up and then do some sort of stretching. You want to be as limber as you can possibly be. That does not mean you need to be able to do the splits but be able to be flexible in all areas.

MMA Women Fighter Leslie Smith - Her Journey

We have to respect the skills of female MMA fighters. Their journey is not an easy one. This particular video is about Leslie Smith and her journey in that world. It even shows her training in Thailand. I hope you enjoy this video of a really good fighter!