Martial Arts Sparring Equipment
For many athletes, sparring will always be the most exciting element of martial arts. The martial arts are a system of codified practices and traditions, developed and used for training for combat. Martial arts exhibitions and tournaments are often held to judge the participants’ levels of skill in particular contexts.
Martial arts sparring falls under two main categories: full contact sparring and light or medium contact sparring. Both forms are used in both training and competitions, and each form has a clear set of common rules.
In light or medium contact martial arts sparring, the primary focus of interest is a points-based system of light to medium contact on a marked area of the body. Competitors engaging in this style of martial arts sparring are required to wear foam padding and other gear.
Certain parts of the body are forbidden for contact and must be protected by proper martial arts sparring gear. The face and groin are always protected. Some techniques may also be prohibited in light or medium contact martial arts. Match points are generally awarded to competitors who perform the solid landing of one employed technique.
Conversely, the full-contact version of martial arts sparring is often pursued by those martial arts practitioners who share the same interest in a realistic unarmed combat. Here, you’d likely notice a lack of martial arts sparring gear.
Kyokushin, for example, is a form of karate in which practitioners wear only a groin guard or other light gear while fighting or engaging in martial arts sparring. It’s considered most important for competitors to use full force to disable the opponent by knock out or direct concession of defeat.
Unlike other forms of fighting, however, full-contact martial arts sparring maintains a full variety of permitted attacks and contact zones on the body. There are some forbidden techniques, such as biting, striking the groin and attacking the eyes.
These attacks are disallowed because they involve the areas of the body that can be unprotected even with proper martial arts sparring gear. Safety, above all else, is most important in the sport of martial arts.
Safety comes first, so no matter whether you choose to engage in light or medium contact or full contact sparring, and no matter how experienced you are, it is highly advised that you wear proper martial arts sparring gear. In fact, it’s a rule in the overall guidelines of every martial arts sparring tournament or exhibition. Martial arts sparring gear is especially recommended for use by beginners, because sparring could be deadly when done improperly.
If you are thinking of learning any form of martial arts sparring, it’s time to shop for top quality sparring gear. Keep in mind that these supplies can be easily found online, with lots of companies and Internet stores offering the proper gear for your ultimate martial arts sparring experience.