If you're new to the Sparring Gear world or would like to learn more about several alternativeative we're confronted with with the purchase of sparring gear...
I have produced a e-Learning training course to assist guide you in your sparring gear search.I have been practicing differing types of martial arts for over 25 years and I am also a Taekwondo School Owner in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Lingo and Necessary Equipment
These can be a few phrases you have heard thrown around or may encounter:
WTF: World Taekwondo Federation
Instep: The top part of the foot, just beneath the ankle, where many kicks tend to be absorbed.
Hogu: Korean for Chest Protector, aka Trunk
Clash Shins: When two people throw a kick simultaneously, clashing shins, in effect- blocking the strike.
Round House: Typically the most popular kick. It begin by lifting bent knee in the direction of target, turning hip and while doing so extending your bent knee, striking with instep.
Kukkiwon: the governing body in Korea that keeps track of all Taekwondo Blackbelts.
Karate, Style: A Japanese word which means bare hand and describes a karate student's power to offer a defense with out the use of weapons. Karate originate in Japan. There are a number of variations of Karate- Ryukue, Kenpo, Kempo... In my experience- Karate concentrate more on hand strikes and pressure points
Taekwondo: Korean Tae (hand) Kwon (foot) Do (way). The Way of the Hand and Foot. There are also many styles of Taekwondo. Taekwondo is known for its kicking
Equipment for Taekwondo Sparring:
The World Taekwondo Federation demands this particular gear to compete in WTF sanctioned events:
World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules
Contestant Uniform and Protective Equipment
1) The contestant shall wear the trunk protector, head protector, groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, gloves and a mouthpiece before entering the contest area.
2) The groin guard, forearm guards and shin guards shall be worn beneath the Taekwondo uniform. The contestant shall bring this WTF-approved protective equipment, as well as gloves and the mouthpiece, for his/her personal use. Wearing any item on the head other than the head protector shall not be permitted.
Source: http://wtforg.cafe24.com/wtf_eng/site/rules/competition.html#4
If you have visited Martial Arts Supplies Sites, you may have seen the amazing choices when shopping for Sparring Gear.
Choices & Tips on how to slice through the clutter
You might believe that highest defense would be the only concern while looking for sparring gear. Individuals risking injury for a sport or martial art discipline they adore. Our need to contend and win may be affected by the potential to safeguard ourselves.
With regards to Personal Protection, Why are there numerous choices… Everything relates controling for suppliers to supply charges to fit anyone's price range. Before you start to reduce price, so too- does one reduce Safety Level.
You will find fundamentally Three kinds, or levels of safety:
Cloth, also known as "Sock-type" gear. This gear gives the very least amount of protection. You can purchase Shin, Instep, Hand, Elbow and Forearm Cloth Gear.
Cloth gear consists of low-quality foam which is sewn into a sock-like elastic cloth. The cloth is actually expandable. It is hard to get it on possibly even harder to get it off, as soon as soaked!
Foam type gear, I believe you will get pretty much every item (head, hands, feet, chest, shins, Not Groin) Would not desire a foam dipped groin guard...
The safeguard levels is much better plus they are less difficult to get on and off. The challenge with these is always that they respond just like a ball- when you make contact- there is a bounce, rather then absorbing the power in the strike.
The third amount of safety is Composite Gear. This sort of gear offers the best protection. Should you be not really acquainted with Kevlar, the stuff these people make bullet resistant vests and helmets with- like Kevlar, Premium gear comprises of several layers of very thick composite material.
Like The rest in Life- You Get What You Pay For
Given that we've leveled the playing field and broken the mind-boggling options into 3 fundamental forms of gear, at this point we could find out what to look for in high quality gear.
The way to Spot Bad Quality Gear
My good friend, Master Robert Caullette of Caullett's Academy in Royal Palm Beach, says it best.
Master Caullett is sparring competitively, almost all his life. He's now among world's most highly regarded competitive sparring coaches. Master Caullett tells us in his own words:
"What to Look for When Shopping for Sparring Gear"
Link to Video
We will close things out with a number of things to consider in your search for quality sparring gear.
Recommendations and Useful Guidelines
Purchasing Good quality Gear will save you a lot of head aches:
If you decide to compete, you should have no problems with the tournament's governing body. Almost all states have their State-level "WTF", here it's the Florida Taekwondo Federation. These types of governing Bodies will not likely question something that's WTF Certified.
Saving time and Hassles returning sub-standard gear. I don't know how many times a brand new student showed-up at sparring with cloth gear. "Sorry. You ought to have checked with us first- that gear is hazardous and can't be put on here... We will not allow gear that will not guard a student in my school.
Shop with trust. If you purchase the best style (Taekwondo, Karate, etc.) and is certified through the world governing body- you cannot go wrong.
Sign-UP for your $5 Off Online Coupon. You can use the coupon anytime. The code will be emailed so you can store it away until you are ready to use it
And Just remember, You or Your Child will be safeguarded! I recently published this small post on my web log:
Top 3 Reasons to purchase Quality Sparring Gear
March 25th, 2009
Reason #1 Safty
If you take into consideration it… the main reason many of us buy sparring gear would be to safeguard our body. I do not know about you, but whenever I get hit I'd like to minimize the pain as much as you are able.
Whenever you invest in equipment for someone
or
Anyone buys it for you usually Cost is the thing that's considered!
We will leave #1 at that…
Reason #2 Longevity
Excellent gear lasts many, many, many times longer. And along with the extra lifespan- the equipment's potential to protect won't lower. The truth is that I have bought crappy gear in the past- but I had to exchange it- when I did, it was with high quality gear. Gear that I have to this day- in excellent condition. Learn through my error.
Reason #3 It is Less difficult to get On and off
Whether or not the gear is for you or your child, keep in mind trying to put the sock-type gear on? The tugging? Plus your Master yelling at you to get your butt in gear (no pun intended)… What about trying to get it off once it got all sweaty… Ugh!
Good quality gear goes on problem-free and comes off even easier.
I'm hoping You've realized some important lessons regarding sparring gear. Shoot me an e-mail if you want.
Sparring Gear
Post a Comment