10. Kung Fu.
Kung Fu, or better known in China as Wushu, are Chinese martial arts that employ mostly striking and kicking. There are hundreds of different styles of Kung Fu. Perhaps the most popular is Shaolin. There is also Tai Chi and Wing Chun. Kung Fu is a fast moving art that relies on speed and excellent technique.

9. Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that uses a lot of kicks. The art is based on the principle that the legs are longer and stronger than the hands and that they should be used more in physical combat. The kicks of Tae Kwon Do are some of the most lethal in the world. This art can make a fighter with long limbs a dangerous foe.

8. Judo
Judo is a grappling martial art that was invented in the 19th century. The art uses grappling, joint locks, throws and chokes to finish off opponents. People that get good at Judo learn to use their opponents size and strength against them. The art doesn’t place too much emphasis on striking, this can be a disadvantage when dealing with multiple attackers.

7. Karate
Karate is a form of Japanese martial arts. Karate means “empty hand” and uses strikes as the primary method of attack. There are many different styles of Karate. Each style uses its own principles and unique fighting system. The things different forms of Karate will share are the hard strikes and hard blocks.

6. Western Boxing.
Western Boxing is indeed a martial art. It uses just the hands as weapons, but the hardest punches thrown come from western boxers. The boxer learns to use footwork and learns how to block strikes. There are different styles of boxing and fighters usually pick a style that suits their abilities.

5. Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do is a martial art that was created by the famous Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do is a combat philosophy that takes from many other martial arts. These include western boxing, fencing and even karate. Practitioners of Jeet Kune Do are encouraged to add to the art by taking good techniques from other arts.

4. Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that was created by African slaves. The art was hidden in dance and the moves can literally come out of nowhere. These moves include foot sweeps, kicks and head butts. It is hard for a person that never has seen this art practiced to determine when a strike is coming.

3. Brazilian Jui Jitsu
BJJ is an art that was recently made popular by mixed martial arts competition. The art is a Brazilian martial art that concentrates on grappling. The art has elaborate chokes, joint locks and submissions. This is one of the few arts that teaches fighters to fight off their back. A BJJ fighter can be taken down and placed in a position that most other fighters couldn’t fight from and the BJJ fighter could easily win the fight.

2. Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a martial art that was created in Thailand. It uses forceful kicks, elbows, hand strikes and head butts to defeat opponents. It also employs grappling. Muay Thai kicks are feared by martial artists worldwide. The kicks are described as feeling like you were hit with a baseball bat.

1. Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a brutal martial art that was invented in Israel. It uses quick moves to defeat an opponent. The sole purpose of this art is to inflict the most damage to an opponent. Unlike the other arts in this top ten list, there is no competition for Krav Maga. It is strictly for combat and self-defense. Everything in the art is designed for real life application.

These are the top ten martial arts. It should be noted that no matter what art one chooses, it comes down to that person and how hard they train in the fighting system they choose. The complete martial artists usually learns more than one martial art. They might choose a grappling art like BJJ and a striking art like Muay Thai. This gives them more defensive and offensive techniques than learning one art.

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Participating in a sparring session with live opponents is the optimum test for a dedicated martial artist. There are a few things one must keep in mind before undergoing a serious sparring session. The correct equipment must be used at all times. Wearing martial arts training gear can minimize the possibility of an injury occurring. Let’s examine a few tips that can help one select the best martial arts training gear.

Consulting With Instructors or Experienced Students

Consulting with instructors or experienced students can help you select the correct training gear. Instructors and students are able to help you get the most appropriate items. This is probably the easiest way of determining what you need for the dojo, studio, or training hall.

Styles of Martial Arts

There are countless martial arts styles in existence today. Some styles require its students to wear more training gear. For example, Thai Boxing requires its participants to wear a mouthpiece, shin guards, elbow pads, and gloves. These items protect Thai Boxers from serious injury during intense training sessions. You should always adhere to the rules and regulations of your martial art style. This is a great way of honoring your art and protecting yourself from serious injury.

Martial Arts Uniforms

All systems require their students to wear a uniform. The uniform is related to the style’s history and code of conduct. The uniform is part of the martial arts training gear. The uniform also helps students feel comfortable and excel with various techniques. Mixed martial arts students are known to only wear T-shirts and loose fitted shorts. Tae-Kwon-Do students are known to wear the full traditional Gi. Wearing the proper uniform can help you become a proficient practitioner within your system.

Martial Arts attract people from all over the globe. Individuals from all walks of life participate in this fascinating endeavor. Following the simple tips listed above can help anyone select the most appropriate martial arts training gear for their system.

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Let’s start with the facilities. For the mixed martial artist, the training area must be a place where the blood, sweat, and tears can flow uncontested. Yes, this probably rules out your mother’s living room. Even though the shag carpet might feel nice and soft, she probably won’t appreciate the bloodstains. A garage, basement, or empty warehouse might do the trick, however, always be aware of the consequences of trespassing. The best option would of course be a sanctioned MMA ring, and although these may not be as available as the neighborhood YMCA, they are becoming more common.

Once you have chosen the proper facilities, and christened it as your own with a few bloody noses and sweat stains, then it is on to the real training. As with any sport, proper training is crucial to the development of a great athlete. Although it may seem like fun just to stand and beat each other’s brains out, make sure to always develop proper techniques.

This leads us to our third and final requirement to becoming a successful fighter, the right gear. Proper MMA gear includes gloves, sparring dummies, the right clothes, and special accessories like glancing cream. TapOut MMA gear offers all of these and many more options for the fighter in training. TapOut MMA shorts should be light and comfortable. Never forget the protective gear, and always fight with style.

The proper facilities, training, and gear for the MMA fighter cannot be substituted for anything. Remember, play it safe and don’t take shortcuts. Your life may depend on it.

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A punching bag in your home is a great piece of MMA gear to have on hand for training.

What are the advantages of having an Everlast MMA punching bag at your home or gym? Well, it is simple. There is no advantage if the punching bag is just left sitting in a corner of the room like a strange piece of furniture for the curious visitor. But, there are great benefits if you use the punching bag for purposes it was designed for. To use this equipment you have to work hard, so you reap the rewards. That means setting a rigorous routine of training procedures that have proven to be effective and achieve the desired result you want.

Everlast MMA punching bag is probably the most effective boxing or martial arts training equipment that you can buy on the market. It is designed to take the strictest form of kicking, punching, elbows, and knees, in fact all physical attacks that you can use in self-defense. It provides a great training system for all styles of martial arts, including kickboxing, boxing, karate and judo. The MMA punching bag is a very unique way to exercise at home. This MMA punching bag is a must have for all gyms and fitness centers.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to get a healthy exercise routine that is fun and interesting. You will find a new and fun way to exercise and train with this Everlast MMA punching bag.

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MMA Gear: Best Apparel

When it comes to what to wear as MMA gear in the Octagon, the general consensus among mixed martial arts leagues is that each contestant can wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts but Gi’s, shirts and shoes are prohibited during competition.

But most MMA fighters like to sport snazzy shirts on the way to the ring. While they are not allowed to fight with them they do add to the coolness factor. But inside the ring, it is only the shorts that define the fighter and they are usually picked for their color and significance to the fighter.

Basically, when it comes to this type of MMA gear, you want something loose and light around the legs, but tight around the waist.

There is not much else to say about shorts, other than you want to buy ones that will last, so we are just gonna display some of the coolest ones we have seen on the internet.

MMA Gear: Mixed Martial Arts Shorts

Venum Brazilian Soul Fight Shorts

Venum Brazilian Soul Fight Shorts are 100% High Quality Microfiber with reinforced split outer leg seams for unrestricted movement. They are ultra-lightweight with a four-way crotch panel and a vertical Velcro enclosure for a smooth fit.

Hayabusa Black Kyoudo Fight Shorts

Hayabusa Black Kyoudo Fight Shorts are designed with Mechanical PolyDirectional stretch fabric their exclusive inner grip waistband system. These shorts also have an innovative tie system for a distinct customized fit and split side seams to help give an unrestricted range of motion.

Bad Boy World Class Pro Fight Shorts

Bad Boy World Class Pro Fight Shorts are Ballistic Nylon Technical Fight Shorts with War Stretch Panels on side and in-seam for maximum range of motion. These shorts have reinforced Velcro closure and Ballistic nylon pull string for a clean smooth fit and split-seam sides with triangle stitch that offers excellent range of motion.

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MMA Gear: Mouthguards

Let’s face it, we would all like to keep our teeth in our mouth as long as possible and choosing the best mouthguard for mixed martial arts fighting is essential as any other MMA gear needed to fight within the Octagon.

It is important to understand that your mouthpiece can save you from serious injuries like biting off your tongue or tearing a gash in the roof of your mouth. Before you begin any fight, whether sparring or competition, it is best to have your mouthguard already inside your mouth.

The importance of this specific MMA gear in a fight is that if you were to spit it out, the referee would have to stop the match until the piece was put back in.

Not every mouthguard is sanctioned universally. The one you have might be good for sparring, but you must get approval by whatever league you are fighting for the proper mixed martial arts gear for that league.

What to Look For in MMA Gear Mouthguards?

First and foremost is the mouthpiece has got to fit properly, has got to be comfortable and must stay in place. If a mixed martial arts fighter’s guard is too bulky, it can end up irritating their teeth or the soft tissues of their mouth. If a mouthguard is uncomfortable a MMA fighter may try to adjust it by way of trimming off some of the guard’s plastic but if any portion of a mouthpiece is trimmed away it could compromise the level of protection that the guard provides.

Most MMA mouthpieces are only designed so to cover over the fighter’s upper teeth and jaw. The characteristics of a person’s upper and lower jaws are quite different as the lower jaw is capable of a wide range of motion. So when a blow lands on the jaw, some of the blow will be buffered by the jaw’s reactive activity.

Some MMA mouthguards are designed so they wrap over both the upper and lower jaws. This specific design does offer a greater level of protection for the lower teeth and may possibly supply greater protection overall for the jaw joint.

Best MMA Gear: Mouthguards

Shock Doctor Power Double Mouthguard

Shock Doctor Power Double Mouthguard has Air Cushioned Shock Pads which offer the best protection. Their upper/lower design provides protection for upper and lower teeth and helps to stabilize the jaw when struck. Its shock transfer core can transfer the impact shock away from vulnerable front teeth to stronger triple rooted molars.

Everlast Ever-Guard High Performance Mouthguard

The Ever-Guard High Performance Mouthguard is a technological advancement in single high-end MMA mouthguards. These are made of a special thermoplastic polymer that can be molded to be comfortable and easy to use. It has an exclusive anatomical shape that can guarantee excellent stability in the fighter’s mouth while allowing for unobstructed breathing.

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MMA Gear: Headgear

When choosing headgear for mixed martial arts you want one with good protection that doesn’t limit vision too badly. There is nothing worse than getting kicked in the head because you couldn’t possibly have seen it.  You want to choose MMA headgear that offers both great protection and good visibility.

Remember that most MMA gear like headgear is specifically used for training purposes and you will not have that added protection when fighting in the Octagon. When sparring, you should gage the effects of each blow accordingly to what you might experience in the ring.

The Best MMA Headgear

Hayabusa Pro MMA Headgear

Hayabusa Pro MMA Headgear is one of the best headgears designed specifically for sparring in the sport of mixed martial arts. It has cranial-cast construction which ensures a unique customized fit while also allowing for one size to fit most heads. This MMA gear has high-density foam complex inner for optimal shock absorption while having integrated ear hole covers and an open top design for maximum ventilation. Its unique design offers excellent peripheral visibility and complete face security.

The Hayabusa Pro MMA Headgear sells for around 100 dollars.

MMA Pitwear Full Coverage Headgear

Pitiwear Full Coverage Headgear is designed for comfort with excellent protection and visibility ratings. This gear is manufactured for years of hard sparring and is made of durable leather construction with fully adjustable straps to accommodate various head sizes.

At around seventy dollars, this is a good price for durable MMA gear that will last for several years.

Triumph United Thai Training Headgear

For around seventy dollars, the Triumph Thai Training Headgear comes with extra coverage over the cheeks and is ideal for all combat sparring and training. It has excellent visibility for seeing punches and kicks coming from multiple directions. This MMA gear comes with multi-layer shock resistant padding over forehead, cheeks, ears and back of head and has adjustable hook-and-loop fastening on back with leather buckle closure under chin. Also, it has an all leather cover outside with a smooth leather liner which males for long and durable wear over the years.

Everlast Full Coverage Head Gear

Everlast has always been a top name in sports gear and it is not a surprise that they make some fairly decent mixed martial arts gear. This MMA headgear is made of water-resistant top grain leather which helps maintain durability and longevity during training. It has full padding on all four sides with closed cell foam technology developed for greater durability and shock absorbency with a lighter-weight combination of foam and padding that places less stress on the neck and allows for quicker head movement.  For around seventy dollars, this is one of the best headgears on the market.

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Guidelines for MMA Gear and Fighting Area

Information on this page was provided from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. Most states do not have current rules for sanctioning mixed martial arts matches and these rules can be used as a guideline for MMA fights and the appropriate MMA gear.

These rules are not the same for youth MMA.

The Fighting Area

The fighting area canvas for MMA matches shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area canvas shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commissioner, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.

It shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants. Posts shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area canvas and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner.

It shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a fighter to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner and shall not be abrasive to the contestants.

The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area canvas.

Stools

A ring stool of a type approved by the Commissioner shall be available for each contestant. An appropriate number of stools or chairs, of a type approved by the Commissioner, shall be available for each contestant’s seconds. Such stools or chairs shall be located near each contestant’s corner. All stools and chairs used must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced after the conclusion of each bout.

MMA Gear and Equipment Rules

For each bout, the promoter shall provide a clean water bucket and a clean plastic water bottle in each corner.

Bandages

In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant’s hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon’s tape, one inch in width, for each hand.

Surgeon’s adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist.

The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.

Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant’s hands in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector and in the presence of the manager or chief second of his or her opponent.

Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until the approval of the inspector is received.

Mouth pieces

All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the attending physician.

The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.

If the mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time, clean the mouthpiece and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.

Protective equipment

Male mixed martial artists shall wear a groin protector of their own selection, of a type approved by the Commissioner.

Female mixed martial artists are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.

Female mixed martial artists shall wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector shall be subject to approval of the Commissioner.

MMA Gloves

The MMA gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced.

All contestants shall wear either four, five or six ounce gloves, supplied by the promoter and approved by the commission. No contestant shall supply their own gloves for participation.

Apparel

Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts.

Gi’s or shirts are prohibited during competition.

Shoes are prohibited during competition.

Appearance

All contestants shall be cleanly shaven immediately prior to competition, except that a contestant may wear a closely cropped mustache.

Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant’s face.

Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.

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MMA Rules

Mixed Martial Arts is a growing sport that is slowly becoming sanctioned across America, but currently there are no set rules for having MMA matches. Certain leagues have their own determination to what MMA gear and what weight allowances are acceptable for MMA gloves. The only weight to know for sure is to contact these organizations.

The list below is provided from UFC.com and is probably the best source for current MMA information.

Weight classes:   

These are the current weight divisions for adult MMA.

Lightweight – over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.

Welterweight – over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.

Middleweight – over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.

Light Heavyweight – over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.

Heavyweight – over 205 lbs. to 265 lbs.

Bout duration:   

Bout duration has changed over the years and this is the current bout durations determined by UFC.

All non-championship bouts shall be three rounds.

All championship bouts shall be five rounds.

Rounds will be five minutes in duration.

A one-minute rest period will occur between each round.

Fouls:    

This is a current list of fouls. There are different determinations in each league to the severity and penalty for each foul. Some offer point deductions while others could cost the match.

1.   Butting with the head.

2.   Eye gouging of any kind.

3.   Biting.

4.   Hair pulling.

5.   Fish hooking.

6.   Groin attacks of any kind.

7.   Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.

8.   Small joint manipulation.

9.   Striking to the spine or the back of the head.

10. Striking downward using the point of the elbow.

11. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.

12. Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.

13. Grabbing the clavicle.

14. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.

15. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.

16. Stomping a grounded opponent.

17. Kicking to the kidney with the heel.

18. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.

19. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.

20. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.

21. Spitting at an opponent.

22. Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.

23. Holding the ropes or the fence.

24. Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.

25. Attacking an opponent on or during the break.

26. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.

27. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.

28. Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.

29. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.

30. Interference by the corner.

31. Throwing in the towel during competition.

Ways To Win:

These are the current ways to win a match:   

1. Submission by:

           Physical tap out.

           Verbal tap out.

2. Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest.

3. Decision via the scorecards, including:

           Unanimous decision [all judges pick the same fighter as the winner].

           Split decision [One judge picks one fighter, the other two judges pick the other fighter].

           Majority decision [Two of three judges pick the same fighter as the winner, the final judge says the fight was a draw].

           Draw, including:

                  Unanimous draw.

                  Majority draw.

                  Split draw.

4. Technical decision.

5. Technical draw.

6. Disqualification.

7. Forfeit.

8. No contest.

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MMA Gear – Gloves

When it comes to the world of mixed martial arts, there is a lot more to the Octagon then just punching, kicking and wrestling.  Having the right MMA gear, not just for fighting, can be very important to a fighter and having the right types of gloves can make the difference not only in a match but in the long term care of your wrists and hands.

Most people when they think of MMA gloves really only think about the ones used in the ring, but there are several types.

Types of MMA Gloves

Sparring Gloves

These gloves are specifically designed and used for protection during practice bouts. A MMA fighter does not want to damage his hands, nor hurt his opponent during sparring and regular mixed martial arts gloves are not suitable for practice. Make sure when purchasing sparring gloves that they state clearly that the gloves are for sparring or else you can seriously injure anyone you practices with.

There are two types of sparring gloves on the market. The first kind looks like regular MMA gloves and have individual finger slots. The other kind of gloves has a large striking pad and finger loops. Both types offer more padding than regular MMA gloves and are sufficient for training.

Bag Gloves

When needing to hit the heavy bag, sparring gloves are not suitable, nor are fighting gloves. A mixed martial arts fighter needs to have more padding and wrist support to handle the stronger forces when striking heavy bags and striking pads. A typical MMA bag glove has increased wrist support and denser pads. Other features might be a grip bar built into the glove. These gloves are not interchangeable with other types, so do not use them when fighting or sparring.

Fight Gloves

Having less padding than sparring gloves, fight gloves are specifically designed to for fighting. When getting MMA fight gloves be sure to check the weights and get the gloves that are approved by your fight organization as certain weights are not legal for MMA competition. Four ounce gloves are usually the standard. Because these gloves have very little padding, do not use them to spar.

Hybrid Gloves

There are hybrid gloves that can work for a couple or all of the above categories, but if you are serious about becoming a MMA fighter then it is best to get individual MMA gloves of each type. This will help your gloves last longer and will help prevent injuries that can develop from using the wrong gloves.

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