| Sparring training in martial arts is probably as old | | | | Safety first and then comfort are important |
| as martial arts itself. By name and nature martial | | | | aspects of your equipment. You can have the |
| arts is commonly understood as relating to some | | | | best most expensive sparring gear (although |
| form of combat. Martial can be defined as warlike | | | | expense does not necessarily mean quality), but if |
| or soldierly and "art" is typically defined as a | | | | it does not fit right, you could be in danger. So |
| method or process. By putting them together you | | | | make sure that your gear is adjustable to a snug |
| create the concept of "warlike method" or | | | | comfortable fit, without causing unnecessary |
| "martial art." Martial Arts is usually thought of as | | | | restriction on your ability to move and execute |
| any traditional form of oriental war-like process | | | | the proper maneuvers. For instance, boxing gloves |
| that uses both physical movements and control | | | | are great protection, but do not allow martial |
| of your opponent with or without the use of | | | | artists who train in grappling arts to use their |
| weapons. Some of the most common martial | | | | hands properly. Some large chest guards may |
| arts today include taekwondo, karate and judo. | | | | offer great coverage, but don't allow you to take |
| Sparring is a common element of most martial | | | | down and fight on the ground that may be |
| arts training regimens. Nearly all styles use sparring | | | | required. |
| in one form or another to practice and train in a | | | | There are several reasons you want to check |
| more realistic environment. Competition | | | | with your instructor prior to purchasing your |
| preparation and the ability to defend oneself in a | | | | sparring gear. One is that they have been |
| real life circumstance necessitate that sparring be | | | | teaching for a while and should be able to |
| a component of any serious study of the martial | | | | recommend suitable gear for you. They do not |
| arts. Even though some schools teach deadlier | | | | want to see injuries any more than you do. Also, |
| and more destructive moves, just about every | | | | if you are going to purchase your gear online, |
| discipline integrates the practice of sparring. | | | | which can be a great option for getting affordable |
| With the popularity of MMA, namely the Ultimate | | | | equipment, make sure that the gear that you |
| Fighting Championship, martial arts and sparring | | | | purchase is allowed in your school. Sometimes |
| have become a popular endeavor. Due to the | | | | schools only want a certain type or color of gear. |
| fact that sparring with another student or | | | | This can be due to conformity or the instructors |
| instructor is very close to real life combat, it can | | | | experience with different types of equipment, or |
| be quite dangerous and even deadly. This is | | | | it can be because the school wants to make |
| especially true in the more deadly arts or while | | | | extra money by selling you the gear directly. |
| sparring with real weapons. Poor safety measures | | | | Some schools mark up martial arts gear as much |
| and inadequate protection from sub-standard | | | | as 200%. This is unfortunate and can prevent |
| equipment can lead to serious injury and even | | | | some students from ever sparring. |
| death. Because of the inherent danger, you should | | | | No matter what art you are studying, practicing |
| always be very selective as to the type and | | | | via sparring can be a fun and exciting as well as |
| quality of martial arts gear that you select. Make | | | | valuable tool to help you advance your skills in |
| sure use protective gear that fits correctly and | | | | your chosen discipline. However, that experience |
| protects adequately prior to squaring off against | | | | can turn sour if you do not use the right |
| your partner. | | | | equipment. |