| Choose Your Weapon: | | | | Other Benefits of Rash Guards: |
| There are many varieties and styles of martial | | | | Rash guards also have built in SPF, generally very |
| arts and each one involves some kind of physical | | | | high, for ultimate outdoor protection. This UV |
| contact. Whether you are interested in the fast | | | | protection is quite useful for outdoor |
| combination kicks and punches of karate or | | | | presentations and practices. The SPF of the rash |
| prefer the sweeps and throws of judo, a rash | | | | guard material is not affected by water or sweat |
| guard is an excellent accessory and should even | | | | and offers SPF150+ protection from the sun's |
| be considered a required piece of equipment. | | | | harmful rays. They were originally intended for |
| Rash Guard Basics: | | | | beach and water use, which is why they have the |
| Rash guards are protective shirts. They usually | | | | SPF built into the fabric. |
| come in long sleeved versions for the most | | | | Practicing katas and movements in a rash guard |
| protection and are tight fitting. The fabric and | | | | allows for little air resistance and is often |
| design allow for easy movement, something | | | | preferred by those who do their movements |
| which is very important in martial arts. Although | | | | outdoors, as with tai chi. The UV protection |
| rash guards are not limited to martial arts and are | | | | combined with ease of movement is a big plus |
| in fact more commonly used in other sports such | | | | for anyone interested in practicing their sport |
| as surfing, they are becoming quite a popular | | | | outside. |
| addition to the protective gear used in these | | | | While most rash guards are meant to be tightly |
| sports. | | | | fitted, some are designed for maximum breathing |
| The protective fabric of the rash guard is ideal for | | | | and are a little looser. The fabric is specially |
| sparring. It allows the user to avoid painful rashes | | | | designed to allow sweat to escape and to keep |
| caused by scraping skin against the floor, | | | | the body ventilated. This has obvious advantages |
| concrete, grass or even exercise mats. It also | | | | in a sport as intense as martial arts. These rash |
| keeps the fingernails of your opponent from | | | | guards are not used as often because the regular |
| scratching you during a grappling session. | | | | rash guards cling to the body and provide a more |
| When used in martial arts, the rash guard is worn | | | | streamlined surface. |
| under the gi to comply with the rules that most | | | | Rash guards are commonly referred to as swim |
| dojos have regarding uniform. A gi provides a | | | | shirts because of their aquatic origins. Many people |
| certain amount of protection, but the rash guard | | | | still believe that they are only good only for water |
| is an extra safety measure, like a mouth guard. | | | | sports, but the truth is that they are commonly |
| You can choose a color that fits with your gi or | | | | used for many sports, both in and out of the |
| your belt, if you like, for added aesthetics. | | | | water. Anywhere that you need minor protection |
| If a gi is not required, using just the rash guard | | | | against rashes and skin irritations, or heavy duty |
| gives you a more streamlined body, because of | | | | UV protection, a rash guard can be used. |
| the tight fit and smooth fabric. This can make it | | | | To see a selection of rash guards for martial arts |
| more difficult for an opponent to get a good hold | | | | use, see |
| on your body and also allows for more | | | | Ms. Valesko owns and operates where you can |
| aerodynamic movement. The sleek design makes | | | | find quality rash guard shirts for the ultimate skin |
| for easy movement and plenty of flexibility, both | | | | protection in any extreme sport. |
| extremely useful qualities in sports clothing. | | | | |