The two main causes of injury in kickboxing are incompetent training and wearing no, little or defective equipment.
Protective equipment is a must and here we shall describe the main types to be used:
HAND WRAPS: These are so overlooked. They protect the tendons, skin and bones of the hand and provid support for the wrist. There are several ways to wrap the hands. At Leicester PKA all beginners are taught a simple and quick way such as just around the wrist, knuckles and thumb. More advanced Leicester PKA students should wrap their hands with the wrap going between the fingers as well.
LIGHT BAG GLOVES: These type of gloves were originally designed for use on a timing bag (wall to ceiling ball), speed drills and light bags. They are not to be used on heavy bags and focus mitts as they do not provide enough padding around the knuckle for protection.
BOXING GLOVES: Without a doubt a very important bit of kit. Leicester PKA are in the business of kick boxing therefore “boxing” gloves should be used. These gloves offer far more hand protection than bag gloves, so full power punches can be used against pads and bags. Leicester PKA members don’t have to have leather gloves as these are more expensive but good quality PU ones can be used just as effectively, leather boxing gloves are always recommended over PU one’s though. Gloves come in a variety of sizes, the heavier it is the more padding.
FOOT PROTECTORS: These protect the delicate bones on the top of the foot. The padding around the foot helps Leicester PKA beginners suffer less pain on impact when their techniques are being developed.
SHIN PADS: A bang to the shins can leave anybody reeling in pain therefore it is vital to protect the shin bones. At Leicester PKA we are not trying to toughen up students shin bones although over time the shin bone will naturally harden up. The lower leg is used a lot with leg block so a good pair of shins is a must.
HEAD GUARD: At Leicester PKA we always tell students not to skimp on head gear. It protects the head from blows and your brain from damage and from developing cuts. A good fitting head guard does not move around on the head but should also give a clear view through the front. Leather head guards absorb more sweat so slip around less.
GROIN GUARDS: For men an absolute must. An accidental blow to the testicles can bring you down very painfully and do long term damage.A cup style male guard is needed to stop blocked kicks sliding up from underneath and causing damage. Female groin guards are almost never used but a blow to a woman’s external gentiles can be as painful as a blow for a man. Females are always encouraged to wear groin guards at Leicester PKA.
CHEST PROTECTORS: A valuable piece of safety equipment for Leicester PKA students when sparring to protect against punches to the ribs and spinning back kicks. Women when sparring should always wear chest protectors. A blow to the mammary glands can be both painful and damaging.
GUM SHIELDS: A fierce blow to the head can make you bite down on your tongue maybe even through it. A gum shield stops this from happening. Losing a tooth can also be very painful so use a guard. Cheaper DIY gum shields you mould using hot water are ok if you can get a good fit. The best choice is a tailored one made from the dentist.