Muay Thai gloves are the most essential piece of equipment for training in Muay Thai, offering protection, support, and improved striking performance. However, choosing the right gloves for training can be confusing with many options available. In this blog post, we will provide answers to some of the most common questions that arise when it comes to selecting Muay Thai gloves for training.
The size (weight) of your Muay Thai gloves for training depends on various factors such as your body weight, training application, and personal preference. As a general guideline, 12 to 16 ounces gloves are commonly used for training purposes. Beginners often start with 14-ounce gloves as they must balance maximum protection and speed.
No, you should not plan to use boxing gloves for Muay Thai. While you may be able to get away with this for your initial training sessions, boxing gloves are much more rigid than Muay Thai gloves, which becomes quite restrictive when trying to grab and clinch – moves that are unique to Muay Thai.
When choosing gloves for training, you will come across options made of synthetic materials or genuine leather. Synthetic gloves are a more affordable choice and require less maintenance since they do not need to be broken in. On the other hand, full-grain leather gloves (such as those offered by the new Muay Thai brand, CORBETTI) offer superior durability, breathability, and comfort. While they tend to be more expensive, leather gloves are often preferred by serious practitioners and those looking for long-lasting quality.
The weight of your training gloves should be based on your goals and training focus. Lighter gloves, such as 10 or 12 ounces, provide greater speed and maneuverability. They can be beneficial for developing hand speed, precision, and timing. However, they offer less protection. Conversely, heavier gloves, like 14 to 16 ounces, offer additional protection and can aid in building strength and endurance. It’s important to find the right balance between speed and protection that suits your training needs. Beginners typically opt for heavier, more protective gloves when they’re just getting started.
You’ll also want to opt for heavier gloves for sparring, to not only protect yourself but to protect your opponent as well.
While it is not mandatory, having separate gloves for bag work and pad work not only helps better meet your training goals, which may be more oriented to speed during bag and pad work, but can prolong the lifespan of your gloves by rotating them. If you plan to focus on bag work and pad work, having specialized gloves can enhance your training experience. Most Muay Thai athletes own several pairs of gloves for this exact reason. An athlete may have a heavier pair of gloves for sparring, a medium or light-weight pair of gloves for pad and bag work, and their lightest pair of gloves for competition (to maximize speed).
Proper wrist support is a big component of injury prevention, especially during intense training sessions. Look for gloves with good wrist support, such as gloves with adjustable straps or Velcro closures that secure the gloves in place. However, in Muay Thai, you don’t want the wrist support to be too rigid because that will limit the flexibility needed to execute moves like grabbing and blocking kicks. To help maximize wrist support, almost all Muay Thai athletes use wrist wraps to provide additional wrist support without sacrificing flexibility.
Both open and closed thumb designs have their advantages. Gloves with open thumbs provide better ventilation and flexibility, making them suitable for training in a hot climate. Closed thumbs, on the other hand, offer added protection and help prevent accidental eye pokes or thumb injuries. Ultimately, the decision between open and closed thumb gloves depends on personal preference and comfort.
Some of the most reputable brands for Muay Thai gloves include Yokkao, CORBETTI, Fairtext, Twins Special, and Venum. It’s important to choose high-quality gloves due to the protection needed in Muay Thai, as well as the rigor and intensity of the sport.
Choosing the right Muay Thai gloves for training is a personal decision that depends on your goals, preferences, and training requirements. Consider factors such as glove size, material, weight, wrist support, and quality when making your selection. Remember, comfort, protection, and durability are key factors in finding the gloves that will enhance your training experience. By taking the time to understand your needs and making an informed decision, you can find the perfect gloves that offer optimal performance, safety, and long-lasting satisfaction during your Muay Thai training journey.
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