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Pad Muay

July 2nd, 2010 admin No comments

Pad Muay

Grappling-Muay Thai-kickboxing Shin Guards

In Martial Arts, there are 3 major types of shin guards: Grappling, kickboxing or striking and muay thai. Although Mma Shin guards and muay thai are both striking styles, muay thai are built with much more padding.

Grappling shin guards are designed with padding in mind and also with staying on while rolling too. Most of these type have a sock type way of keeping the guard in place. A couple of draw backs are that they can be difficult to get on and off and they can get hot. Many of these types also come with a strap by the calf to help tighten them.

Muay Thai Shin Guards are designed thicker to absorb more of a strike. Down the front of the guard you will often find re-enforced padding. The way they are kept on is not concerned with the ground game. Usually 2 straps are all that keep them in place. The thing I don't like about these is that they are heavy and can feel bulky. As someone with a Taekwondo background- speed is important!

Kickboxing is where you see the striking type shin guards. Kickboxing shin guards are not as concerned with keeping the guard on when on the ground. I am still surprised at the guards lack of added padding along the front. I see a lot of kickboxers and for some reason they always go cheap with shin guards. They love the cloth covered guards that have about a quarter-inch of soft padding… Go figure!

I have some ideas for a hybrid MMA Style Shin Guard. I think it would be cool to combine the added padding of muay thai with the sock of the grappling guards. With a hybrid style you can have great protection and also save money. You would not have to change when you wanted to do both standup and grappling. Another thing I would add is padding above the knee and also around the knee. This added padding would allow for true leg-kick training.

All about Grappling-Muay Thai-kickboxing shin guards
Grappling shin guards

About the Author

Richard Vega has over 25 years experience in the Martial Arts
http://renegademmagear.com/MMA_Shin_Guards.htm