|
Kickboxing Fitness Class | Kickboxing Equipment
GLOVES
 |
Bag Gloves
Bag Gloves have extra padding around the knuckles, and these will be used during training sessions, punch bags, focus mitts, thai pads and heavy bags. On average, bag gloves weigh between 5 and 12 ounces. |
| |
|
 |
Sparring Gloves
Bag work is vital for trainees but eventually some would want to spar with their trainers, this is the time they will wear Sparring Gloves. They come in 3 different sizes 14, 16 and 18 ounce. Female kickboxers and men who weigh less than 130 lbs wear the 14-ounce glove. Most trainees use the 16-ounce glove and extremely hard-hitting or super heavyweight kickboxers use the 18-ounce glove. |
FOCUS MITTS, THAI PADS AND KICKING SHIELDS
The participants or trainees will get to practice their kicks and punches with a trainer or training partner. They'll be throwing punches, kicks and kickboxing combinations on pads like focus mitts, kicking shields and thai pads. These pieces of equipment are used to fake a moving target or create a fighting atmosphere. By working on these provided equipments it helps them gain strength, develop power and create a fighting rhythm.
 |
Focus Mitts
Focus mitts are round pads about the size of a human head. The trainer wears them on his hands to help the trainee refine his boxing techniques. This training is meant to keep the trainee moving while striking the pads. The trainer will usually call a series of combinations and make the trainee hit from all angles. |
| |
|
 |
Thai Pads
Thai pads are thick, heavy-duty pads used to practice punches and kicks. These pads stand up to the rough beating from the combination work, such as kicks and punches strung together. The pads are rectangular in shape and anywhere from 18-20 inches long and 8-10 inch wide. The thick padding is actually designed to protect the person holding the pad. Straps and handles are sewn on the back, so that the trainer or training partner can hold it in place while the trainee kicks it.
As the trainee kicks, the trainer will move around, changing the angles and position in which the trainee must kick to hit the target. In this way, the trainee can learn kicks from all angles, plus focus on areas in which he needs to improve his kicks. |
| |
|
 |
Kicking Shield
With a kicking shield, the trainee will again be practicing his kicks at full power. These pads are rectangular in shape and are used to gauge how hard he can kick. The pad can be used to create different angles and levels, so the trainee can become more flexible with his kicks. The trainee can use this pad to practice his front kicks, side kicks, back kicks and round kicks.
|
SECONDARY KICKBOXING EQUIPMENT USED
 |
Heavy Bags
These bags come in many sizes and lengths, and in different materials such as vinyl, leather and canvas. A 6 or 7-foot bag extends to the floor, and the extra length is designed specifically for kickboxing where it helps to improve a trainee’s lower kicks (such as round kicks and leg sweeps). Because this 200-pound bag doesn’t move much when struck, it helps the trainee build power in both his punches and kicks. |
| |
|
 |
The Head Hunter Bag
The head hunter bag is the same size as an opponent's head. The bag whips around and around while the trainee practices his jabs and hooks. Timing is essential with this type of bag. |
| |
|
| |
The Chaser Bag
This 40-pound bag moves around as the trainee practices his kicking and punching combinations. As this bag is light it rebounds back to the body and therefore a trainee must keep his guards up and move in sequence to the rebound. |
| |
|
 |
The Slip Bag
The double-end bag or slip bag, is a leather ball held in place by an elastic string that is attached to the ceiling and the floor. This bag ricochets back and forth as it is struck, leaving a trainee no time to think. This is called reflex training. |
Back to Kickboxing Fitness Class.
|
