Check out our info graphic below explaining 5 good reasons why you should wear a top quality Rashguard when training!

Check out our illustrated guide on how to wrap your hands using traditional cotton hand wraps for boxing training or sparring.

Before you get started, there are a couple of things to note that you will want to keep in mind when wrapping up your hands.

ai??? Get the tension right

You need to make sure that you wrap tightly enough so the wraps are not loose but not too tight to risk reducing circulation of blood flow. It may take you a few attempts before you get the right balance between comfort, fit and support.

ai??? Keep the wraps as smooth as possible

When wrapping, try to prevent them bunching up and keep the surfaces as smooth as possible. If you allow the hand wraps to wrinkle, this will not only be uncomfortable, but it will also make them less protective for your hands and wrists.

1 – Keep your hands and fingers outstretched

Before you begin to wrap your hands up, make sure that your fingers are fully stretched out. This helps with making sure that you do not wrap your hands too tightly and ensures that you are properly protected. If you wrap your hands with your fingers close together, you may find that your movements are restricted once your hands are fully wrapped up.

2 – Start with the thumb loop

Begin the process by placing your thumb through loop, making sure that the underside of the wrap is against your skin. You will know which side is the right way up as most wraps have a branded logo at one end where the Velcro fastening is, this is the side that should be visible.

3 – Wrapping the wrist

Depending on the size of your wrists and the length of the wrap itself, you should aim to wrap around the circumference of your wrist 3 to 4 times, finishing off so that the wrap is facing inwards (in the same direction as your outstretched thumb).

4 – Wrapping your hand

Bringing the wrap around the back of your hand just above your thumb and pull it across your palm to the other side. Repeat this action 2 – 3 times finishing off so the wrap is facing inwards.

5 – Wrapping your thumb

In an upward motion, wrap from the base and around your thumb and follow on by wrapping your wrist once.

6 – Wrapping your fingers

It is worth noting that variations on how to wrap hand wraps can vary and some guides tell you to close your fist when wrapping your fingers (as bring the wrap over and in between your fingers), so you may also want to give this a try when repeating steps 6 & 7.

Starting off near the base of your thumb on the inside of your wrist, bring the wrap up, over and in between pinky and ring finger.

Wrap over the top of the hand, and from the inside of your wrist again, proceed to bring the wrap over and between your ring finger and middle finger.

Repeat this action and bring the wrap over and between your middle finder and index finger, finishing off again on the inside of your wrist.

7 – Wrap your wrist again

Begin by wrapping your wrist as normal, then from the inside of the wrist, bring the wrap over the front of your hand in a diagonal direction to the outside edge of your hand.

Check out our range of traditional cotton and bamboo Hand Wraps on our site, from top brands like; Hayabusa, Venum & PRO MMA.

Bring the wrap across the palm of your hand just above your thumb, then repeat the action. finishing off by wrapping a full circumference around your wrist.

8 – Strap the wrap in place

Finally, to secure the wrap in place, simply close the Velcro panels together.

Repeat this with your other hand and you should be good to go.

To protect your head and to help prevent concussion and other serious injuries, Head Guards are a kit bag essential, especially if you are planning to spar on a regular basis.

We have put together this simple buying guide to give you an idea of what to look for when choosing this important piece of equipment.

PADDING

It will come as no surprise that padding is important when choosing a Head Guard. As well as determining how well your face and head will be protected, the amount and type of padding will also have a bearing on the weight and comfort too.

Varying thicknesses in padding exist from product to product, you may find that the padding feels soft from brand new, where others will initially feel quite dense, but over time and use it softens up.

COMFORT

As with a lot of equipment, personal preference will determine comfort, but it is important Head Guard should feel as comfortable as possible.

How it fits and contours to the shape of your head, the type of inner lining (smooth or softer moisture wicking material style) and the amount of padding and coverage are all factors that will affect comfort.

The type of chin strap or padded chin area will also effect how comfortable the Head Guard will feel.

Comfort will also be determined by breathability. The level of which can be regulated by design features like ear holes and open top construction.

VISIBILITY

You will notice that different brands have different amounts of padded areas and coverage. Different brands will have varying amounts of forehead and cheek coverage around the face for example.

As well as offering varying amounts of protection to the different areas of your face, the amount of padded coverage will also affect your visibility as the wearer.

This is important to you as a fighter because being able to see a punch or kick before the impact will help your body to brace itself and of course, give you a better chance of manoeuvring to avoid being hit all together!

OVERALL

Ultimately when choosing a Head Guard, you are looking for one that will provide the utmost protection yet feel light enough to not be an annoyance or hinderance on your peripheral vision when fighting.

We have a choice of Head Guards available on our site from brands like Hayabusa & PRO MMA. Check out each of the products on offer and take time read up on their features to find out which one is right for you.