Hayabusa Fighter;  Marcus Buchecha Almeida is all set to compete at the forthcoming ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championships on 19th October 2013.

Almeida’s intense preparation to this Championships has seen him work with his fellow Checkmat BJJ teammates to improve his wrestling skill, as well as pitting himself against some of the world’s top professional fighters, such as UFC Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez.

As a Hayabusa Sponsored Fighter, we wish him the very best of luck, but also as the current World BJJ Weight and Absolute Champion, we’re sure Almeida’s pedigree will stand him in good stead! Check out this video to see Almeida’s wrestling training in full flow.

The long awaited return of many of  your favourite Hayabusa equipment ranges is here, with a full re-stock on the Kanpeki Elite 2.0 Series, Tokushu Series, Pro Training Series and Ikusa Series just in.

This re-stock now means that all Bag and Sparring Gloves, MMA Gloves, Hybrid MMA Gloves, Shin Guards, Head Guards and Pads from the above ranges are once again available to order from our site.

If you’ve been waiting for the return of any of this gear in particular, don’t hesitate to get what you want this time around… Christmas will be upon us quicker than you think!

The Hayabusa®  Team shed some light on how best to protect your hands and wrists in relation to the potential injuries facing anyone who participates in combat sports.

Unsurprisingly, the hands and wrists bear the brunt of most injuries picked up by professional fighters across the wide spectrum of combat sports.

To give yourself the best change of staying as injury free as possible, it is of vital importance that the equipment you use provides you with the utmost protection for your most valuable weapons.

Common Injuries – “Boxer’s Fracture”

One of the most common hand injuries suffered by fighters, is what’s known as “boxer’s fracture”.

“Boxer’s fracture” occurs when the neck of the fourth or fifth metacarpal (the bone just beneath your ring or little finger) breaks under pressure. When striking a hard surface with a clenched fist, the impact force travels through the knuckle down in to the metacarpals.

(X-Ray highlighting “Boxer’s Fracture” – See the broken metacarpals broken below the joint.)

A lack of protection from the equipment being used by the fighter, or if his or her striking angle is incorrect prior to impact, can cause the delicate metacarpals to break off at the neck, thus causing the “boxer’s fracture” injury.

Injury Prevention – Good Technique and Right Equipment

To greatly reduce the chance of such an injury, it is important that your striking gloves provide  you with the best hand and wrist support possible. Look out for gloves with an energy absorbing, high quality inner core that will effectively disperse the impact force energy.

Hayabusa’s “Deltra-EG Inner Core” featured in certain models of their gloves, ensures that such protection is delivered. The “Deltra-EG Inner Core” provides unrivalled hand protection and ensures that the impact force is safely absorbed, this negates the intensity of force on the knuckles and metacarpals.

Wrist / Tendon / Ligament Damage

Wrist injuries are another common and potentially debilitating injury that fighters run the risk of becoming a victim of. One of the most vital bones in the wrist, the scaphoid bone, when damaged can massively effect the future performance of a fighter. Such injuries to the scaphoid bone can be caused by a misaligned punch as well as poor equipment. (See Wrist Injury X-Ray – Bottom Left).

As with the aforementioned “boxer’s fracture”, wrist injuries can also be vastly reduced if suitable protection from an athlete’s equipment is provided. Keeping proper alignment of the hand and wrist will stand you in good stead in minimising such injuries. The “Fusion Splinting” technology found in certain Hayabusa gloves will go a long way to ensure the correct and safe hand and wrist alignment is maintained, greatly decreasing the potential for injury.

Further to bone fractures and damage, the potential for tendon and ligament injuries is another risk faced by combat sport athletes. Such delicate connective tissues are particularly vulnerable for fighters, due to the high impact they’ll undergo, especially in the hand and wrist areas.

Again, poor equipment and poor technique can contribute to such injuries, as well as a strike from an opponent. Therefore it is imperative once again, that you give yourself the very best chance to reduce the chance of another injury that can be potentially so destructive for you as a fighter. 

To do your part in minimising the risk of tendon and ligament tears and breaks, make sure that your hand / wrist alignment is well protected and supported by the equipment you use and of course, that your technique is correct.

Congratulations to all of the Hayabusa Sponsored Fighters who came away with wins at UFC 165 on the weekend!

Keeping his winning streak intact with six victories from his previous six fights, Hayabusa Sponsored Fighter; Francis Carmont took the spoils with a unanimous decision win against an in form Constantinos Philippou. Despite the win and having a Canadian connection, training out of the famed Tristar Gym, Carmont’s style wasn’t to everyones approval. His methodical, patient approach was received by booing from some of the Air Canada Centre crowd, but this didn’t sway Carmont from sticking to his plan and seeing out the fight as he’d planned.

Mitch Gagnon bagged himself a win against Hawaiian fighter; Dustin Kimura with a well executed guillotine choke submission. This bantamweight contest was an all action affair with both fighters putting in brave, committed performances, however it was Gagnon’s authority on the ground that was to prove the difference and ultimately ensure he came out on top.

The Toronto crowd saw another home grown fighter notch up a win with John Makdessi knocking out the Brazilian, Renee Forte, in the first round. The two fighters waisted no time in testing the waters and were at each straight from the off. Makdessi’s punching power proved to be too much for Forte, who was likely still reeling from a well planted spinning back kick landed by Makdessi earlier on in the round.

We’d like to offer our commiseration’s and best of luck for future fights to Eddie Wineland, Ivan Menjivar and Roland Delorme who all put in warrior like performances but it just wasn’t to be their night.

Main Card

Eddie WIneland vs Renan Barao

Coming off the back of two recent victories, Hayabusa sponsored fighter, Eddie Wineland (28-8-1) looks to continue his winning streak against Interim UFC Bantamweight Champion, Renan Barao (30-0-1).  Wineland will compete wearing the Hayabusa Haburi™ Compression Shorts.

Francis Carmont vs Costa Philippou

As well as fighting to retain their recent individually impressive records, there’s also a potential match up against the winner of the Weidman vs Silva fight following their clash in December.

On five fight winning streak, Francis Carmont (21-7-0) will face up against Costa Philippou (12-2-1) proudly representing Hayabusa wearing the Hayabusa Haburi™ Compression Shorts.

Preliminary Card

Ivan Menjivar vs Wilson Reis

Hoping to overcome his recent loss against Uriah Faber, Ivan Menjivar (25-1-0) will look to make amends against last minute replacement Wilson Reis (16-4-0).

UFC debutant, Wilson Reis, will take some confidence following a recent four fight win streak, but will the aggressive style and striking power of Hayabusa sponsored fighter, Menjivar, prove too much?

Mitch Gagnon vs Dustin Kimura

Returning to the Octagon from over a year out through injury, Hayabusa Sponsored Fighter, Mitch Gagnon (9-2-0) will face up against Dustin Kimura (10-0-0) in what’s set to be an exciting all Canadian affair.

Preliminary Card (On Facebook)

John Makdessi vs Renee Forte

Canadian fighter, John Makdessi (11-2-0) will be representing Hayabusa following recent back to back wins. He’ll look to continue his winning streak against Brazilian fighter, Renee Forte, victor against the UK’s own Terry Etim back in February.

Roland Delorme vs Alex Caceres

Fighting off the back of a win against Edwin Figueroa at UFC 161, Roland Delorme (9-1-0), flying the flag for Canada, aims to notch up another victory against TUF 12 vet, Alex Caceres (8-5-0). Delorme will represent Hayabusa wearing the Hayabusa Haburi™ Compression Shorts.

Full Fight Card Main Bouts (on PPV)

• Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson

• Renan Barão vs. Eddie Wineland

• Brendan Schaub vs. Matt Mitrione

• Costa Philippou vs. Francis Carmont

• Pat Healy vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Preliminary Card (on Fox Sports 1)

• Mike Ricci vs. Myles Jury

• Ivan Menjivar vs. Wilson Reis

• Chris Clements vs. Stephen Thompson

• Mitch Gagnon vs. Dustin Kimura

Preliminary Card  (on Facebook)

• John Makdessi vs. Renee Forte

• Michel Prazeres vs. Jesse Ronson

• Roland Delorme vs. Alex Caceres

• Nandor Guelmino vs. Daniel Omielanczuk

With the release of any new, innovative line of equipment comes curiosity and questions about the range.

Taking in to account the most frequently asked questions about the new Mirai™ Series so far, we’ve compiled a list of FAQ’s below to help answer your queries.

How Durable is the tightening System of the Mira™ Series

The award-winning Boa® Closure System used for the all-new Mirai™ Series sets an unrivalled standard for quality and durability.

Constructed with aircraft-grade stainless steel laces that are stronger per gram than tank armour, the reel and laces are guaranteed for the lifetime of the product.

What’s different about the Mirai™ Series compared to other tightening systems?

Innovation and determination are what drove the development of the Mirai™ Series. We had a clear focus on creating a range totally unique to anything else on currently on the market.

Utilising the patented and award-winning Boa® Closure System, the Mirai™ Series line of performance equipment delivers a superior alternative to traditional lace and hook and loop systems.

With it’s easy to use dial closure system, the Mirai™ Series provides an unmatched level of performance, comfort and fit that has to be experienced to be believed.

Why is the Mirai™ Series made up of only, Gloves, Head Gear and Shin Guards?

In creating the Mirai™ Series, we decided to apply the Boa® Technology to these specific products because Gloves, Shin Guards and Head Guards are the most popular pieces of equipment that make up any given range.

Can the Mirai™ Series Striking Gloves be used for Sparring or Grappling? 

The Mirai™ Series Striking Gloves have been specifically designed for bag and pad work.

As they are lighter in weight than traditional Sparring Gloves, we would not recommend the Mirai™ Series Striking Gloves for Sparring. To provide the protection and performance needed for sparring, we would recommend the Tokushu Series Series 16oz Gloves.

Why should I need to have separate Gloves specifically for pad and bag work?

It is common for most fighters to have separate gloves for sparring and pad / bag work.

This is good practice and will help to reduce injury to yourself and training partner(s), not to mention increasing the longevity of your equipment.

The benefits of possessing separate gloves for the different types of work lie in the differences between the types of gloves and their suitability for their intended purposes.

Gloves for pad / bag work are generally lighter in weight than those used for sparring and have less padding. This allows for more effective development speed and agility during training. The heavier sparring gloves with their denser padding, provides increased protection for both you and your training partner(s) during sparring sessions.

What kind of training can Mirai™ Series Shin Guards and Head Guard be used for?

The Mirai™ Series Shin Guards and Head Guard can be used for sparring sessions as well during bag and pad work. 

Why does this new range place so much emphasis on having correctly fitting equipment?

Research and experience have proven that correctly fitting equipment is an essential part of helping to minimise various forms of injury when training or competing.

Superior fitting equipment provides piece of mind, and helps to improve your performance due to it’s direct positive impact on your ability to move and strike with increased speed and accuracy.