Tag Archives: Muay Thai

What are Handwraps and why are they important

Handwraps can be worn in any combat sport which involves striking such as Boxing and Muay Thai. They provide hand protection and wrist support if worn correctly. Helping to protect all the small bones and joints in your hands.

If you have never worn a pair of Handwraps before or would just like to know how to put them on properly then click here to read our how-to guide.

Handwraps generally go under your boxing gloves to provide you with extra support while you train. You will sometimes see people with just their wraps on during activities like shadow boxing, light pad work or even using a double-ended bag. They help to prevent injuries, provide you with a secure fit and allow you to endure extra rounds.

Types of Handwraps

There are three main types of Handwraps, Traditional, Mexican Style and Quick-Gel Handwraps. Each has its advantages and offer slightly different Boxing protection. We will go through them all now so you can make the right decision when buying yours.

Traditional Style

Traditional style handwraps are made from 100% cotton and for decades they were the standard in the industry. They have been around for hundreds of years but came into full use in the 1920s and they have been used ever since.

They are normally a cheaper option and tend to hold their shape very well. Traditional wraps seem to last for longer than Mexican style wraps as they don’t have any elastic which can start to break down over time.

Unfortunately, you will not get the perfect fit like with Mexican though as they can be quite rigid. As newer technology has come out over the years the way handwraps have been made has changed. Traditional style handwraps still use 100% cotton which is no longer the best way to protect your hands.

Mexican Style

Mexican style handwraps have only been around for about 20 years. Even though they are a lot newer on the boxing scene they are now the most popular choice used by boxers everywhere. They are normally slightly more expensive than their cotton counterpart. This is because they are made from a durable, semi-elastic material that conforms to your hand.

They provide you with a more secure and flexible fit. Made from a blend of 50% cotton and 50% nylon. They are ultra-soft, breathable and help to keep your hands comfortable while training.

They are also fine to go in the washing machine. It is recommended that you wash your wraps once a week to keep them clean and fresh. You should put them on a cold wash and in a wash bag as well to protect them.

Quick Handwraps or Fast Handwraps

Quick-Gel Handwraps are an even more expensive option again. Lots of people see these as the smart choice as you can slide your handwraps on and off in seconds. It takes a fraction of the time to put these on compared to the other two options. And you also don’t have to worry about rolling them back up after training either.

They don’t provide you with as much of a secure fit compared to the Mexican style but lots of people tend to pick quick wraps due to the ease of use. They take less than 30 seconds to put on and they tend to last for longer than standard handwraps if looked after correctly as well.

Tape and Gauze

Another less popular type of protection you may come across are Tape and Gauze. Used by pros in competitive fights, they provide the best support and protection. These are only really used by the professionals during competitive fights so your average everyday boxer may have never seen these before.

They will be applied by an expert before the fight and will need to be cut off after. They provide you with the best fit of any handwraps if applied correctly but due to the fact they can only be used once they are not a viable alternative for everyday training.

When should you wear handwraps

You should wear handwraps anytime you are training Martial Arts. If you are Boxing, Kickboxing or training Muay Thai it is recommended you wrap your hands. This goes for pad work or sparing at the end of a class, and especially for heavy bags.

You are giving your hands the best possible protection and also allowing yourself to train as hard as possible while reducing the chances of injury. Some people think handwraps are for extra padding but they are actually to provide support for your hands and wrists. They hold all of the bones and joints together properly in your hand to prevent fractures or RSI (repetitive strain injury)

If you ever watch Muay Thai fighters or professional Boxers like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, they will always have their hands wrapped. Your gloves offer a lot of protection but handwraps provide you with something extra. They keep everything tight and compact and practically act as a wrist brace. There is a reason almost every single traditional martial art, like Kung Fu or Thai Boxing, make use of handwraps.

What length should you pick

Most handwraps are 180″ or 4.5 meters long, this goes for traditional and Mexican style wraps. Generally, you will find that this length fits perfectly but some people who wear smaller gloves may struggle to get theirs to fit correctly.

Especially for children, 180″ will normally be too long. The handwraps will seem bulky and their gloves will not fit properly. We advise getting a pair of smaller handwraps such as 120″ which will offer the correct protection. They will fit comfortably while still providing you with the right support.

How to look after your handwraps

Just like with your boxing gloves it is best to let your handwraps dry after training. The worst thing you can do is roll them straight back up and put them in your sweaty gym bag. Ideally, you would leave them somewhere to air out and dry before rolling them back up.

It is also recommended to wash them once a week. This helps to clean any bacteria off and keep them smelling fresh. You may want to invest in a wash bag as well, this will protect your handwraps and washing machine and they are relatively cheap as well.

When should I replace my handwraps

You should look to replace your handwraps every 2 years. One of the main reasons people look to replace theirs is due to the smell but the main reason is that you won’t be getting the correct protection anymore. Handwraps will start to degrade from the inside first where you can’t see before they start to fray or tear. Especially, with Mexican style wraps, the elastic will start to break down and you won’t be getting the same protection anymore.

Our thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you train full time in a Muay Thai gym or are just trying to lose weight in a Boxing class, you should always wrap your hands. If you want to get the best protection then Mexican style handwraps are the way to go. They provide you with the best fit thanks to their ultra-soft and breathable material and they are not too much more expensive than traditional wraps.
If however you are not training every day or you simply don’t want to spend the first half of your class wrapping your hands then the best way to go is quick-gel handwraps. They are easy to put on and it will take you less than 30 seconds to wraps your hands. You will not have to roll them back up either after training.

We offer a wide range of handwraps and protective gloves which you can find on our website here. If you are new to Martial Arts and not sure what type of Boxing gloves to pick then read our blog here to help you make the best decision.

T3 Boxing Gloves by Hayabusa

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Overview of the T3 Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa’s T3 Boxing Gloves are the result of our obsession with research, testing and development. They have been designed by our specialist team and are the combination of years of innovation paired with cutting-edge design. You won’t find a similar pair of gloves anywhere else in the world. These gloves have been designed for one main reason, to protect you. We didn’t just want to only protect you but also give you something which you can feel proud of when you walk into your gym. That’s why we also believe you will be getting the best looking gloves on the market.

Our Wrist Support

If you’re willing to spend a little more to get the maximum protection available, then you have come to the right place. All of the T3 boxing gloves come with our patented DUAL-X closure system. This provides a lace-like fit but without the hassle of tying them up. The gloves use four interlocking splints, a design which has also been patented. This means we are the only brand in the world who can offer you this feature. And provide you with extra wrist support which in turn offers you more protection. This will let you hit harder and faster without worrying about an injury, but that’s just the beginning.

Design

Our gloves use a five-layer foam structure but it does not require breaking. This means you can jump straight into your training without having to soften up your gloves first like many other brands. The T3 line has been designed to deliver the best performance for both bag work and sparring. All of our gloves have been handcrafted with top of the range engineered PU leather, which means that they won’t crack or tear. So you don’t have to worry about your gloves and can focus on the important thing, your training.

Technology

Our gloves do not only just look and feel great though. They have an antimicrobial lining that is inside every glove. This technology stops bacteria growth and minimises odour, which means one of the biggest problems everyone has with there gloves is no longer an issue, the smell. Your gloves will also come with a microfiber thumb which you can use to wipe down your face during training. Quickly eliminating any sweat, letting you focus on your training.

New Products

Hayabusa has been at the forefront of design and innovation for almost a decade and they aren’t showing any signs of slowing up. Their latest release has caused quite the stir and sent the brand from being recognised as the leading martial arts manufacturer in the industry to worldwide recognition. Click here to find out more about their new Marvel Range.

Why Choose T3 Boxing Gloves

These professional gloves are perfect to use for any training. Boxing, kickboxing, heavy bags or sparring. And if you are still not convinced then ask yourself, why are they good enough for the former UFC Middleweight champ GSP and not you.

All of those features in one glove makes for a menacing thought. And the only question that’s really left is what colour to buy. The current colour variations include Black & Grey, Black & Red, Black & Blue, White & Black, Black/Green and Black/Purple. And in sizes 10oz, 12oz, 14oz and 16oz. So do the right thing for your hands and click here to buy these gloves.

What Are The Best Boxing Gloves

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Real fighters need a real pair of boxing gloves and today we are going to tell you exactly what that is. There are several things that make boxing gloves good, but we are not looking for good we want the best and I’m going to tell you how you can get it.

Size

Firstly we will start with size. Depending on how you are training or what you are training for this will be different for everyone. And for this reason, you need variety. That is why Boxing gloves come in so many different sizes or ounces. Once you have figured out how you will be training you can then look for the right gloves. If you are working on speed then you may opt for a lighter weight such as 12oz. Sparing will normally involve using heavier gloves such as 16oz. And women may want to use lighter gloves like 8oz and 10oz for classes such as boxercise. It all depends on what you doing and personal preference. You want to make sure your gloves fit your needs in order to get the best out of your training.

Fit

One of the most important things many beginners overlook is the fit of their gloves. If you are only small with hands to match then you may struggle with a large pair of 16oz. And if the gloves are too big for you then you won’t be getting the right support and may injure yourself. One important thing to take into consideration is how your gloves fit with your handwraps on. If you would like to know why this is important then take a look at our handwraps blog which you can find here.

Support

There are lots of great gloves out there on the market but none come close to the protection of Hayabusa’s T3 gloves. They come with a patented dual wrist support strap. Which means if you want to get the maximum wrist support possible, you have to go to them. As they have trademarked this design no one else can copy it but that hasn’t stopped some from trying.

Showing off the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves dual wrist support

As you can see above, there are two straps that overlap which allows you to punch harder without worrying about injury. Some have tried to replicate this, like RDX, and made a design where the strap goes around the glove twice but it just doesn’t compare and provides inferior support.

Boxing Gloves Material

If you want a pair of gloves that will last then you need to make sure you buy ones made from the right materials. Some cheaper gloves are made from Pvc or Semi Leather like Venum’s new range of gloves. Then there’s the Kanpeki Boxing Gloves which are made with 100% premium full-grain leather.

These gloves don’t just look the part but feel and even smell great too. You get that new car smell every time you pull them out of their canvas bag. If you would like to find out more about these gloves and maybe even try then for yourself then click here.

Extra Features

Boxing gloves aren’t normally known for their extra features but sometimes a product enters the market and redefines this notion. Hayabusa’s gloves seem to have it all though. They have developed a 4-way splint system that overlaps specifically designed to keep your hand straight while punching. This protects you from injury which in turn allows you to hit harder. The cream of the crop, however, is the Sweat X thumb. Long gone are the days where you have to grab a towel to wipe down your face after each round. Hayabusa has designed a simple yet elegant way to wipe the sweat away during training. You don’t even have to stop what you are doing while still being able to protect yourself.

I’ll be honest, these are not the cheapest gloves out there but no one said the best gloves in the world would come without a price tag. Hayabusa has been at the forefront of developing new technology for martial arts athletes. Keeping you safe while training and improving your performance for years. And while I could write all day about how these gloves will protect you and improve your training there is really only one way to truly find out. And that’s to try them for yourself. Or at least take a look here to find out some more information about them.

S4 Boxing Gloves

If the price tag is a deal breaker for you but you have always loved Hayabusa products then why not take a look at the S4 gloves here. They won’t give you all the benefits of the T3 range but they do come with some free handwraps and a wash bag. For just £40 you won’t find a better deal anywhere else.

Why You Should Take Up A Martial Art This Summer

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There’s more to martial arts than just getting kicked or thrown onto the ground and you don’t have to be a pro to join a class. Today I am going to talk you through all the benefits of taking up a martial art this summer.

martial art picture

Fitness

It will help you get in shape or even just lose a few extra pounds. Whether its BJJ, wrestling or Muay Thai, anything is going to make you sweat. Especially in the heat that we have been having recently. And that’s what is going to make you lose weight. In addition, you will also be adding some muscle as well. So you’re not just going to slim down but also going to pack on some muscle as well. Perfect for those poolside photos.

Make Friends

Every class you go to is going to have other people in or there wouldn’t be much point in attending. Having lots of training partner won’t just help you with your chosen discipline. It also means there are more people to talk to. While you may get the odd person in a gym that only wants to hurt people the majority of student will be trying to help you and even getting to know you. So why not see if you can make a new friend or two.

gym photo

Protect yourself

One of the main reasons people get into martial arts is to learn how to handle themselves, and you shouldn’t be any different. You might never want to have a fight in your life but it doesn’t hurt to know how to look after yourself. If you ever end up in a situation where no one else is there to help you. Just knowing a few simple moves might be all the difference between you going home or ending up in the hospital in that situation.

A Challenge

Lots of martial arts such as BJJ, Judo and Karate all have rankings and belts that you can earn. And depending on the discipline you choose you might even be able to get your first promotion before the end of summer. Imagine how that would feel when you go back to work or school. Being able to tell everyone you have taken up a martial art and you have already earned your first belt.

kickboxing

An Eye Opener

If you do decide to go down to a class then you will learn pretty quick that it doesn’t matter how big or strong you are. There will be people half your size tapping the biggest guys in the class. The technique will always overcome strength and don’t get disheartened if you get tapped even if it is by someone a lot smaller than you. Don’t have an ego.

Why Martial Art Is For Everyone

Martial arts are for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you’re a girl, short, overweight or old. Really anyone can start. The majority of gyms have girls training in them nowadays and while there is no problem guys and girls training together it can be difficult for women to train with someone who is so much bigger and stronger than them. So why not get some of your friends together and all go together and see what its like for yourself. And if there is already a girl training there she will love having someone her size to practice on.

Lots of gyms also offer kids classes but even if they don’t everyone in the gym will know to take it easy. So don’t worry about your children getting injured. And the younger they start the better they will be in the future, maybe even the next world champion. You would be surprised to see how many students are over 40 that train. So if you think your past it and you wouldn’t be any good at it think again. There will definitely be someone for you to train with, no matter who you are.

Hopefully, you have read something that’s opened your eyes or made you want to see for yourself. So remember it doesn’t matter how big or strong you are. If you’re old or a girl. Martial Art is for everyone.

Our Guide On How To Become A UFC Champion

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Today we are going to talk you through the disciplines you need to become the best fighter on the planet.

Stand up

The obvious place to start is on your feet as that’s how every match starts. Whether it’s Boxing, Kickboxing or Muay Thai, you need to do something. Boxing has always been one of the biggest sports in the world for a reason. But we are talking about MMA now and as I’m sure you have all seen for yourselves, knees and kicks can do so much more than just knock a guy out. Just like in Bellator 158 when Micheal “Venom” Page landed a vicious knee on Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos.
Cyborg Santos broken skull

He actually broke his skull during that fight.

Or when Edson Barboza’s hit Terry Etim with a spinning back kick at UFC 142 in Rio De Janeiro. One of the worst knockouts in UFC history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PQH65dx4iE

Kickboxing and Muay Thai will not just make you a better fighter. Training in them will also help you defend yourself a lot better as you will be able to see moves coming earlier if you are familiar with them. Whether it’s the way the guy drops his arm as he goes for the kick. Or how he goes to his toes before he jumps for that flying knee. Either of these disciplines will benefit you greatly.

Don’t just rely on one aspect of your game

You can be the best guy in the world on your feet but if you haven’t got anything else about your game then I wouldn’t advise getting into the octagon. Just like with James Toney when he stepped into the ring at UFC 118 to fight against Randy Couture. Couture whose background is in wrestling, made it look easy. He might not be known for his ground game but he still schooled Toney. And sent out a pretty clear statement that the next Boxer who wants an MMA fight might want to think again.

August 28, 2010; Boston, MA; USA; Randy Couture (black trunks) and James Toney fight at UFC 118 in Boston, MA. Couture won via 1st round choke.

Why You Need Wrestling

Just like Toney, Royce Gracie is another fighter who relied too heavily on one discipline. Known for being one of the best BJJ guys in the world. The legend was caught out and defeated by Matt Hughes at UFC 60. Although former UFC Champion Royce was one of the best on the ground in the world. It doesn’t count for much if you can’t get the other guy down on the floor to tap them out. Hughes demonstrated this perfectly. With a background in wrestling. Hughes stopped Royce getting him down and showed him just why you need to be an all-rounded fighter to make it in this world.

Why Ground Work Is So Important

Although Royce did struggle in that fight he did have a pretty impressive career, with 15 wins and only 2 losses and he was a UFC Champion. Which demonstrates why BJJ is so essential and arguably the most important skill that you should have in your arsenal. Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu seems to be the most overlooked aspect of many fighters game. This may be as it takes so long to achieve your black belt. 10 years for a BJJ black belt as opposed to less than 5 for Judo and Karate belts. No matter what the reason some people decide not to train grappling as much as other aspects it doesn’t really matter. Nearly all fights end up on the ground. And if you don’t know what you are doing, you can’t defend yourself and you won’t last long.

UFC Champion, Royce and GSP

One of the reasons that GSP was so dominant and another UFC Champion. Here he is pictured with Royce just after they had finished training.

Hit The Gym To Be The Next UFC Champion

As I’m sure all of you know, lifting weights make you stronger and although just being strong alone won’t help you at all against a trained fighter, it will work wonders in addition to all of your other training. We have all been in that situation where you have gotten someone into a move and it’s so close but you just haven’t got the strength to finish it off. Lifting will help here. And with your takedowns. And with your punching. And in everything else that you do.

So we have given you some pretty solid advice here today, so no matter if you are a complete beginner or have been training for years. You just want to get in shape or you really do want to become the best fighter in the world, this guide has given you a solid foundation to work off. So what are you waiting for, get out there and start training to become the next UFC Champion!

And just like any fighter you will need the right equipment so why not take a look at some of the gear we like here

New Hayabusa Tech Falcon Performance MMA Shorts.

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We are happy to give you a first look at our new Tech Falcon Performance Shorts. They come equipped with everything you need for your training. A superior stretch panel between the legs for better movement and no worry of ripping. A Guardlock inner grip on the waistband to stop they falling down. And finally, they are made from Poly Directional™ Stretch Fabric for Enhanced Comfort.

Hayabusa Tech Falcon Premium combat Performance MMA shorts offer the highest level of performance combined with the highest quality materials for the ultimate comfort. Features include Fiber Fused Tech graphics, T3 stitching for Ultimate Strength and Durability.

Tech Falcon Features / Benefits

– Features Exclusive Mechanical Poly Directional™ Stretch Fabric for Enhanced Comfort.
– Equipped with Superior Guardlock Inner Grip Waistband System.
– Reinforced T3 Stitching for Ultimate Strength and Durability.
– Innovative Tie System with Indestructible Webbing for a Distinct Customised Fit.
– High Tensile Strength Stretch Panel and Side Split Seams for Superior Movement.
Click here to get these shorts. And you can also find the matching Falcon rashguard here, both available now.

The Ancient Roots of Muay Thai

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In this blog post, we’ll look at the roots of Muay Thai to uncover it’s links with the ancient fighting arts of Indo-China.

Our focus will be on Muay Boran, the collective name given to the unarmed martial arts of Thailand, prior to modernisation in the 1930’s.Ai??Each of the arts under the umbrella term of Muay Boran, had their own style guards, striking techniques and stances.

The distinctive regions of the Siam (Thailand) empire each had their own fighting styles and during the mid to late 19th century, fighters from each region would be sent by their Lords to Bangkok to compete in tournaments to establish who the best fighter was. Over time, such gatherings saw the different regional styles merge during the Rattanakosin Era and became generically referred to as Muay (meaning Boxing or pugilism). Despite this, regional styles still existed and were practised in various parts of the country.

Ai??

Buddhist monks carried on the teaching of Muay as a fighting technique for unarmed warfare and it also became a popular combat spectator sport for all levels of society. As well has having a broad appeal to people across the strata of society, Muay also had it’s royal connections too. The most skilful and respected of fighters were often employed by royalty of the day to train soldiers and other notable courtesans in the art of Muay.

During the mid 19th Century, a time of peace for Thailand, the popularity of Muay had greatly increased and was a regular form of exercise and recreation as well as serving it’s original functions. Despite the blending of styles that we’ve already mentioned, four distinct regional styles were still in existence various parts of the country. These four styles were;

ai???Ai??Muay Thasao (North)

ai??? Muay Khorat (East / North East)

ai???Ai??Muay Lopburi (Central)

ai??? Muay Chaiya (South)

Moving in to the 20th century saw the introduction of the boxing ring and codified rules, including the necessity for fighters to wear western style gloves and to move away from the heavily wrapped hemp rope style shown below. During this time the old regional styles mentioned above began to die out due to a combination of being banned and being unsuitable for the more modern matches.

muayboranhand It was common for Muay Boran fighters to tie knots in to the hemp rope used to wrap their hands, for added protection and to make their punches more abrasive and harmful to their opponents.

As a result of the new rules and the introduction of more protective equipment, the new style that began to emerge during the 20th century started to become known as Muay Thai, with the older style being labelled as Muay Boran (or ancient boxing).

Today, Muay Boran is rarely taught due to the techniques not being able to be used in modern competition. As a style, Muay Boran required fighters to be extremely agile, fast and flexible. The stance was different to that of Muay Thai, with it being wider and lower and more akin to the traditional Chinese and Indian Martial Arts.

The simple rule base excluded eye gouging, grappling, hitting a grounded opponent, hitting the groin and hair pulling. There were no weight categories or formal rings that we are familiar with today. With regards to the timing fights, and something that can still be seen today, a coconut shell with a hole in was placed in water and the fight lasted until the shell thoroughly sank and became immersed in water. This was followed by the beating of a drum to signal the end of the round.

The profile of Muay Boran was raised again fairly recently due to the 2003 film, Ong Bak, featuring Tony Jaa (see header image). The Muay Boran fighting styles heavily featured in this movie and was probably the first time it had been seen by the majority of its western audience.