No matter what martial arts you practice, you must take care of your shins and protect them from all types of impact. Even karate trainers need them, although many argue that it’s not a full-contact sport, so the shins are safer. But experts recommend being careful about this matter. Most athletic activities require the use of safety equipment for different body parts, and shin guards are one of the essential components, especially during training and beginner’s levels. However, the choice of a shin guard may vary from one art form to another.
Shin guards for different sports
Whether you play hockey, soccer, Muay Thai, or Karate, your shin pads will be different in terms of material, make, and other complexities. For instance, you want hard materials like polyurethane and fiberglass for soccer and ice hockey. These will be heavy, but your legs will be safe from skates and cleats. Metal and plastic materials may not help and can lead to injuries. Likewise, the choice of a shin guard for a martial art form can vary.
Karate practitioners may need thick guards with instep padding, while Muay Thai players may depend on thinner versions to adapt their shins to heavy impact. Since the latter martial art form uses shin and not foot, lighter shin guards work well. You may need even thinner editions if you consider grappling fights like wrestling and jiu-jitsu. These don’t interrupt your movement during rolls and throws. Other than this, the purpose of use also influences the choice of the shin guard.
Some people believe protective gear prevents your legs from adapting to the impact. However, practicing without one can be dangerous. You can train yourself to avoid injuries. Sports like Thai boxing or Muay Thai involve shin training. Anyone new going into the training session without shin guards can invite trouble because of a lack of strength and endurance in the leg area. That’s why starting with maximum coverage guards with thicker layers before dropping to the softer variations is better. Recreation practitioners who do not intend to spar in a game can use thicker shin guards.
Nevertheless, criteria like comfort and mobility remain the same. You need one that sits well on your leg without moving from its place when you lift your legs up and down during strikes or grappling. The guard should be easy on your leg without leading to pinching or restraining effects.
The strength of kicks in karate and other martial arts
In the long run, your body should feel conditioned to bear any impact without crumbling. It needs a lot of practice and hard work. Like other martial art forms, the ankle can be the powerhouse of kicks standard in karate. You can train this specific part through ankle weights. When your train your ankles correctly, you can return to your position immediately after lifting the leg for a quick strike. Your joints will feel safe.
Modern martial arts have piqued people’s interest and curiosity due to their rawness and simplicity that combine fluidity effortlessly. Some learn them for self-defense, and some for sparring. Each set of people still needs to protect their limbs.
