Benefits of Muay Thai Shin Guards
Muay Thai is a physically demanding sport that requires proper protection, especially to the shins. This is where Muay Thai shin guards come into play. Even before you have your own pair, you’re going to have to strap on the gym’s communal pairs, as they’re an essential piece for your training and sparring.
It’s always recommended to get your own pair ASAP, just the same as your own pair of gloves or even shorts. This article will go over the key benefits of shin guards for Muay Thai training.
Protection from Injuries
The primary benefit of using Muay Thai shin guards is protection from injuries. The shins are one of the most vulnerable areas in Muay Thai, and taking kicks or checks without proper protection can lead to painful injuries such as bruises, cuts, and even fractures.
For UFC fans, you’ve seen the devastating injuries suffered by Anderson Silva in his fight against Chris Weidman, and in a weird coincidence also Weidman in his fight against Uriah Hall. Both injuries occurred when kicks were being checked.
Warning: The below videos contain graphic injuries.
Shin guards provide a layer of cushioning that helps to absorb the impact of strikes, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to train and spar more safely.
Sparring Essential
Not only is the protection of shin guards needed for you, but also your sparring or training partner. Having your shins clash with someone else’s can hurt real bad! If you’ve ever accidentally walked into something and corked your shin, or even experienced clashing your shin with someone else's during training, then you know how bad the pain can be. This is also why shin guards are usually compulsory for any form of sparring.
Yes there’s a time and place to condition your shins, since we all want to kick down a banana tree like Buakaw. But for most training and sparring purposes, it’s better to strap on some shin guards.
Increased Confidence
Wearing shin guards can also increase your confidence during training and sparring. When you know that you're protected, you'll be less hesitant to throw kicks or check your opponent's kicks. This can help you to improve your technique and stop being gun-shy. Finding the right rhythm and flow for your striking will help build your confidence as a fighter, in and out of the ring.
Improved Performance
As you’re reducing the risk of injuries wearing shin guards, you'll be able to train and spar more frequently, which can help you to build your skills and conditioning faster. Shin guards can also help you to develop better technique by allowing you to focus on your form and power without worrying about the physical consequences of making impact.
Comfort
Shin guards are designed to fit snugly around your legs without being too tight or restrictive, which means that you can move more freely and comfortably during your workouts. If your shin guards are feeling uncomfortable, check out this article on tips on breaking them in. They also help to absorb sweat and moisture, which can help to prevent skin irritation and chafing.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter, investing in a good pair of Muay Thai shin guards is a smart choice that can help you to take your skills, confidence and performance to the next level. Explore our collection today and fight the right pair of shin guards for your training.