Blog
Notes on training, philosophy, and the martial way.
Best Punch Mitts for Fighters in 2025
--- --- Best Punch Mitts for Fighters in 2025 Introduction Picture this: It's the early 2000s, and I'm in a gritty gym in São Paulo, Brazil, dodging hooks from.
The Art of Choosing Focus Mitt Brands for MMA
The Art of Choosing Focus Mitt Brands for MMA Picture this: It's a humid evening in a packed Bangkok Muay Thai gym, and I'm holding focus mitts for a pro...
Why Gel Focus Mitts Matters for Combat Sports
--- --- Why Gel Focus Mitts Matter for Combat Sports Have you ever held pads for a striker throwing hooks and crosses, only to feel the sting radiate through...
The Complete Guide to Padded Punch Mitts
The Complete Guide to Padded Punch Mitts Picture this: It's 2005, and I'm in a dimly lit gym in Chicago, laces tight on my coaching gloves, holding pads for a..
What Makes Curved Focus Mitts Essential for Fighters
--- --- What Makes Curved Focus Mitts Essential for Fighters Introduction Did you know that a study by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found..
Understanding Straight Focus Mitts: Materials, Features, and Performance
--- --- Understanding Straight Focus Mitts: Materials, Features, and Performance Introduction Have you ever stepped into a gym for a focus mitt session only to.
The Complete Guide to Use Focus Mitts
--- --- The Complete Guide to Use Focus Mitts Picture this: You're in the dimly lit gym after hours, sweat dripping, as your training partner straps on a pair..
The Art of Choosing Thai Pads Brands for MMA
The Art of Choosing Thai Pads Brands for MMA By David Thompson, Equipment Specialist and Former Boxing Coach A Brief History: From Thai Campyards to MMA...
Best Thai Pads for Fighters in 2025
Best Thai Pads for Fighters in 2025 Picture this: It's 2012, and I'm knee-deep in a grueling Muay Thai camp in Thailand, sweat pouring off me as my trainer...
Understanding Curved Thai Pads: Materials, Features, and Performance
--- --- Understanding Curved Thai Pads: Materials, Features, and Performance By David Thompson, Equipment Specialist and Former Boxing Coach with 20+ Years in..
Muay Thai Pad Training: A Fighter's Guide to Selection and Use
Muay Thai Pad Training: A Fighter's Guide to Selection and Use In the sweltering camps of 20th-century Thailand, where Muay Thai was forged in the fires of...
Best Kicking Shield Brands for Fighters in 2025
Best Kicking Shield Brands for Fighters in 2025 Introduction Picture this: You're in the thick of a grueling Muay Thai session at your local gym, sweat...
Curved Kick Shields: A Fighter's Guide to Selection and Use
Curved Kick Shields: A Fighter's Guide to Selection and Use In the relentless grind of a high-intensity Muay Thai or MMA pad session, curved kick shields stand.
Understanding Leg Kick Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance
Understanding Leg Kick Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance Introduction Picture this: It's 2012, and I'm in the thick of a grueling Muay Thai camp in..
Best Hand Shield Striking for Fighters in 2025
Best Hand Shield Striking for Fighters in 2025 Introduction: The Evolution of Hand Shield Striking Hand shield striking traces its roots back to the gritty...
Understanding Shield Training Drills: Materials, Features, and Performance
Understanding Shield Training Drills: Materials, Features, and Performance By David Thompson, Equipment Specialist and Former Boxing Coach with 20+ Years in...
Strike Shield Brands Essentials for Every Fighter
Strike Shield Brands Essentials for Every Fighter Did you know that striking-related injuries account for nearly 60% of all trauma in MMA training sessions,...
Understanding Round Strike Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance
Understanding Round Strike Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance Did you know that improper pad work contributes to nearly 40% of striking-related...
Understanding Rectangular Strike Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance
--- --- Understanding Rectangular Strike Shield: Materials, Features, and Performance Introduction Picture this: back in the gritty gyms of 1970s Thailand,...
How to Choose the Perfect Body Striking Target for Your Training
How to Choose the Perfect Body Striking Target for Your Training By Sarah Chen, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach...