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Light, medium, or a heavy-weight gi?

A gi comes in several weights from 8oz to 18oz, and they may be light-weight, medium-weight, or heavy-weight. The weight of a fabric depends on how the fabric of a gi is woven. A gi comes in different fabrics, which are normally cotton, canvas, or a blend of polyester-cotton. These fabrics can be woven in several different ways like plain weave, weft-faced weave, warp-faced weave, twill weave, satin weave, tapestry weave, weft patterning weave, twining weave, knotted pile weave and many more. Normally, a gi comes in single weave, double weave, gold weave, pearl weave, pearl plus weave, honeycomb weave and ripstop weave. [...]  read more

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A good mittholder needs a Pacific Sports focus mitt

For the practice to be effective, the mittholder must be good; and a good mittholder needs a good focus mitt. Mitt practice is done by practitioners of boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, MMA, and other martial arts. Practicing with a mitt is required for learning how to punch, kick or use elbow and knee strikes. The trainer holds the mitt while the practitioner hits it. During this process, the trainer shows some tips on how the strikes can have greater accuracy, speed, and power. These tips are implemented by the practitioner until the practitioner gets it right. Hence, training with a mitt is strenuous and intense. Both the trainer and the practitioner put in a lot of effort in the training session. In order for the combined efforts of the trainer and the practitioner to be fruitful, the mitt has to be very good like Pacific Sports focus mitts. [...]  read more

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How to hold a kicking shield or a multipurpose pad

A kicking shield is a padded piece of training equipment and so it is also known as a kicking pad. Again, besides practicing kicks, it can also be used to practice punches, knee and elbow strikes, and thus, it is also known as a multipurpose pad. While holding the multipurpose pad, the partner should not get hurt from the power of your kicks and punches. For this reason, the following general guidelines may be followed: [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports kickboxing shorts for competition

Pacific Sports shorts are designed to withstand the high pressure of kickboxing competition. The fabric is polyester or a blend of polyester with silk or satin, which makes it extremely strong and long lasting. The stitching is doubly reinforced at pressure points areas, so that fast kicks can be easily delivered. The sides are cut suitably to provide full range of motion. Moreover, they come in attractive colors and styles to suit every type of kickboxing competition. [...]  read more

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Is Lycra and spandex the same?

Yes, there are the same. Sometime in the 1950s, the DuPont Corporation developed an elastomeric polyurethane fibre (polyether-polyurea copolymer) and branded it as "Lycra". Lycra is also known as elastane, spandex, Numa, Spandelle, and Vyrene; however, all these have the same polyurethane fibre and thus, they are different generic or brand names for the same fibre. This fibre has great stretchability and expands quite a lot; thus, sometimes it is said that the word "spandex" is an anagram of the word "expands". Spandex or Lycra adds itself easily with polyester, or nylon, or hemp, or cotton, or wool. Pacific Sports offers high quality compression wear made from a blend of polyester and Lycra. [...]  read more

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How to clean MMA gloves

Pacific Sports MMA gloves are exclusively designed for Mixed Martial Arts, so that punching and grappling moves can be powerfully executed. After an intense MMA workout, it is obvious that the gloves become dirty due to sweat, dust, and bacteria, which makes the gloves unhygienic, and they also smell bad. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the gloves, so that they remain bacteria-free and last a very long time. Pacific Sports MMA gloves are very easy to clean in few simple steps only. [...]  read more

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How to sew a martial arts uniform (gi) yourself

A gi (also known as a dogi, or a keikogi, loosely translated as “practice clothes”) is a martial arts uniform that is worn by practitioners of Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and more. A gi consists of a jacket (known as “uwagi”), pants (known as “shitabaki” or "zubon"), and a belt (known as an “obi”). To sew a gi yourself, you need to make the jacket, the pants, and the belt. [...]  read more

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How to fold a Gi in a traditional Japanese way?

8oz Poly/Cotton – White Karate Gi

A gi can be folded in many ways; however, traditionally in Japan it is folded either in a rectangular/square way or a round/circular way. In Japan, these methods are known as: Shikaku oritatami gi (shikaku=square, oritatami=folding/folded, gi=martial arts uniform), Nagashikaku oritatami gi (nagashikaku=rectangular), and Marui oritatami gi (marui=round/circular). Generally, martial artists in Japan, fold their gi in any of the above ways. [...]  read more

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How to break in Taekwondo shoes

A new pair of shoes feels nice but getting blisters from shoe bites certainly does not feel nice. But new shoes do bite and therefore breaking in the shoes fast is required, so that wearing the shoes can be an enjoyable experience. Like all other shoes, Taekwondo shoes also need to be broken in. [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Training & Protective Gear

As a martial artist you already know the importance of having the right training gear to get the most out of your training sessions. From paddles to gloves to kick shields and everything in-between, having high quality training and protective equipment, lets you reach new levels of performance. [...]  read more

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Why use rash guards in martial arts?

Rash guards are a popular item in sportswear and are used by athletes across a range of different sports, from martial arts and football to surfing and swimming. In martial arts, rash guard have several uses. Rash guards prevent chafing, sunburn, skin irritations, and provide numerous other protections. Because they are made from spandex, or polyester, or nylon, or a blend of these materials, they lightweight and comfortable, yet strong and durable. They can be long-sleeved or short-sleeved, and often feature UV protection as well as anti-microbial properties. Rash guards are an essential part of any athlete's wardrobe, as they provide an extra layer of protection against the elements while still allowing for maximum flexibility and movement. [...]  read more

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Benefits of a kicking shield in Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on using kicking techniques to defend oneself. A key tool for training and developing kicking skills is the kicking shield, which is a large, padded device that is held by a trainer or training partner to serve as a target for kicks. There are innumerable benefits of using a kicking shield in Taekwondo training. The first and most obvious benefit of using a kicking shield is improved accuracy and power. Kicking shields are typically larger and thicker than traditional targets, which allows practitioners to better focus on their kicking techniques and build up power as they practice. This is especially important for Taekwondo practitioners who rely on powerful kicking techniques to defend themselves, as the shield provides a more realistic target that accurately represents the human body.  [...]  read more

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The importance of wearing a gi

In martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, and Judo, a uniform is known as a "gi". The design of a gi has its roots from traditional Japanese attire and it consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. The importance of a gi lies in the fact that it is both functional and symbolic. [...]  read more

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How to wear a Gi

A gi (also known as a dogi, or a keikogi, loosely translated as "practice clothes") is a uniform that is worn to practice traditional martial arts like Taekwon-Do, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and other martial arts. They are designed for providing comfort, while allowing for a full range of motion, so that dynamic movements involving stances, punches, kicks and other martial exercises, can be easily executed. A gi comprises of pants (known as "shitabaki"), a top that is wrapped around (known as "uwagi"), and a long fabric belt (known as an "obi"). The belt holds the top and also shows the skill level attained by the practitioner. [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Multipurpose Pads

A multipurpose pad is a training equipment to practice multiple types of strikes. It can be used to train in any type of martial art. It is held by one partner while another partner delivers powerful kicks, punches, knee and elbow strikes to it. The multipurpose pads are hit thousands of times and Pacific Sports multipurpose pads last hundreds of innumerable toughest training sessions. [...]  read more

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Kicking practice with a focus paddle

A focus paddle is great to practice the timing, distance and accuracy of kicks. The top of the focus paddle is shaped like a tennis racket and this is the part that is kicked. The bottom is a handle which can be held firmly by the holder of the focus paddle. In case the kick is forceful then the paddle can be knocked out of the holder's hand, and to prevent this from happening, a long string loop made of cotton or elastic is provided, through which the holder can slide the hand before holding the handle. The string loop can also help to hang the paddle when it is not in use. [...]  read more

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Training with Taekwondo shoes

Traditionally, Taekwondo is practiced barefoot and in competitions, generally shoes are not allowed. Thus, training barefoot has the advantage of obtaining the sensitivity of the feet coming in contact with the floor, and thereby getting the real feel of a competition. However, there are many reasons why Taekwondo shoes should be worn during training. Taekwondo shoes are special types of shoes, because they have soft upper leather, laces to tie for a secure fit, and a pivot point on the sole to enable easy turning for executing various types of spinning kicks. Training with Taekwondo shoes has several advantages. [...]  read more

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Muay Thai and Kickboxing Shorts

Shorts are used in both Muay Thai and Kickboxing, however the shorts are slightly different as they serve different functions. Although Muay Thai and Kickboxing share some common features, yet they are two different kinds of martial arts. Kickboxing uses punches and kicks by employing 2 hands and 2 legs, therefore it is an art of 4 limbs. Whereas, Muay Thai uses punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, employing 2 hands, 2 elbows, 2 knees, and 2 legs, therefore it is an art of 8 limbs. Additionally, Muay Thai also uses grappling techniques. [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Kickboxing Shorts

There are many types of shorts but kickboxing shorts are different. They cater to the individual needs of the sport. Pacific Sports kickboxing shorts are exclusively designed and manufactured for kickboxing. These outstanding shorts offer a full range of motion, that enables complete freedom of movement. There is ample room for the thighs to move in all directions. Shorts are made from 100% polyester. Polyester is lightweight, yet extremely strong and these shorts can withstand the toughest training. They will last a very long time. Shorts are also made with polyester satin. Polyester makes the fabric tough, while stain gives it a shiny look and a soft feel. [...]  read more

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Must-haves for a martial artist

A martial artist may practice Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, Muay Thai or MMA, but there is always a need for the following essential and indispensable must-haves. A well-fitting gi that is comfortable, allows full-range of motion, absorbs sweat effectively, and is also long-lasting, is certainly a must-have. Pacific Sports offers excellent gi for Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and BJJ. A wide, long belt is a must-have. Besides showing the level of skill, a belt also functions to hold the jacket in place and protect vital pressure points of the body. Pacific Sports offers superb belts of all colours and also black belts specially made from premium cotton. [...]  read more

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Great Gi = Tough Training

A gi, besides being a visual statement of the level of skill attained, the martial art practiced, and its associated culture and style, also needs to be functional and comfortable. Even if an appropriate functional gi is worn, yet it needs to be comfortable, as an uncomfortable gi distracts attention and reduces performance. A great gi has a great fit, creates a great state of mind, has a great jacket, has a great pant, has a great belt, and has several great characteristics. A great gi is compulsory for tough training and thereby, it enhances performance in martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and BJJ. Every gi of Pacific Sports is a great gi. [...]  read more

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Consumer satisfying attributes of a gi

8oz Poly/Cotton – White Karate Gi

A study by Perry, A. & Lee, J. (2017) has found that consumers were satisfied with their current gi because of its quality, fit, and comfort. Whereas, while buying a new gi, they looked for functional and aesthetic attributes. Quality of the gi is a prime consideration. A high quality gi is durable, sewn well, should be fitting and be available in your chosen colour, fabric, and size. The stitching of the gi should be of high quality so that while performing complex techniques, it does not tear, especially at pressure points areas. Pacific Sports gi have heavy-duty double stitching at the seams. A full gusset in the pants allows room for deep stretches and high kicks without pulling at the seams. Gi made for Jiu Jitsu or BJJ, feature extra stitching at the knees, to enhance durability of the fabric. [...]  read more

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Enclothed cognition can improve performance

Wearing an attire that is suitable for a given task, increases the performance of that task. If you have just joined a martial arts class, then wearing a lightweight 8oz cotton white gi can motivate you immensely. If you have enrolled for an ITF Taekwon-Do class, then you should go for an 8oz Cotton V-neck white gi which has ITF logo in front and "Taekwon-Do" print on the back. Wearing a gi with the suitable weight, while practicing martial arts increases your dedication and this results in your throwing powerful punches and blazing fast kicks. As you progress and receive higher colored belts, you can go along with 12oz, 14oz, 16oz and 18oz gi. [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Taekwondo Shoes

Martial art shoes provide several benefits and the top 4 reasons include hygiene, self-protection, sparring protection, and real self-defense situations. Unlike other martial art shoes, Taekwondo shoes feature a pivot point that is located on the ball of foot area on the sole. This unique feature enables pivoting on the leg for executing various types of kicks and also in performing various blocks and stances. Pacific Sports Taekwondo shoes have several exceptional features that provide several unique benefits. [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Shin-Ankle-Instep Guards

Pacific Sports shin-ankle-instep guards are built to withstand the toughest training. They are used for training in MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Taekwondo, and many other martial arts. Pacific Sports shin-ankle-instep guards feature a unique and an innovative design that offers complete protection and is also light in weight. The guards provide optimum resilience for intensive training, excellent sweat absorption, and superior protection for the shin, ankle and the instep. [...]  read more

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Choosing a Karate Jacket

A Karate dogi or keikogi or simply known as a gi, consists of a jacket (known as ('uwagi'), pants (known as 'zubon') and a belt (known as 'obi'). Generally, a belt is sold separately and does not come along with the gi. Sometimes, the jacket needs to be changed and thus, instead of buying a gi, only the jacket needs to be bought. While buying a jacket, one must ensure that it allows enough room for the arms to move in all directions, and the waist to twist without any hindrances. The skirt of the jacket should hang well beneath the belt, so that it does become un-tucked from the belt when performing different movements. [...]  read more

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How to select Muay Thai shorts

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing or Thai kickboxing, is a martial art of Thailand. It is a full-contact combat sport that combines the use of two fists, two elbows, two knees, and two shins, and is thus, sometimes known as "the art of eight limbs"; however, nowadays along with different striking techniques of the hands and legs, it also combines various clinching techniques.  [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports Focus Mitts

A focus mitt is a training equipment used in martial arts and other combat sports. It has a padding on the front and a glove on the back. The padding on the front serves as a target, while the glove on the back enables to hold the focus mitt securely. The concept of using focus mitts, in various forms, is seen since ancient times. Earlier, a training partner used to hold slippers or foot tongs or small pillows, which served as focus mitts, to absorb the shock from the strikes of a martial artist. Over time, several modifications took place and nowadays, focus mitts are made of high density foam covered by leather. A focus mitt is widely used throughout the world and is an essential training equipment in martial arts and other combat sports.  [...]  read more

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Pacific Sports MMA Gloves

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gloves are a special kind of gloves that facilitate both punching and grappling moves. They are open-fingered gloves, which may have an open or a closed thumb. The palm is left open to maximize ventilation. The wrist is protected by an adjustable wrist band that is closed by laces or a Velcro strap. The top of the glove has padding that protects the knuckles, while the open fingers enable submission and grappling techniques. [...]  read more

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15 Outstanding Benefits of Pacific Sports Rash Guards

A rash is a change of the skin which affects its color, feeling, or texture and it may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. A rash guard, as the name implies, guards the skin from rashes. In sporting activities, the skin comes in contact with various natural and unnatural elements, which may causes rashes. A rash guard, sometimes known as a rashies or rashys, is a specialized apparel made for sporting activities. It is available as an upperbody wear, as a lowerbody wear, or a full-body wear. In combat sports like martial arts, especially in grappling martial arts, BJJ, and MMA, rash guards are extremely popular. Due to the different techniques employed, a martial artist may execute or be subjected to various kinds of punches, kicks, blocks, and throws, due to which rashes caused by abrasion may appear on the skin. A rash guard offers protection against such rashes. Generally, martial artists wear a rash guard beneath a Gi or even sometimes as a stand-alone garment. [...]  read more

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Using multipurpose pads for effective training

In martial arts training, a multipurpose pad is used to train arm and leg strikes, primarily to improve technique, power and accuracy of the strikes. It also has an added benefit of helping to condition the body part used. A multipurpose pad can be used in any martial art or combat sport. For a no-holds barred training, instead of sparring with a partner, one can practice with one or more multipurpose pads. A martial artist can use full power in the strikes and get almost the same benefit as sparring with a partner. Since full power strikes are targeted at a multipurpose pad, no training partner is hurt. Practicing with a multipurpose pad is totally safe, instructive and enjoyable at the same time. [...]  read more

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Various identifying aspects of a gi (martial arts uniform)

Any uniform is a dress code, whose primary function is identification. The usage of a uniform, as a means of identification, may be broadly classified as general identification and specific identification. A general identification occurs when the uniform denotes belongingness to a particular group or social entity. For example, schoolchildren wear a particular uniform that identifies their belongingness to a particular school. Likewise, different professions have different identifying uniforms. For example, a gi (martial arts uniform) identifies a martial artist, a white overcoat identifies a doctor, and a police uniform identifies a person serving in the police force. [...]  read more

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The multiple benefits of compression wear

A compression wear, compresses the surface of the skin and thereby exerts a surface pressure on the body part where it is worn. Due to this balanced pressure, blood flow is accelerated and the affected muscle groups obtain more oxygen, which enhances faster recovery. Athletes can derive various benefits from compression wear. [...]  read more

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Does the colour of a uniform affect performance in sports?

In the past few years several studies have been done on the topic of how colour of a uniform can affect an athlete's performance in sports. Some studies argue that a white coloured uniform is disadvantageous in competitions; while some studies state that a superiority effect is achieved if the uniform is red; whereas other studies opine that aggression is increased if the uniform colour is black. [...]  read more

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Points to consider before buying a martial arts uniform

Martial arts are practiced worldwide, with many practiced both as a martial art and as an Olympic sport. Practitioners need to wear a uniform, which is known by different names in different martial arts. A Taekwondo uniform is known as a "dobok" and a Karate uniform is known as a "dogi". However, generally a martial arts uniform is known simply as a "gi". While buying any martial art uniform, the following points should be considered. [...]  read more

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Training with a Paddle

A paddle is a training equipment that is primarily used in Taekwondo, but can also be used in any other martial art. The inside of the paddle has high density foam, which is covered with high-quality durably stitched leather, so that it can withstand intense usage. The paddle has a handle and a padded hitting target, which together measures about 17 inches in length. The padded hitting target has a width of about 8 inches. The paddle is lightweight and weighs about 330 gms.  [...]  read more

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Sewing a patch on a martial arts uniform (gi)

Patch of "Pacific International Taekwondo"

Martial arts uniforms have different names in different martial arts, for example, in Taekwondo it is known as a "dobok", and in Karate it is known as a "dogi". Nonetheless, a kimono-style top with pants and a belt is commonly known as a "gi". A gi is available in various colours and sizes. Most martial arts schools have a patch of their own, which needs to be sewn on the gi. Sewing a patch can be done by hand or by a sewing machine. The process of sewing is simple and it consists of three stages, namely before sewing, sewing and after sewing. [...]  read more

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Washing a Gi (Martial Arts Uniform)

Black and Red Jiu Jitsu Gi

Martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, Jiu-Jutsu and Judo use a uniform that is known as a Gi, which consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. Since there are different coloured belts, a Gi is usually sold with only the jacket and the pants, while the belt has to be purchased separately. Training in martial arts is rigorous and thus, the Gi gets soiled with dirt, dust, odour, and sweat. Therefore, the Gi must be washed and following washing instructions enables the Gi to last a long time. Washing usually consists of three phases, which are pre-washing, washing and post-washing. [...]  read more

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Common weaves of a gi

Common weaves of a gi. What is a gi? A traditional martial arts uniform that is used to practice Japanese martial arts and its derivative forms, is known as a "keikogi" (keiko, roughly translated as "practice", and gi, roughly translated as "dress or clothes"). A keikogi is also known as a keikoi, or a dōgi. [...]  read more

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The martial arts belt

Martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu have a tradition of wearing belts. A belt is an important piece of clothing in martial arts. Worn correctly, it protects the umbilicus at the front and the back bone at the back, which are two vital pressure points in the body. Martial arts that do not have a belt in their uniforms, wear a sash, which besides protection of the vital points, can also serve to hold swords, knives, sticks, or smaller weapons. [...]  read more

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Black Karate Pants

You might think that black karate pants are much less commonplace than the usual white pants for martial art training. After all when we think of karate, most people will picture a white uniform, the only colour being on the belt, to denote the wearer’s skill level. Although it’s true that white karate pants are still the most common and easiest colour to purchase, black karate pants are gaining in popularity. [...]  read more

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What Are The Best Kickboxing Shorts?

When it comes to deciding what are the best kickboxing shorts, be aware that having the proper gear is essential. Kick boxing requires shorts that are durable, flexible, and functional. But with such a large selection of shorts and brands on the market, how can you tell what are the best shorts for kickboxing? It can be a bit troublesome to find the best pair. Do not worry. Rather than assume a well-known brand name pair of shorts are going to be a great fit on your body, here are the points to consider before you purchase the best shorts for kickboxing. [...]  read more

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Kids Shin Pads for Martial Arts

As every parent will agree, safety is paramount in any kids activity. This holds true even more when it comes to your kid participating in any contact sports based activity such as martial arts - from choosing an environment where they are looked after well by their teachers to choosing the right karate uniform or Taekwondo uniform and protective accessories. [...]  read more