Most martial artists make this mistake… Do you too?
You train hard and give everything in every session. But the chances are high that you're holding yourself back with every training session.
And the worst part? You don't even notice it.
It's not because:
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Your technique is poor.
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Your conditioning isn't good enough.
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You lack experience.
It's simply because you're training with worn-out equipment.
Most martial artists continue using their equipment for months or even years without noticing how much it deteriorates.
Because gloves that still look good on the outside can be completely worn out inside.
A head guard that has felt "okay" for years no longer absorbs punches the way it should.
The result?
Every punch, every kick goes straight through the padding and causes more damage than necessary.
But how can you tell if your equipment is still truly protecting you? And more importantly: How can you avoid only realising it's time for a replacement… when it's already too late?
If you want to know which warning signs to look out for, keep reading. In the next three minutes, you'll discover how you're risking unnecessary injuries and how you can avoid it.
The invisible wear you only notice when it's too late.
Most martial artists believe they only need to replace their equipment when it shows visible signs of wear. But appearance tells you nothing about the actual condition.
Your boxing gloves absorb sweat with every training session. Over time, this penetrates deep into the padding and makes it increasingly softer.
This means: Your gloves can no longer properly cushion the force of your punches and your knuckles have to take the full impact.
The problem with this "invisible" wear?
You don't notice it immediately. The padding doesn't completely give out overnight.
Often you only realise how poor your old gloves were when you put on a new pair.
But if you train too long with worn-out gloves, a single hard punch can be enough to cause weeks or even months of pain in your knuckles.
And you definitely want to avoid that.
When is it time to replace your equipment?
Now that you know most martial artists use their equipment for far too long, the question is: How can you prevent this?
Fortunately, there are clear signs that show you when your equipment is no longer providing optimal protection.
Here are a few simple tests that will help you find out in just a few minutes whether your equipment is still safe.
Boxing gloves
✔ The "squeeze test": Squeeze the padding of your gloves in the knuckle area. Can you feel your knuckles with even light pressure? Then the gloves are no longer providing adequate protection.
✔ Smell & moisture: Old sweat penetrates deep into the padding and makes it soft. An extremely intense smell that can no longer be removed is often a sign that your gloves need replacing.
Shin guards
✔ Pressure test: Press on the padding. Can you immediately feel your shin? Then the padding has compressed and is no longer providing adequate protection.
✔ Permanent dents: Are there dents in the padding that don't spring back? Then the padding is broken in those areas – time for a new pair.
Head guard
✔ Compression test: Press on both sides of the head guard with both hands. Does it immediately spring back to its original shape? Then it's still fine. Does it stay compressed? Then the cushioning has deteriorated significantly.
✔ Fastenings and velcro straps: Check whether the velcro still holds firmly and doesn't come loose when you move.
Time for an upgrade?
If any of the tests above show that your equipment is no longer providing the best protection, then replace it.
Don't continue training with worn-out equipment just because you think it's "still okay". An injury can happen faster than you think and then you'll wish you'd replaced your equipment in time.
Just as you want to keep your body in top form, your equipment should always be in the best condition too.
At The Fight Company you'll find high-quality martial arts gear that gives you the protection you need.
Whether you're looking for new boxing gloves, shin guards or other equipment, we have everything you need to train with confidence.
Click here for the full collection. Upgrade your equipment now!➡️