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Fist and Forearm Buying Guide

Martial artists at all skill levels require various types of body protection equipment for use while sparring. From your earliest days as a martial artist, you'll use sparring to improve the critical skills of timing, footwork, and reaction speed. Most martial arts schools incorporate sparring as an integral part of training. Sparring with other members of your dojo is the main way in which you'll train yourself in a manner that is as close as possible to what it will look and feel like to compete or fight against a real opponent. If you want to do so in the most efficient and effective way possible, however, it's important to minimize the risk of injury. Sparring is highly physical and leaves you open to possible injury. Investing in high-quality sparring gear minimizes the potential for injury. Whether you're a casual martial artist or a high-level competitor, you'll need sparring gear for your whole body. From headgear, gloves, and chest protectors to fist, forearm, and shin guards, AWMA has you covered from head to toe.

You have a number of options when it comes to fist and forearm protection. If you are doing any kind of sparring in taekwondo, karate, boxing, or any other striking martial art, you will need fist and forearm protectors.

Fist Guard vs. Fist Protector

AWMA offers both a fist guard and a fist protector. So, what is the difference between these and how do you know which one is best for your needs? While you may occasionally see these two terms used interchangeably, these are actually distinct items. A fist guard usually has at least 1 inch of padding and offers the maximum amount of both coverage and protection for your wrist and knuckles. These guards also often have a wide elastic wrist band to ensure a secure fit. A fist protector, on the other hand, covers the back of the hand, and it has much less padding – normally in and around 1/2 inch of padding would be the maximum for these. Fist protectors also have finger and thumb slots to perfect your punching technique.

Using Hand Wraps and Fist Guards Together

You may have seen or heard about some martial artists who use fist guards underneath their hand wraps. This is optional, especially if you are not fighting at a very high level. Using fist guards under hand wraps offers even more protection and is most effective for a professional-level boxer or martial artist who is delivering very high impact punches on a consistent basis throughout a bout.

Fist Protector Sizing

The ProForce® fist protector comes in four different sizes: child, small, medium, and large, which differ in length and width. Fist guards only come in two sizes: junior and senior. These are the same length, but differ in width. If you're looking at the ProForce® Combination Fist/Forearm Guard, this one comes in two sizes for children and three adult sizes, each differing in both length and width. Be sure to check the sizing charts for the specific protector or guard you are interested in. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure your hand and choose the best size.

Combination Fist/Forearm Protectors

If you prefer more full-coverage protection, ProForce® also offers a combination fist/forearm guard, which provides coverage from the elbows to the knuckles. Most fist/forearm combination guards will also have padding over the fist area, and an elastic sleeve to ensure a secure fit. Normally, combination guards are open-palm, for better grabbing and punching technique.

Combination Fist/Forearm Protector Sizing

The ProForce® Combination Fist/Forearm Protector comes in various sizes for both adults and children. Sizes are based on the length from just below the elbow to the knuckle, and the width as measured across the widest part of the hand.