Sparring is often used in martial arts training. Specified rules are followed during sparring to decrease the likelihood of injury and still allow the student to improve his or her agility, balance and performance.

Two types of protective gear used in martial arts sparring are foot gear and gloves. Both are made of vinyl-dipped foam. Good quality foot gear provides good traction and air flow. Sparring gloves give the student full hand and wrist protection with minimal restriction.

Steady focus is essential to martial arts sparring. All martial arts are based on an interaction between the mind and body. Focus requires practice and mental skills development. Both external distractions, such as room temperature and movement, and internal distractions, including the student's physical state and self talk, must be blocked. Relaxing breathing exercises are a useful tool for focus improvement. Becoming aware of and ignoring negative self talk also enhances focus during sparring.

Kick pads are made of padded high density foam. Kick pads cover either the abdominal area or the arms and are held by the trainer or sparring opponent. Hand clasps and straps are on the underside of the kick pad for easy handling. The abdominal kick pads are used for practicing foot jabs, front and side kicks, knee strikes and punches. Arm kick pads are used in sparring for front and side kicks. The assistant is well-protected by the kick pad, and the student can concentrate on increasing accuracy and power.

Kick bags can either be held by the trainer or sparring partner or hung against a wall. Kick bags are made of durable fabric, usually canvas, with a leather kick area, and may have removable stuffing so that the student can adjust the density according to his or her skill. Kick bags are used to improve the power of side and front kicks.

Protective head gear for martial arts sparring is made of thick quality foam for maximum shock absorption. It should protect the entire head and have additional padding over the ears. Ventilation holes in the head gear allow for good air flow and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit.

Another piece of martial arts sparring equipment is the protective chest guard. These are normally made of high density foam covered with soft vinyl. A protective chest guard needs to cover the entire collarbone and shoulder areas. Chest guards reduce the risk of injury during sparring, but full protection cannot be guaranteed.

Clear face shields attach to protective head gear. A face shield should not reduce peripheral vision and should also be impact tested. Face shields are more comfortable if they include adjustable straps and have air flow openings.

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