Select Martial Arts Gear Size
Gear Size Details:
Gi (Uniform) Size Guide
Gi size is mainly determined by your height and weight. Use the table below to find your ideal gi size:
| Size | Height | Weight | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5’0″ – 5’4″ | 95 – 125 lbs | 24 – 32 in |
| A1 | 5’4″ – 5’8″ | 125 – 155 lbs | 26 – 34 in |
| A2 | 5’8″ – 6’0″ | 155 – 190 lbs | 28 – 36 in |
| A3 | 6’0″ – 6’2″ | 190 – 225 lbs | 30 – 38 in |
| A4 | 6’2″ – 6’4″ | 225 – 250 lbs | 32 – 40 in |
Gloves Size Guide
Glove size is determined by your hand circumference. Use the table below to choose the right size:
| Size | Hand Circumference | Recommended Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 6 – 7 inches | 90 – 120 lbs |
| Medium | 7 – 8 inches | 120 – 160 lbs |
| Large | 8 – 9 inches | 160 – 200 lbs |
| X-Large | 9 – 10 inches | 200+ lbs |
Shin Guards Size Guide
Shin guard size is based on shin length and calf circumference. Use the table below for sizing:
| Size | Shin Length | Calf Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 14 – 16 inches | 12 – 14 inches |
| Medium | 16 – 18 inches | 14 – 16 inches |
| Large | 18 – 20 inches | 16 – 18 inches |
| X-Large | 20 – 22 inches | 18 – 20 inches |
Headgear Size Guide
Headgear size is determined by head circumference. Use the table below to find your size:
| Size | Head Circumference |
|---|---|
| Small | 20 – 21 inches |
| Medium | 21 – 22 inches |
| Large | 22 – 23 inches |
| X-Large | 23 – 24 inches |
Mouthguard Size Guide
Mouthguards are usually sized by the type of protection you need. Most brands offer one size, but custom-fit mouthguards can be made by your dentist for optimal comfort.
Protective Cup Size Guide
Protective cups are sized based on your waist and hip measurements. Use the size guide below to determine your fit:
| Size | Waist Measurement | Hip Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 26 – 28 inches | 32 – 34 inches |
| Medium | 28 – 30 inches | 34 – 36 inches |
| Large | 30 – 32 inches | 36 – 38 inches |
| X-Large | 32 – 34 inches | 38 – 40 inches |
Martial Arts Gear Size Guide: Everything You Need to Know
When practicing martial arts, whether it's for self-defense, sport, or fitness, one of the most important aspects of your training is ensuring that you have the right gear. Proper gear can protect you from injury and help enhance your performance. However, in order to gain these benefits, it's essential to wear gear that fits well. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the correct size for your martial arts gear, including a detailed size guide for different types of martial arts equipment.
Why Size Matters in Martial Arts Gear
Martial arts gear is designed to protect you, enhance your performance, and allow freedom of movement. Ill-fitting gear can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and even injuries. The importance of correct sizing cannot be overstated whether it’s your gi (uniform), gloves, shin guards, or protective headgear, proper fit ensures that the gear functions as intended.
For example, if your gi is too tight, it may restrict your range of motion during practice. Conversely, if it's too loose, it can impede your movement, cause discomfort, or even make you vulnerable during sparring. Similarly, if your gloves or shin guards don’t fit well, they may not protect you adequately from impacts.
Key Martial Arts Gear and Their Sizing
There are many types of martial arts gear that you will need to select the right size for, depending on the martial art you practice. Let’s dive into some of the most common types of gear and the sizing factors to consider.
1. Martial Arts Gi (Uniform)
The gi is the traditional uniform worn by martial artists. It's crucial for practitioners of arts like judo, karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), and others. A gi typically includes a jacket, pants, and a belt.
How to Measure for a Gi:
- Height: The most common measurement used for gi sizing is your height. A gi that is too long or too short will impede movement.
- Weight: Some brands also use your weight in determining the best gi size, especially for BJJ.
- Waist: For pants, your waist measurement can help ensure a better fit.
Gi Size Chart (Common for Judo, Karate, BJJ):
| Size | Height | Weight | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 5'0" – 5'4" (152-163 cm) | 95 – 125 lbs (43-57 kg) | 24 – 32 in (61-81 cm) |
| A1 | 5'4" – 5'8" (163-173 cm) | 125 – 155 lbs (57-70 kg) | 26 – 34 in (66-86 cm) |
| A2 | 5'8" – 6'0" (173-183 cm) | 155 – 190 lbs (70-86 kg) | 28 – 36 in (71-91 cm) |
| A3 | 6'0" – 6'2" (183-188 cm) | 190 – 225 lbs (86-102 kg) | 30 – 38 in (76-97 cm) |
| A4 | 6'2" – 6'4" (188-193 cm) | 225 – 250 lbs (102-113 kg) | 32 – 40 in (81-102 cm) |
Note: These sizes may vary slightly by brand, so always refer to the manufacturer’s size chart.
2. Martial Arts Gloves
Martial arts gloves are essential for sports like boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. These gloves protect your hands and wrists during sparring and competition.
How to Measure for Gloves:
- Hand Circumference: Measure the circumference around your knuckles (not including your thumb).
- Weight: Some glove sizes are also linked to the weight of the person using them, as larger individuals need more padding for protection.
Glove Size Chart:
| Size | Hand Circumference | Recommended Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 6 - 7 inches (15 - 18 cm) | 90 - 120 lbs (41 - 54 kg) |
| Medium | 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cm) | 120 - 160 lbs (54 - 73 kg) |
| Large | 8 - 9 inches (20 - 23 cm) | 160 - 200 lbs (73 - 90 kg) |
| X-Large | 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cm) | 200+ lbs (90+ kg) |
3. Shin Guards
Shin guards are worn in martial arts like kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA to protect the shins and feet during kicks and strikes.
How to Measure for Shin Guards:
- Shin Length: Measure from the top of your knee to the bottom of your ankle.
- Calf Circumference: You may also need to measure around the widest part of your calf.
Shin Guard Size Chart:
| Size | Shin Length | Calf Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41 cm) | 12 - 14 inches (30 - 36 cm) |
| Medium | 16 - 18 inches (41 - 46 cm) | 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41 cm) |
| Large | 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) | 16 - 18 inches (41 - 46 cm) |
| X-Large | 20 - 22 inches (51 - 56 cm) | 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) |
4. Headgear
Headgear is used in many martial arts, including boxing, taekwondo, and MMA, to protect the head from impacts during sparring.
How to Measure for Headgear:
- Head Circumference: Measure around your forehead, just above your eyebrows, and around the back of your head.
Headgear Size Chart:
| Size | Head Circumference |
|---|---|
| Small | 20 - 21 inches (51 - 53 cm) |
| Medium | 21 - 22 inches (53 - 56 cm) |
| Large | 22 - 23 inches (56 - 58 cm) |
| X-Large | 23 - 24 inches (58 - 61 cm) |
5. Mouthguards
A mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth and gums during combat sports. Whether you're boxing, MMA fighting, or practicing taekwondo, a well-fitting mouthguard ensures maximum protection.
How to Measure for Mouthguards:
- Teeth Alignment: The size of your mouthguard depends on the width of your mouth and the number of teeth it needs to cover. Generally, adult mouthguards are the standard size, but some brands may offer different sizes for children or individuals with braces.
6. Protective Cups
A protective cup is a must-have for male martial artists to protect sensitive areas during sparring or competition.
How to Measure for Protective Cups:
- Waist and Hip Size: Measure the circumference around your waist and hips to ensure a snug and secure fit.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Martial Art
Different martial arts require different types of gear, so selecting the right equipment is essential for both safety and performance.
- Boxing and Kickboxing: Focus on gloves, hand wraps, headgear, and mouthguards.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Primarily requires a gi, along with rash guards for no-gi training.
- MMA: Requires gloves, shin guards, headgear, and mouthguards.
- Taekwondo and Karate: A gi, gloves, and headgear are necessary for sparring.
- Judo: A gi and sometimes specific footwear designed for grip.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size for your martial arts gear is crucial for ensuring comfort, safety, and optimal performance. By using the size charts provided and measuring yourself properly, you can avoid common sizing mistakes that could lead to discomfort or even injury.
Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different sizing standards, so always refer to the specific brand’s size chart and guidelines. Additionally, as your body changes over time due to training or fitness, your gear size may also change. Therefore, it’s important to periodically recheck your measurements and make adjustments as needed.
With the right size gear, you’ll be able to focus on your training, sparring, and competition without worrying about the fit of your equipment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, the proper gear can make a huge difference in your martial arts journey.