A belly protector is used in martial arts such as boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. It is an essential part of a trainer's equipment. The belly protector is worn to protect the abdomen and ribs from hard punches, knees, and kicks during training.
During a training session, a fighter often needs to be able to punch and kick with full power. Especially when a competition is approaching, intense training is required. Using only pads is not enough then. Without a belly protector, a fighter will hold back more quickly because they feel they cannot fully punch or kick the body. This leads to less intense training. With a good belly protector, training can be done safely and with full power.
Additionally, many trainers consciously choose quality. That's why you'll find belly protectors from well-known brands such as Twins, Super Pro, Everlast, Rival, Cleto Reyes, Booster, and King. These brands are known for their comfort, durability, and excellent protection, allowing you to train intensely without worries.
How does a belly protector work?
A belly protector absorbs the impact and distributes the force over a larger area of the abdomen. Instead of all the force concentrating on one spot, the impact is spread out by the thick padding in the protector. This makes the impact feel less severe and better protects the body.
In sports like Muay Thai and kickboxing, many knees and kicks to the body are practiced. These often land hard. Therefore, a sturdy and thick belly protector is important. In boxing, it's more often about multiple punches in a row to the body. In that case, it is especially important that the body protector continues to absorb the blows well during combinations.
Why every trainer needs a belly protector
Every trainer wants to improve their fighters. This is only possible if a fighter can punch and kick with full power without hesitation.
Without a belly protector, a trainer will automatically become more cautious. They might take a step back or hold back some power. This often happens without them even realizing it. This makes the training less realistic.
With a belly protector, a trainer can stand firm and absorb the blows well. The fighter can then train with full confidence. It also helps prevent injuries. Regularly taking hard punches and knees without protection can cause pain or bruises. With a belly protector, the trainer stays fit and ready for the next training session.
When to use extra thigh protection?
In addition to a belly protector, many trainers also use leg protectors. These are useful when training low kicks. Low kicks can land hard on the trainer's thighs.
Without protection, a trainer will have the kicks performed less hard to spare their legs. With leg protectors, training can be done with full power. This is especially important just before a competition, when everything needs to be practiced well and firmly one last time.
A belly protector and leg protectors together ensure that training can be done safely, hard, and seriously. They are essentially indispensable for a good and strong pad session.
