For a long time, combat sports were considered just about strength and stamina, coupled with technique, but in modern times, this belief has changed. Nowadays, combat sports such as Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA require more than just raw skill and physical power for success, as a lot of other factors such as smart preparation, consistent practice, and having the right protective equipment to keep your body safe also play fundamental roles. This is because every punch, kick, and defensive move places stress on different parts of the body, and without proper gear, athletes run the risk of injury, lost training time, and setbacks that slow progress. Thus, to reduce the occurrence of injuries, as well as to enhance performance, you must equip yourself with the right equipment, as it not only provides protection but also boosts performance. This helps to give fighters the confidence to train harder, push limits, and refine techniques without hesitation, particularly when you’re just beginning your journey into martial arts or you’re already a seasoned competitor. All in all, investing in protective gear is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your health and longevity in the sport.
In this blog, we’ll explore three essential products from Playwell Martial Arts that belong in every fighter’s kit: the Sandee Blue Traditional Ankle Supports, the Sandee Muay Thai Black Children’s Boxing Hand Wraps (2.5m), and the Rival RS100 Professional Sparring Gloves (Red). Each product has a specific role in safeguarding key parts of the body, such as ankles, hands, and overall sparring protection. Beyond just safety, these items also enhance stability, comfort, and performance, ensuring that athletes of all ages can train consistently and effectively, and thus, these pieces of gear stand out as unique items that should be part of your essential training setup.
Good and effective footwork plays a fundamental role in helping you achieve the dominant position over your opponent in martial arts. In striking arts like Muay Thai and kickboxing, ankle health is everything because footwork drives every pivot, kick, and lateral movement, and with so much pressure and stress placed on the ankles, a single misstep can lead to a sprain that sidelines training for weeks. As a result, Playwell Martial Arts provides you with the Sandee Blue Traditional Ankle Supports, which are notable at offering compression and stability that help reduce the risk of rolling or over-rotating the joint. These ankle supports are made from a durable cotton-elastic blend, which means that these supports create a balance between stretch and firmness, hugging the ankle for stability while still allowing full mobility. Their low-profile build ensures they fit easily under shin guards, socks, or sparring gear without discomfort, and their resilience means they can withstand sweat, repeated use, and multiple washes without losing elasticity. They have been designed in the traditional blue aesthetic that reflects the heritage of Muay Thai gear, making them as authentic as they are functional. This can help you particularly when you are recovering from a minor ankle injury, or when you are looking to prevent strain during sparring and bag work, or when you just need reliable support for demanding footwork, as these ankle supports deliver both protection and peace of mind. They are affordable, durable, and comfortable, and thus, they give fighters the confidence to move with speed and precision, making them a smart, essential addition to any training bag.
Though footwork plays a foundational role in martial arts, the majority of the moves in combat are made by the hands and wrists, and thus, they are some of the most vulnerable areas in combat sports, absorbing constant impact with every punch thrown. Without proper protection, the small bones and tendons in these areas can quickly suffer sprains or even fractures, especially for young athletes whose bodies are still developing. This makes it all the more important that the Sandee Muay Thai Black Children’s Boxing Hand Wraps (2.5m) at Playwell Martial Arts are used by this category of combat fighters. These hand wraps have been designed specifically for smaller hands, as they provide the right combination of comfort, security, and support to protect delicate joints during training. At 2.5 meters in length, they’re perfectly sized for children, ensuring a snug fit without excess bulk, and because they are crafted from soft cotton with a touch of elasticity, the wraps allow breathability while maintaining enough stretch to mold around the hands. A secure Velcro strap keeps them firmly in place through intense movements, while the sleek black design with the Sandee logo adds a professional, authentic touch. They are also lightweight and breathable, and thus, they keep young fighters’ hands cool even during longer training sessions, making them ideal for use in boxing or Muay Thai classes. These wraps deliver reliable protection during bag work, pad drills, and light sparring while also teaching children the importance of proper hand-wrapping technique, making them more than just scaled-down adult gear. They are, in reality, a thoughtfully designed product with young athletes in mind, as they support growing bones, encourage safe habits, and provide peace of mind for parents and coaches alike.
Gloves are highly important in all categories of martial arts, especially in sparring, which is one of the most important parts of combat sports training. However, it also carries the highest risk of injury if you don’t have the right equipment, and that’s why sparring gloves are absolutely essential to not only shield your own knuckles and wrists from repeated impact, but to also protect your partner by softening the force of your punches, allowing for safe, effective, and respectful training.
At Playwell Martial Arts, the Rival RS100 Professional Sparring Gloves are widely considered among the best available, designed for athletes who treat sparring as seriously as competition, and constructed with a premium leather exterior, while being reinforced with multi-layered foam padding. These features help these gloves deliver outstanding shock absorption, keeping both you and your partner safer through countless rounds. Furthermore, Rival’s innovative wrist-lock system ensures exceptional stability, reducing the risk of awkward bends or injuries during intense exchanges, and inside, a moisture-wicking lining keeps hands dry, comfortable, and odor-free, even through long, high-intensity sessions. These gloves are available in sparring weights from 14oz to 18oz to help strike the right balance between protection and performance, while the bold red finish and Rival branding give them a professional, polished look that stands out in the gym. They are also built to withstand the demands of serious training, and thus, they remain durable over time, even under heavy use. These gloves are thus ideal for both professional fighters and ambitious amateurs, offering unmatched consistency in controlled sparring and partner drills.