Whether you paid to watch Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva in their rematch in late 2013 or not, it is highly likely that you saw the pictures of what happened to Silva’s leg when a kick was blocked by Weidman’s shin.

The point here is that there are some seriously heavy and lethal kicks that can happen in MMA, and this is why shin guards are considered so important during training:

Why Are They Considered Necessary?

There are more than a few reasons why shin guards are considered necessary in MMA- the most important being safety.

These guards start below your kneecap and run past your ankle in order to cover the top of your foot as well. In doing so, the lower part of your legs is fully covered and protected. Depending on the quality, the price and the type of shin guards you go for, they may wrap around towards the back of your calves or they may only cover the front part of the shin.

Shin guards are highly important to keep the exposed area of your legs protected and safe. When you start off with MMA practice, you will quickly learn the correct form to kick. However, mistakes happen – at some point, you might accidently come up short on a kick. Even if this happens, your shin guards will keep you protected from chances of serious injuries.

Things to Consider When Buying Shin Guards

While there are a number of different options out there, you will quickly learn that comfort is the most important part when purchasing shin guards. For some athletes, fully covered shin guards might be too encapsulating, too heavy or too hot. Such athletes may prefer shin guards that are typically used in Muay Thai; they provide more breathing room for your legs.

Another important aspect to look for in shin guards is quality. The rule is simple; you get what you pay for. When you start practicing sparring or kicking, you will immediately realize the value of a good pair of shin guards. After all, without them, you will be kicking bare-legged. That’s not a good idea.

The easiest way to purchase the right pair is to try them on and see what fits best. Consider how they are made, and if you find a pair that meets all these requirements, you are good to go.

Here is a quick checklist to make the best purchase:

·         Look for one that makes you feel comfortable

·         The most important part is protection of shin and upper part of your feet

·         A bad pair of shin guards will affect your kicking game

·         Expect to pay anywhere between £40 and £70 for a quality pair of shin guards

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