MMA Grappling Muay Thai kickboxing Shin Guards 101

Whether it’s Grappling, Muay Thai or Kick Boxing- they are all forms of MMA. 

The first time you clash shins is going to be the first time you wished you did not go cheap on mma shin guards. If you wanted to re-create the force behind two people kicking at the same time- smack 2 baseball bats together.

 There are several things to consider before you run off and but the least expensive pair of shin guards. I have learned the quality of a MMA shin guard though my 25 years of Taekwondo training.

 When shopping for MMA shin guards, the main thing to look for is a re-enforced “Spine” that runs down the front of the guard.I haven’t seen any of the MMA shin guards with this feature. As a long time Taekwondo fighter- this is a feature I always look for first (remember the baseball bats…).

 Perceived value

Many people purchase more expensive things thinking they are better in quality. In you years of working with MMA gear, I have found this is not the case. Let’s take an example- Combat Sports and Hayabusa. Both have about the same padding and are very similar in design. The marketing is what supports the higher price of Hayabusa.

Please don’t take this the wrong- I think they are both very good brands. 

The way that the shin guards are attached to the legs is also very important. The Sock type guards are better suited for grappling and also striking like muay thai. The sock type will not fall off or get spun around when you’re on the ground. You need to ask yourself: Do I need Muay Thai Shin Guards or Do I need Grappling Shin Guards?

So, before you buy those cheap shin guards- think about how yours shins are going to feel after your first shin-to-shin full contact. Remember to look for a re-enforced spine down the front of the guard. If you are looking for quality, a higher price does not always mean they will protect any better. Consider the use- are you going to be rolling on the ground or are you just doing stand up.

One more thing to consider is the weight of the shin guard. Obviously the cloth type are going to weigh the least. There are some really heavy duty shin guards made of leather. These also have some very uncomfortable straps too. I would avoid these.

For MMA Shin Guards