Benefits of wearing a headguard

A headguard is a padded helmet that is mainly used and worn in contact sports such as rugby, boxing and in this case martial arts. It protects the martial artist’s head and face.

Full face: a full faced headguard provides the same protection as open faced (forehead, temples, ears, sides and back of head) but also protect the chin and cheeks. It provides the best protection as it covers the whole face, however it does reduce visibility.

Open faced: this type of headgear has padding that goes around your head. It protects your chin, temples, and forehead. Open faced headgear allows the individual to maintain a layer of protection while still having their full field of vision. It helps prevent any unnecessary damage. The broadest field of vision is offered with this headguard, and still protects them to an acceptable level.

These types of head guards are used primarily for martial arts and Muay Thai. Full faced headgear is recommended for sparring, all age groups and individuals who want to minimise injuries such as bruises, scrapes, and cuts. Open faced headgear is recommended for amateur fighters and all age groups from children to adults.

**It is recommend you purchase headgear with top of the head protection under the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds syllabus (freestyle karate and kickboxing). This includes extra padding over the forehead to provide more protection, which is important for kickboxing as top of the head strikes are common and therefore this reduces the risk of any injuries that may happen in that area of the face**

Health

Wearing a headgear protects you from getting hit in the head, which prevents a head on collision. Therefore, wearing headgear is important as it avoids individuals from receiving cuts and bruises. It also prevents headbutts which can result in serious facial damage.

If you need to maintain a sharp and professional look, wearing headgear will help achieve this as it will stop you from getting visual injuries which aren’t ideal in a workplace or school.

When training

Wearing headgear also gives you a sense of security when sparring. This is a psychological aspect and can make individuals feel more aggressive as they will treat it as a sort of armour that allows them to take more risks and be more willing to exchange punches. This can encourage them to become more confident and lose their fear of getting hit.

The headguard could also act as a security blanket as the pain being hit to the face has been diminished.

Health

Although wearing a headguard means you are more willing to engage as you are protected, it also means you are prepared to get hit, and this type of thought process can be detrimental to your long-term brain health.

Along the same lines of vision, lots of headguard’s can make it harder for some individuals to breathe as they can give a claustrophobic feeling due to them covering your nose and pressing against your face.

When training

It could hinder your vision which therefore can affect your ability to see shots to the side of your head. Additionally, if ill fitting the headgear might shift and slide over your eyes when receiving head strikes or when rapidly moving your head, which can again block all vision.

On top of this, headgears with cheek protectors can hinder your view from strikes that are launched from low angles such as knees and kicks.

Despite headguards preventing you from cuts, bruises and headbutts, it does not stop you from getting concussions. Its’s not effective in stopping your head from getting hit and doesn’t reduce the risks of being knocked out.

Lastly some headguards can be costly.

There’s a wide range of headguard’s to choose from, and it’s important to choose the right one to get the best out of it and for the most protection.

When looking for headgear, it’s important measures its breathability, question if it allows for good vision, is it secure with explosive movements, is it made from good quality and durable materials, does it have a smooth surface to prevent it from injuring your sparring partner, and will it clean easily...?

Check out our list of specific recommended headguards we sell on a regular basis within the club based on our experience.

Top Ten Advantage headguard

This headguard is ideal for adults and children and is made of Bayflex which is the most durable and shock absorbent material.

This new Top Ten headguard has the following characteristics:

- Has rounded contour around the eyes for further eye protection

- Stronger ear guard than other headguards

- 9 different openings around the head for better cooling and ventilation

- Top of the head padding for extra forehead protection

- A guide for the security strap

Bytomic defender headguard

These headguards are light and easy to put on and remove due to the dipped foam, it provides a perfect fit. These type of headguards can be used for any kind of martial arts.

Bytomic defender headguard has hook and loop closures with a Bytomic woven patch.

MAR Dipped foam headguard

Similar to the Bytomic defender headguard, these are dipped in foam which provides extra padding and protection. They are lightweight and compact and are best suitable for sparring games and padding.

They are suitable for young children and are also available for young children.

Dipped foam headguards provide

- Excellent protection and ear coverage for extra comfort when training

- Ventilation holes for better air flow and control heat around all areas of the head.

- Elastic and Velcro chin strap to provide a secure fit and will not move when training.

- Available in different colours e.g., red, blue and black and small, medium, large sizes.

If you'd like to continue exploring the market, check out some of our recommended brands below.

RDX headgear:

This headguard is primarily for beginners. It gives total face coverage and therefore provides you with the most protection. It’s durable, comfortable, and not overly bulky. It comes in a variety of sizes and colours, and it’s reasonably priced.

Pro Force lightning headgear

This headguard offers maximum protection and mobility. It is made from thick material that covers the top, back and sides of the head and allows for greater ventilation. On top of this it also provides ear protection which allows individuals to maintain normal hearing during sparring sessions.

Sanabul Essential headgear

This headguard is from the most trusted brands in combat sport, Sanabul. This headguard is well priced and durable. It is recommended for mainly boxing and beginner martial artist’s. You don’t have to worry about this headguard falling off as it has a secure fit to the head. However, it is important to point out that is does limit your visibility slightly from the corners of your eyes.

Cleto Reyes Traditional headgear

This headguard is perfect for those who regularly spar. It is an all leather deign and has a high nose protection. It fits on the head securely to prevent sliding and falling off and provides high visibility. However, it is quite expensive which may put individuals off, but this brand is reliable and delivers high quality products, so it’s worth the money.

Fairtex Headgear

Fairtex is a brand that offers high quality products, one being this headguard. It is comfortable to wear and affordable. However, it is worth noting that it’s not extremely durable and can result in some tears and wears over time.