Author: Patrick Vuong

 

Let’s talk about gear that you might not automatically associate with Kali: boxing gloves.

Pangamot (empty-hand striking) is a key aspect of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali and required to rank up. We’ll occasionally mix in boxing drills along with our core knife and stick techniques. We’ll be punching focus mitts and elbowing Thai pads. Therefore, I recommend every student have some type of hand protection. The following is a look at the four main types:

 

BOXING GLOVES

Boxing gloves come in several sizes and weights. These are the best for overall hand protection. The cons are that they’re usually the most expensive and don’t simulate empty-hand striking distances because of the added inches to every punch. Still, they’re a great invest for long-term training, especially if you do or plan to train in other systems (kickboxing, Krav Maga, etc.).

Pros:

• Great knuckle, wrist, and finger protection
• Easy to use (if you get the hook-and-loop straps) and to store
• Good long-term investment; applicable in many martial arts

Cons:

• Usually more expensive ($30 to $150)
• Don’t always simulate realistic punching distances
• Can’t trap or grab

Recommendations:

If you have the money, I’d suggest investing in boxing gloves because they can be used for all sorts of training for a variety of fighting systems. Here are some that I suggest:

• Title 16-Ounce Leather Boxing Gloves ($40)
• Fairtex Breathable 16-Ounce Training Gloves ($84)
• Twins Special 16-Ounce Boxing Gloves ($90)

 

MMA GLOVES

As seen in the UFC, mixed martial arts (MMA) gloves offer maximum knuckle protection with minimal amount of bulk. They do come in a variety of sizes, weights, and quality, but all of them are fingerless and come with integrated hook-and-loop wrist wraps.

Pros:

• Good knuckle protection
• Fingerless design lets you trap/grab
• Easy to use, take off, and store

Cons:

• A bit more pricey than the above options ($30 to $100)
• Incorrect usage can cause finger sprains due to fingerless design

Recommendations: 

These can be quite pricey just like boxing gloves, so you want to make sure they not only fit you but are right for you and your preferences. If you’re going to buy online, look for sites that’ll let you return or exchange. Here are some to consider:

• RDX MMA Gloves ($27)
• Venum Attack MMA Gloves ($57)
• Fairtex Open Thumb MMA Gloves ($70 to $109)

 

 

GEL HAND WRAPS

Relatively new to the world of striking, this type of hand protection combines hand wraps, bag gloves, and gel padding. These fingerless slip-on gloves give you the knuckle protection and wrist support of wraps but the convenience of bag gloves. Some varieties are meant to be worn inside 16-ounce boxing gloves as a substitute for traditional fabric hand wraps.

Pros:

• Easy to use, take off, and store (unlike fabric hand wraps)
• Usually affordable ($20 to $70)
• Fingerless design lets you trap/grab

Cons:

• Limited knuckle protection
• Incorrect usage can cause finger sprains
• Questionable long-term durability

Recommendations:

I’ve never personally used gel hand wraps (only the traditional fabric hand wraps), so I can’t personally endorse them, but I have heard good things about them from students and friends. If you’re leaning toward this form of hand protection, research the following selections (listed here based on strong reviews):

• Meister Gel-Padded ProWrap ($13)
• EverLast EverGel Boxing Hand Wraps ($22)
• RDX Inner Gel Gloves ($27)

 

TRADITIONAL BAG GLOVES

This type of hand protection is usually a slip-on glove with a thin layer of padding for the knuckles (about 1 inch of foam) and a plastic bar to wrap your fingers around to form a consistent fist. Premium versions are made of leather and have a hook-and-loop wrist wrap to support the wrist during punching.

Pros:

• Usually affordable ($15 to $70)
• Decent knuckle protection
• Slim to simulate realistic distance when punching
• Easy to pack

Cons:

• Without wraps, no wrist support
• Limited knuckle padding
• Least versatile for overall martial arts training

Recommendations: 

These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores like Big 5, and sometimes even at discount shops like TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less. However, the quality can vary quite a bit. Consider the following:

• Ringside Econo Bag Gloves ($20)
• Title Old-School Heavy Bag Gloves ($25)
• Rhingo Traditional Heavy Bag Gloves ($30)