Boxing gloves. Types and device

Because they initially appeared in a completely different form and gradually evolved to the modern one.

The history of gloves as an element of equipment for martial arts goes back more than 3 thousand years. They were first mentioned in Ancient Greece, where soft leather bands were used for fist fights. IN Ancient Rome, V gladiator fights, on the contrary, they tried to strengthen the blow, for which they put copper or iron pads on their hands. In more or less modern form, boxing gloves appeared in the 17th century, and with the advent of the sport of boxing in England, liners began to be placed in training gloves.

Modern boxing gloves became mandatory after the introduction of the rules of the Marquess of Queensbury in 1867. For this case, the Englishman Jack Broughton developed the modern form of a boxing glove...

Boxing as a sport was not widely adopted by the Roman Empire. The ancient Romans considered it too bloody a sport that was only suitable for gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum. this is understandable, because the history of boxing or fist fighting has a very deep and extensive past. If we say that the history of fist fights goes back several tens of thousands of years, then we will not be mistaken. Archaeological scientists provide undeniable evidence of the existence of various devices attached to hands for various purposes. Some of these devices contributed to protection and blocking blows, while others, on the contrary, increased the strength and rigidity of the blow. Fist fights without weapons were the basis in the training of ancient warriors.

Fist fighting, as one of the sports, was very well studied by scientists from the ancient Greeks, from about the 12th century BC. e. In Ancient Greece boxing gloves were presented in the form of strips of soft leather that entwined the warrior’s fingers, hands and forearms. These primitive boxing gloves were called meilihai. Since the 6th century BC. e. they were replaced by other gloves (sfairai), they consisted of two parts: a leather ring and the glove itself. Since 688 BC. e. fist fights were included as a form in Olympic Games. The competition took place on a square area covered with sand. You could win the fight either by knocking out your opponent, or by your actions forcing him to surrender.

The next stage in the improvement of boxing gloves occurred in Ancient Rome at the end of the 4th to 2nd centuries BC. e. As stated above, fist fights in ancient Rome were the lot of gladiators. Gladiator gloves were equipped with spikes, metal rings, and knots. Such gloves were called cestus. Fights in this type of gloves often ended in severe injuries or death of the gladiator. It is clear why in Rome, in the 1st century BC. e. Boxing was outlawed, which lasted for the next ten centuries.

In Rus' there was also a special culture of fist fighting, it was even mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years (1068). Fights in Rus' were not a source of enrichment for either participants or spectators. There were unwritten rules for conducting these battles: do not hit someone who is lying down, do not hit them with your head or feet, and it was also forbidden to arm yourself with anything.

The Christian Church actively fought against this barbarism. And after boxing came to Russia from Europe, the Bolsheviks fought with it.

In England, meanwhile, developed classic boxing. Gloves appeared in the 15th century and were used only for training. At tournaments, the British preferred to box with their bare hands. English boxing gloves were lined with leather and filled with horsehair. And only in 1867, the Marquis of Queensberry proposed the introduction of new rules for boxing matches, which included a clause on the use of gloves to reduce injuries.

Since that time, gloves have been divided into combat and training. Nowadays, there are not only combat and training gloves, but also amateur, professional, coaching, equipment, lace-up and Velcro. There are two types of filler in modern gloves: foam and glove-layered
(c)Hiro Onoda

Gloves are the main and practically the only protection of a boxer. In order not to make a mistake in choosing this protection, you need to know their name. Depending on the assigned task they are divided (called):

• Training - used in setting up and practicing striking techniques. They are more comfortable as they are secured with Velcro rather than classic lacing. They are easy to put on and take off, which is very important in training process. Sometimes supplied with weights. But they can only be used with the consent of the coach.

• - they are used by amateurs. The main difference from the training ones is the white circles that are applied to the surface of the strike. This is done to make it easier to count points. They are produced in blue and red colors. Velcro or lacing is used for fixation.

• - designed for working with paws, pears and other implements. They have no filler, which greatly reduces their weight. In case of a strong blow they can protect your hand. But they are prohibited from being used in sparring, as this can lead to injury.

• - This is the most expensive type of all and they are used only in competitions. They repeat the shape of the fist and this makes the blow better and helps prevent injury to the hand. They are secured only with lacing and therefore are not used in training.

What are boxing gloves made of?

Boxing gloves are made either from genuine leather or from a substitute. Of course, better quality products are made from natural materials. They have a longer service life, they are more practical and convenient.

But they are not suitable for working with simulators, since upon contact with a hard surface the projectile quickly becomes unusable.

During training, it is better to use artificial leather equipment. Those who have upper part from a substitute, and inner surface natural. Although their quality, despite some advantages, is lower than their analogues made from natural material.

A few decades ago, gloves were filled with horsehair. Currently, completely different fillers are used. This:

• Foam rubber.
• Foam.
• Cotton wool.

Foam or foam filling retains its shape and volume well. Some models have a special air cushion that softens the impact. Cotton wool is a bad filler. It tends to fall off over time. As a result, there is a risk of injury.

Types of boxing gloves

This sports attribute is divided into types and types. And you can find a huge number of similar categories, but there is no point in going too deep. It will be enough to define the basic criteria to make right choice equipment.

Depending on who wears it, there are three main types:

• - intended for children. They are small in size and lightweight, but have enhanced finger protection. Teenage models under 18 years of age are often included in this category;

• - intended for female hand and accordingly differ in their shape, size and weight;

• - This is classic men's equipment in this sport.

However, one should not think that because of these gradations, good ammunition can only be in one of the categories. Choose based on comfort. Don’t think that women’s equipment will be exclusively “pink” and will have “rhinestones” stuck on it, and the children’s options are not replete with Pokemon.

Why do you need gloves in boxing?

In boxing, protection is an absolute necessity. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of injury. It protects your hands from injury and prevents you from injuring your opponent. After all, the main goal of boxing is to win on points, but certainly not to maim each other.

Gloves are one of the main elements of boxing protection. To choose the right one, you need to know what boxing gloves are called depending on the tasks performed. The article talks about how to make your choice.

Types of boxing gloves

Training gloves, which are used for practice and practicing strikes, are most convenient thanks to a simple Velcro fastener. They are easy to put on and take off, which is often required during training. Some models come complete with weights of various weights, which can be attached and removed as desired and necessary (during sparring, practicing strikes, working on equipment). Weights can only be used in agreement with the trainer.
Used in amateur fights amateur combat gloves . They differ from training ones by the presence of white circles on the striking surface - they simplify scoring. Available in two colors: blue and red. Fixed with Velcro or laces.
Equipment gloves are designed for working on paws, bags, bags and other equipment and differ from training gloves in the absence of filler, therefore they are much lighter. Protect the athlete's hands from damage due to strong impacts. They are not used for sparring, as they can lead to injury to a partner.
Professional gloves- the most expensive and used during competitions. The shape of the fist when clenched follows its natural position, which makes the blow more effective and avoids injuries to the hand. Only classic lacing is used for fixation, so this type of gloves is not suitable for training.
The first three categories can be made from both leather and leatherette; professional gloves can only be made from genuine leather. When going to the store to buy equipment, a boxer should know the names of the boxing gloves he needs and their desired characteristics.

Sports, even extreme ones, should be as safe as possible. A mandatory element of any sport is equipment. In contact martial arts you cannot do without gloves that will protect your hands. Boxing gloves differ from each other in many ways. To choose them correctly for yourself, you need to understand all the intricacies.

Species

All boxing equipment is divided into several large groups according to purpose:

• Professional equipment is not suitable for beginners or amateurs, as it is dangerous. This equipment is selected based on the athlete's weight, which can range from 6 to 12 ounces. These gloves are made in such a way that they will not tear even with a hard blow.

• Amateur ones differ in that the thumb is extended along the hand. You cannot hit hard in such equipment, otherwise your finger can be knocked out or broken. In this type of equipment, much attention is paid to the weight of the gloves themselves - the weight of the top layer should be equal to half the weight of the glove. To avoid fatigue, sports enthusiasts and beginners should train in large equipment.

• Combat gloves are boxing gloves used in competitions. IN big sport Laces are always used as fasteners. Combat equipment also differs in bend angle thumb. In this category, it exactly matches the anatomy of the human fist, which allows you to strong blows without the risk of injury.

• Training ones differ from the previous ones in that they are fixed on the hand with an elastic band or Velcro. They are used during training not only by boxers, but also by fans of other types of martial arts. These boxing gloves are suitable for those who have just embarked on this path. Due to the fastening, such equipment can be easily removed and put on. It is recommended to use training gloves weighing more than 12 ounces to avoid injury to yourself and your opponent. Most gyms in the world use equipment that weighs 16 ounces. Such gloves should not be used on projectiles, as they quickly wear out and harden, which can subsequently lead to injury to the enemy. There is special equipment for working on projectiles.

• Projectiles are used specifically for working on simulators. They are thinner, lighter and follow the anatomy of a fist. There are 4 sizes of equipment. When choosing equipment, you need to try it on - the gloves should fit tightly around your fist and not slip.

Basic parameters

Each athlete has an individual hand structure. Everyone has their own fighting style. Boxing gloves are selected in accordance with these criteria, and the equipment itself has several important characteristics, according to which the choice is made.

Large gloves have a soft impact over a large area. At the same time, they are excellent for protection. Small ones, on the contrary, are used for attack. By choosing gloves according to your individual characteristics and important parameters, you can be confident in the effectiveness of the battle.

Material

Boxing gloves are made from natural or artificial leather. The first ones are the best. They are characterized by a long service life, practicality and convenience. But equipment made from this material is not suitable for working on simulators, since the material quickly wears out from contact with hard surfaces and loses its qualities.

For training on simulators, as well as for amateur activities, equipment made from artificial materials is more suitable. It can be synthetic, composite or Japanese leather. Gloves are produced, the top of which is made of leatherette, and the inside is made of natural materials. This equipment is pleasant to the touch and allows the skin of your hands to breathe. But in quality they are still inferior to equipment made from natural materials.

Filler

Several decades ago, horsehair played the role of filler. Now, of course, other materials are used, and technology has stepped far forward.

Currently, the filler can be:

• Foam rubber.
• Foam.
• Cotton wool.

Foam rubber and foam are designed to maintain the volume and shape of equipment when working with different weights. Some gloves have an air cushion that softens the impact. These gloves are called anti-knockout gloves. Cotton wool as a filler is not the best best option. Over time, it falls off, the impact loses its rigidity and the likelihood of injury increases.

Some gloves come with a polyurethane foam liner. This is a professional filler, which, thanks to its elasticity, softens the blow and protects the hands.

Weight

Boxing gloves come in different weights, measured in ounces. Translated into a more familiar measurement system, 1 ounce is 28.35 grams. Gear weights can vary from 6 to 18 in two-ounce increments.

The weight of the equipment is determined by the weight of the athlete. The dependence is directly proportional, i.e. The more a boxer weighs, the heavier the accessories should be. A properly selected glove reduces the risk of injury to both yourself and the opponent.

Size

Small, medium and large boxing gloves are available. Moreover, equipment is distinguished by age and gender. Children also engage in boxing, and therefore things are conditionally like this - men use large sizes, ladies use medium sizes, and children use small sizes.

Design

The gloves consist of two parts - shock and cuff. The last one is playing important role, as it strengthens the wrists, preventing them from dislocating. A cuff is a strip of leather that wraps around the arm.

The impact part consists of an upper and an inner layer, between which there is a filler. You need to choose equipment in which the thumb will be positioned as if clenching a fist. This part of the glove serves not only for striking, but also to protect the opponent’s hands.

Clasp

When purchasing equipment, pay attention to how the glove is attached to the hand. In elite sports, lacing is used exclusively. Amateur gloves can also be fastened with Velcro. This type of fastening is convenient, since you can quickly remove/put on equipment, but it is also unreliable, because the Velcro can come off during combat. In addition, Velcro will not provide such a good fit on the hand as lacing. The latter is inconvenient in that it is not possible to remove or put on the equipment without outside help.

Boxing bandages

To protect the fingers, knuckles and hands from injury, boxers need to have their hands wrapped. This detail also prevents moisture from entering the equipment, leaving it dry and thereby increasing its service life.

The length of the bandages varies from 2.5 to 4.5 meters. They are made from natural cotton, should not pinch your hands too much and absorb sweat well. The length is selected in accordance with the age and size of the athlete’s hands.

How to choose boxing gloves

You should buy them based on the individual characteristics of your hand structure and fighting style. It is not enough to take into account all of the above. The glove must also fit perfectly.

There are no universal boxing gloves that would suit every athlete. But there is equipment that is ideally suited individually for a particular boxer. To choose such a pair, you need to experiment, try out several pairs that are not ideal, in order to eventually find what you need.

Fitting

Before purchasing, be sure to try the gloves on the bandages. If you don’t do this, there is a chance that the equipment will be small, and your hand simply won’t fit there. Be sure to try on several pairs to choose the best one.

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the presence of thumb protection. It is a strip of tissue between the thumb and other fingers and reduces the likelihood of injury.

For training on simulators, you should purchase boxing gloves with thick and dense filling, which will protect your hands from injury. But for combat, thin equipment is more suitable, allowing you to better control the blow, and your hands will get less tired.

When choosing a size, you need to take into account that the equipment should fit snugly on your hand, but not squeeze your hand. If there is free space inside, then, due to a violation of fixation, there is a risk of injury.

Buy at least three pairs of gloves for all occasions - for combat, training and working with projectiles. This will extend the life of each pair, plus you will feel more comfortable, because each type of equipment is created for specific purposes.