Focus Mitts???

[Gunjin]

I don't know if this has been asked before, but I was wondering what would be some of the advantages or disadvantages of training with straight focus mitts over curved focus mitts?

I'm interested in purchasing a pair for mainly training punches. I already have thai pads for kicking, punch/kick combos.

For those of you that use focus mitts which do use/perfer?

[jmount78]

I also would like to know if anyone has trained with the curved mitts as well!

I would like to buy them, but want input before making such a purchase.

[dbok1]

Focus mitts are used Primarily for Hands Only!!! The only difference between straight and curved are the curved ones are mainly used for hooks and uppercuts only, while the regular ones can be used for everything.

My sugguestion would be to purchase the regular mitts, and only recommed the curved for experinced pad holders, as it will hurt if you don't know how to hold them.

[OctaviousBP]

I like the curved mitts if I'm doing a lot of holding. They are easier on my hands, and it is a more natural position for them to be in. That being said, the plastic that is inside of them that helps them retain their shape can be brutal on the face/head of whoever I'm holding for, and have caused the occasional black eye or cut. As far as my own preference, I prefer to use a pair of sturdy yet well worn mitts (regular, not curved) that I can naturally curve myself when holding them, yet have enough padding in them to take the shock out of the blow. These take time, and certainly don't last forever.

[Normal]

I've been using the straight ones for about 20 years; my latest pair is the THAISMAI’ s Supers. (They cover my wrists and are twice as long).

I have had a little problem with them on heavy hitters; I've had my fingers jammed back a time or two. I like the Ringside "Coach Spar Mitts" too, punch them right back when they drop their hands, but they are hitting you in your wrists allot and that can be painful.

I have used a pair of Fairtex curved mitts and really like them. I don’t like the fact they don’t have a Velcro cinch, they have been knocked out of my hands a couple of times.

I think you can use them for kicks depending on who is kicking and how big you are (or experienced too) I have used straights on people who snap kick, i.e. TKD / Savate / Karate, but I would advise against Muay Thai, Although...

Back in 1995, we took a trip to Fairtex in AZ, and Ganyao was my trainer and he never used Thai Pads the whole time we were there. I'd kick those focus pads of his and they hurt like hell.

Went back in 96 and the same thing. I think I even saw him use them on Jean Claude Leyer. (Sic)

[Gunjin]

thanks....

thanks everybody!

The advice has helped. A coworker of mine has some straight focus pads he is going to lend me this weekend to try out. So I will feel how straight ones are anyways. That way I can get a feel for striking them as well as holding them. I never considered holding them. I was mainly concerned with training myself, and just hitting them. Selfish!

anyways, thanks again...I'll probably be back next week asking about punching combos...

[Normal]

A little advice

Hey I know your new, but take a little advice here. You will learn twice as fast by holding the pads.

When you hold make sure that the pads are near your face. Make sure that you watch the punches as they near your face and on impact I use a little timing trick.

Exhale "loudly" on impact (uuussshhh) and make the other person do likewise as he punches.

You will find that it is easy to "harmonize" or time" you’re punching and countering-punching easily with that simple trick.

Also watching the punch approaching your face develops a "real" picture for you when you finally gravitate to sparring.

Best of luck