Many questions surround MMA gloves, protective gear, and equipment. Hand wraps will be our primary focus. Mainly how to wrap your hands to participate in MMA.
Why is it so important to wrap your hands in MMA? What types of hand wraps do you have? What are the best hand wraps? These are the questions that we will answer today.
WHY SHARE HANDS?
Your hands are made up of delicate bones and joints. They are very susceptible to injury when exposed to repeated impact. Hand wraps protect your fingers, wrists, and metacarpal bones, which form the hand’s structure. These flexible joints can be secured, and the bones fastened together to distribute shock more evenly across your whole hand. When landing strikes, individual parts of your hand can move independently of each other. This can cause serious injury. Wrist sprains or the ‘boxer’s fractures are two of the most common. Quality gloves also reflect this protective principle. Gloves, for example, keep the thumb in place or attach it to the rest of your hand to prevent it from moving freely.
It is often believed that hand wraps are only meant to protect the knuckles or provide cushioning. This is the ultimate goal of gloves. While hand wraps offer some protection for the hands through the padding, the main goal is to fasten your bones and joints.
This history of boxing and Muay Thailand gloves explains the history behind wrapping hands.
What types of hand wraps are there?
There are many hand wraps on the market. Each one is made from different materials. When deciding which hand wrap is best for you, consider the pros and cons.
QUICK WRAPS OR INNER GLOVES
Pros:
Wrap it up fast
No actual wrapping technique is required.
The most padding for the knuckles is generally found in this category.
Cons:
You have the least protection overall for your hands’ joints and bones.
Weak to no wrist support
TAPE AND GAUZE
Pros:
Overall most protective
Lightest weight option
Variable sizes
Cons:
Wrapping takes longer
It is challenging to wrap without someone helping you.
It cannot be reused
REUSABLE CLOTH
Pros:
Reusable
There are many options.
It is cost-effective.
Variable sizes
Cons:
Can’t use velcro fastening if reusing
ELASTIC BANDAGE – MEXICAN STYLE
Pros:
To conform to your hand shape, stretch.
Keep your muscles from relaxing during a workout.
Breathable
Cons:
It may be too thick for some boxers. This is a personal preference.
HOW TO QUICKLY WRAP HANDS
STEPS:
Find the printed tag on your wraps to identify the side facing down. This is the side that contacts your body.
Your thumb should be inserted through the hole in the wrap.
Wrap your wrist around: Repeat this three to four times depending on how long you need and your desired stability.
Three times wrap your hands around your knuckles.
Wrap your fingers. Wrap your fingers by wrapping the wrap between the index finger and middle finger. Next, wrap the wrap around your wrist. Continue this process until all fingers are wrapped.
Your thumb should be wrapped. Wrap your thumb once you have covered your last set of fingers. Next, wrap your wrist again and wrap the wrap between your index and thumb. Wrap the remainder of your thumb tightly to secure it. Wrap your wrist one more time.
Wrap your wrist and hand with the remainder of the wrap. Begin at your wrist and work your way up. Continue wrapping your wrist until you have used the entire length.
Make sure you secure your wrap. It’s essential to test it before you buy it. Your wraps should be tight enough and tight enough.
SUMMARY
Hand wraps play an essential role in protecting your hand. Although the way that fighters wrap their hands can differ, it is necessary to consider your individual needs when choosing the type and material of wrapping. This is the only way you can wrap your hands. But remember, the most important thing is that your wrist, metacarpals, and knuckles are all tied together, so they cannot move independently.
