By Derry from Muay Thai Fever Gym, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Back in the vibrant Muay Thai scene of the 90s in Thailand, if you peeked into any gym, you'd see fighters adorned with bag mitts as they honed their skills on punch bags and training pads. Fast forward to today, and it seems bag mitts have become somewhat of a rarity in many gyms. But let me tell you why I still swear by them.
1. Embracing Tradition: In the heyday of Muay Thai training, bag mitts were the go-to choice for practitioners. Their simplicity and effectiveness made them a staple in every fighter's arsenal. However, with the evolution of equipment and training methods, bag mitts seem to have fallen out of favor, despite their proven track record.
2. The Power of Precision: One of the main reasons I prefer bag mitts over sparring gloves is their size and weight. Bag mitts are smaller, lighter, and boast a reduced surface area. This may seem insignificant, but it translates to a more explosive impact on punch bags and training pads. With bag mitts, every strike feels sharp and precise, allowing me to focus on developing power and speed in my punches.
3. Lightning Strikes: Another advantage of bag mitts is their lightweight construction. This enables me to unleash lightning-fast strikes with minimal resistance. Whether I'm practicing combinations or working on my footwork, the nimbleness of bag mitts allows me to maintain speed and fluidity throughout my training sessions.
4. Form and Function: Bag mitts feature an open-thumb design that facilitates the formation of a proper fist, ensuring optimal striking technique. On the other hand, sparring gloves, with their bulkier build and sewn-in thumb, can sometimes hinder the natural movement of the hand. Since the majority of our training involves hitting bags and pads rather than sparring, I find that bag mitts offer a more tailored solution for our needs.
In Conclusion: While sparring gloves certainly have their place in the ring, when it comes to dedicated bag and pad work, bag mitts reign supreme. Their design is optimized for striking, allowing for greater precision, speed, and comfort during training sessions. So, if you're in the market for a versatile pair of gloves that excel in the art of striking, look no further than the humble bag mitts. Trust me, your hands will thank you for it.
In the ever-evolving world of Muay Thai, sometimes it pays to revisit the tried-and-true methods of the past. And for me, embracing the simplicity and effectiveness of bag mitts is a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient martial art.
