Summary: This is the third of a 3-part Home Training Special series where I look at equipment that is used in Muay Thai and most stand-up combat training. In this article, we explore the very “handy” focus mitts. Let’s find out the benefits of mitt training and review the best focus mitts for Muay Thai, boxing and MMA training.
Muay Thai is a kickboxing style with a wide range of weapons. As we know, the Thai combat sport is also known as the art of 8 limbs with kicks, elbows and knees at disposal beyond punching. It is a complete all-rounded fighting system where it is favorable to be proficient in every aspect.
When it comes to stand-up fighting, throwing hands is more natural and effective. Boxing techniques typically target the head which can end fights more easily. However, punches actually score less than kicks and knees in the traditional Muay Thai scoring system.
But if you follow the sport closely, you may know about the Muay Mat. It is a class of Muay Thai fighters or fighting style which puts emphasis on boxing. Many Muay Thai legends also found great success in pro or amateur boxing.
Golden era greats like Samart Payakaroon, Somrak Khamsing, and modern champions like Anuwat Kaewsamrit and Rodtang Jitmuangnon have shown how good boxing skills can be a game-changer.
It is certainly advantageous to have good hands in Muay Thai and having the best focus mitts to train with can boost your performance for the best results.
What are the Best Focus Mitts for Muay Thai Boxing MMA?
The best focus mitts feature high-quality leather with a solid reinforced stitching and long-lasting foam padding. These qualities contribute to the durability of the focus mitts. You also need to look out for the impact-absorption qualities of the foam padding for optimal protection.
When in doubt regarding the type of focus mitts, go for the standard size focus mitts (more about sizes down in the article) with close-finger design. They offer the best versatility, protection, stability and comfort.
In a hurry? Check my top 5 picks straight away: (Did you know that there are different types/sizes of focus mitts for different training purposes? If you would like to learn more in detail, scroll down to read the article to see which focus mitts suits your needs best):
What are Focus Mitts used for?
Focus mitts are padded targets worn over hands like gloves or mitts (hence focus mitts) that are used in boxing training. A trainer wears them, holding them up as targets for the training partner to hit at.
Focus mitts training basically allows striking practice that mimics fighting without full-contact sparring. It is a great way to drill techniques and train movement.
Besides boxing, they are used in a variety of striking arts including Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo and the likes. As combat sports become more mainstream in the last decade, many fitness instructors are incorporating focus mitts training into their workout routines.
Types of Focus Mitts
Before we get into the reviews and recommendations, it’s good to know which focus mitt size to go for. If you don’t already know, focus mitts come in different sizes.
Standard Focus Mitts
Standard focus mitts (above middle) are the most common of the hand held mitts. There is some variation in size among different manufacturers but it’s not usually too significant.
The standard focus mitts are the best size to get for boxing training. They can also double as pads if you work with young children or average-sized beginners.
Overall, they offer the right balance of protection and mobility.
Small Focus Mitts
Small focus mitts (above left) have a smaller striking surface area which make them the best option for working on speed and precision. They are lighter than the standard mitts and so are easier to handle/maneuver for the trainer.
Besides speed and precision training, small focus mitts can function like standard mitts for smaller martial artists and young children.
Long Focus Mitts
Long Focus Mitts (above right) measure in between the sizes of standard focus mitts and regular Muay Thai pads. They have a larger striking surface area and so are better for kicks and knees than standard mitts.
The key difference between long focus mitts and regular Thai pads is the strap and closure system. Long focus mitts are worn like gloves/mitts like with standard focus mitts (close-finger) and feature an additional arm strap for extra support.
Thai pads are held in hands using the handles and supported by arm strap for extra stability. In terms of protection, Thai pads are generally the better option for protection but overall, choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference.
| Should you get Muay Thai pads or focus mitts? Read about the differences and the pros/cons of each equipment in “Focus Mitts vs Thai Pads: Which Should You Buy?” to help you decide. |
Best Focus Mitts for Muay Thai Boxing MMA
Focus mitts have become a standard piece of training equipment in striking sports. Many fitness instructors also incorporate mitt training as a part of their training routine for clients because of its benefits and portability.
These days, you can buy focus mitts from almost every fight brand. All fight gear are not equal and the same goes for focus mitts. The materials, craftsmanship and quality control all make a big difference.
Without further ado, here’s a list of the best focus mitts to get your hands on (in?):
Fairtex Contoured Focus Mitts
- Enhanced Striking Accuracy: Elevate your striking accuracy with Fairtex Contoured Focus Mitts, perfect for boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing training.
- Contoured Design: The contoured design of these punching mitts is specially shaped to fit the natural curvature of your hand, providing a secure hold for precise training.
- Maximum Protection: The multi-layer foam padding on the boxing mitts offers superior protection for trainers and athletes, reducing the impact of strikes and enhancing safety.
Fairtex is always a dependable choice when it comes to fight gear or training equipment. It’s the go-to brand for many Muay Thai gyms all around the world. In terms of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, they sit right on top among the Muay Thai brands.
These contoured focus mitts are lightweight while giving protection with the generous padding. Ideal for transitions during training while keeping the wearer safe.
The contours feel more natural and the mitts have a nice snap for those of you who knows that feeling. A sign of great foam padding which translates to good impact absorption.
They do fit a little small and will be a little snug for those of you with large hands. Expect them to feel stiff at first but will feel more comfortable after a month of usage/breaking in.
| User Reviews |
| – “The best punch Mitts that I buy. Excellent for kick and punch combination. Good weight and handler. I love it.” – “These pads have a great feel. They are just now breaking in after a few months of use. I can tell, these are going to last decades and get better with time.” |
>> Click here to shop Fairtex Contoured Focus Mitts at Amazon Now <<
Yokkao Curved Focus Mitts
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Another Thai brand on the list and this is a piece of equipment to rival the best.
There is usually a fair amount of adjusting when training with focus mitts. This is largely due to the absence of sizing. Yokkao gets around this by having extended wrist support with cuffs quite similar to boxing gloves.
The wrist cuffs are more form-fitting which offers extra support and stability.
Yokkao gear is always ahead of others in terms of design and style. With their training equipment, there are some outstanding colors unlike anything else in the market.
If you want something professional-looking and lasting, go for these. Highly recommended for personal trainers for that premium look and feel.
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Sanabul Essentials Curved Punching Mitts
- Confused about which boxing punch mitts to buy? Spend less time searching and more time training. There are many reasons why Sanabul is the #1 POPULAR CHOICE for punch mitts, boxing gloves and many...
- The Perfect Fit: Don’t spend months breaking in your boxing pads. Sananbul essential punch mitts are hand moulded to fit the natural curvature of your hands
- Feel the Impact, Not the Pain: Our focus pads are infused with Santec Ultra Light Foam so you can absorb the hardest punches without holding extra weight while boxing
As of writing this review, these Sanabul punching mitts are the bestselling boxing mitts on Amazon. These have over 6000 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Sanabul is a regular on our gear recommendation lists for its wallet-friendly prices and decent quality.
Besides the price, I like that these mitts incorporate mesh panels which help to keep the palms cool and dry. This helps to minimize dampness and odor-causing bacteria.
Look elsewhere if you want top-of-the-line real leather gear with the best impact absorption or extra durability. But if you want something affordable for lightweight training, then these will suit your needs.
The padding is a little stiff with no snap when you hit the mitts. It is also a little too thin and you will most definitely feel the impact if you work with adults. For kids or lightweight boxers, these will suffice.
They are certainly not the best focus mitts. But for the price and general overall quality, they definitely deserve a spot on the list.
| User Reviews |