Combat sports protections from French Days

Boxing helmet: full, semi-full or open

The helmet protects the forehead, temples, and ears during sparring. The open model, like the PU training helmet Metal Boxe, exposes the face and offers a wide view: it's the helmet for amateur competition. The semi-full Metal Boxe adds cheek protectors that cushion hooks. The full helmet, featuring a bar in front of the nose, reduces facial impacts for high-intensity sessions. The adidas IBA helmet meets the requirements of the international boxing association, while the Leone DNA, from the Italian brand founded in 1947, focuses on thick foams and precise rear lacing.

The rest of the equipment

The French Days combat sports also include:

• Boxing gloves.
• Boxing shorts.
• Shoes.
• Kimonos.
• Skipping ropes.

All offers are gathered on the combat sports page.

Shin guards in fabric, anatomical or EVA foam

In Muay Thai and kickboxing, shin guards absorb kicks and blocks. The elastic cotton model Metal Boxe slips on like a sock: light and discreet, it’s suitable for technical drills and flexibility work. The anatomical shin guard Metal Boxe, with its thick shell moulded to the leg, offers greater protection during heavy sparring. The adidas one, made of EVA foam, extends its protection over the instep to also cushion foot strikes. The Kwon fabric guard, with its built-in instep, fits between these two uses.

Karate and taekwondo: approved protections

In karate, the WKF world federation approves the protections used in kumite: the removable foot and shin guards adidas come in red and blue, the colours assigned to each fighter at the start of the match. In taekwondo, the world federation, renamed World Taekwondo in 2017, recognizes the thin and light Kwon Evolution shin guards, which are worn under the dobok trousers. The Kwon foot guards cover the top of the foot without hindering circular kicks. The German brand Kwon has long specialised in martial arts equipment.

Protecting female fighters and children

Female fighters have specific protections. The cup bra adidas integrates two hard shells that protect the chest from direct blows, required for female fighters in WKF karate and allowed in boxing. The women's cup Metal Boxe, which is flatter, protects the pubic area. For children, the kids' helmet Metal Boxe and the Kwon Anatomic Tiger foot guards are sized for a smaller head and foot: adult equipment, being too large, would move during exchanges and provide poor protection. Each protection is chosen in the exact size, with no allowance for growth.

Frequently asked questions

What size shin guards should I choose?

The size is chosen based on the length of the shin, from below the knee to the instep, and sometimes according to stature. The shin guard should cover the entire leg without hindering knee flexion or extending over the foot.

How to stop shin guards from turning?

Choose the right size, tighten the Velcro straps starting from the bottom, and wear an anatomical model, which conforms to the shape of the shin. A fabric sleeve worn underneath also limits rotation.

Is a boxing helmet mandatory for sparring?

Most clubs require it for sparring, even light, especially for beginners and minors. It reduces cuts and impacts to the ears, without eliminating the risk of concussion.

How to wash fabric shin guards?

The elastic cotton models can be machine washed at thirty degrees, in a mesh bag, then air dried. Shell models are cleaned with a disinfectant wipe and left open to dry after each session.

What protections for a child starting boxing?

A mouthguard, a cup, appropriately sized gloves, and wraps are sufficient for the first classes. The helmet is added as soon as the first sparring sessions, along with shin guards for Muay Thai or kickboxing.