How to reduce damage/protect the chest











up vote
3
down vote

favorite












Recently I started fighting with a group of people every weekend, it's been a few months.



I learned a lot and my pain tolerance and flexibility but more importantly speed increased immensely.



But what I don't get is how to defend when someone taller/heavier kicks you, and I'm not talking about low kicks.. there are quite a few guys, heavy too and they are quick and flexible, Most times they kick me on the shoulders/neck and I parry the block... some times they kicked me in the head, but what hurts the most is kicks to the side of the torso.



Every time they kick, my serratus anterior and lats hurt incredibly for days, this is the third time and the worst one, the last two lasted for 1 or 2 days at most but this one hasn't gone for almost the entire week.



So how and what techniques can one use to better defend the side of the torso area without leaving open new vulnerable spots, specially against kicks?










share|improve this question















migrated from fitness.stackexchange.com Nov 23 at 14:33


This question came from our site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs.















  • I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
    – JustSnilloc
    Nov 23 at 13:00










  • corrected the post.
    – user29173
    Nov 23 at 13:05






  • 4




    This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
    – JohnP
    Nov 23 at 14:33















up vote
3
down vote

favorite












Recently I started fighting with a group of people every weekend, it's been a few months.



I learned a lot and my pain tolerance and flexibility but more importantly speed increased immensely.



But what I don't get is how to defend when someone taller/heavier kicks you, and I'm not talking about low kicks.. there are quite a few guys, heavy too and they are quick and flexible, Most times they kick me on the shoulders/neck and I parry the block... some times they kicked me in the head, but what hurts the most is kicks to the side of the torso.



Every time they kick, my serratus anterior and lats hurt incredibly for days, this is the third time and the worst one, the last two lasted for 1 or 2 days at most but this one hasn't gone for almost the entire week.



So how and what techniques can one use to better defend the side of the torso area without leaving open new vulnerable spots, specially against kicks?










share|improve this question















migrated from fitness.stackexchange.com Nov 23 at 14:33


This question came from our site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs.















  • I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
    – JustSnilloc
    Nov 23 at 13:00










  • corrected the post.
    – user29173
    Nov 23 at 13:05






  • 4




    This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
    – JohnP
    Nov 23 at 14:33













up vote
3
down vote

favorite









up vote
3
down vote

favorite











Recently I started fighting with a group of people every weekend, it's been a few months.



I learned a lot and my pain tolerance and flexibility but more importantly speed increased immensely.



But what I don't get is how to defend when someone taller/heavier kicks you, and I'm not talking about low kicks.. there are quite a few guys, heavy too and they are quick and flexible, Most times they kick me on the shoulders/neck and I parry the block... some times they kicked me in the head, but what hurts the most is kicks to the side of the torso.



Every time they kick, my serratus anterior and lats hurt incredibly for days, this is the third time and the worst one, the last two lasted for 1 or 2 days at most but this one hasn't gone for almost the entire week.



So how and what techniques can one use to better defend the side of the torso area without leaving open new vulnerable spots, specially against kicks?










share|improve this question















Recently I started fighting with a group of people every weekend, it's been a few months.



I learned a lot and my pain tolerance and flexibility but more importantly speed increased immensely.



But what I don't get is how to defend when someone taller/heavier kicks you, and I'm not talking about low kicks.. there are quite a few guys, heavy too and they are quick and flexible, Most times they kick me on the shoulders/neck and I parry the block... some times they kicked me in the head, but what hurts the most is kicks to the side of the torso.



Every time they kick, my serratus anterior and lats hurt incredibly for days, this is the third time and the worst one, the last two lasted for 1 or 2 days at most but this one hasn't gone for almost the entire week.



So how and what techniques can one use to better defend the side of the torso area without leaving open new vulnerable spots, specially against kicks?







training sparring kickboxing






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 10 hours ago









coinbird

1,459122




1,459122










asked Nov 23 at 11:55







user29173











migrated from fitness.stackexchange.com Nov 23 at 14:33


This question came from our site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs.






migrated from fitness.stackexchange.com Nov 23 at 14:33


This question came from our site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs.














  • I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
    – JustSnilloc
    Nov 23 at 13:00










  • corrected the post.
    – user29173
    Nov 23 at 13:05






  • 4




    This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
    – JohnP
    Nov 23 at 14:33


















  • I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
    – JustSnilloc
    Nov 23 at 13:00










  • corrected the post.
    – user29173
    Nov 23 at 13:05






  • 4




    This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
    – JohnP
    Nov 23 at 14:33
















I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
– JustSnilloc
Nov 23 at 13:00




I could be mistaken, but there seems to be some error in translation here. The English term, “chest” refers almost exclusively to the pectoral muscles - there is no such thing as “chest sides” or “sides of the chest”. You did mention the serratus anterior and lats though, this leads me to believe you are referring to the sides of your “torso”. Let me know if this is correct.
– JustSnilloc
Nov 23 at 13:00












corrected the post.
– user29173
Nov 23 at 13:05




corrected the post.
– user29173
Nov 23 at 13:05




4




4




This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
– JohnP
Nov 23 at 14:33




This is a better fit on martial arts, but the answers will most likely be "you're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting."
– JohnP
Nov 23 at 14:33










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
6
down vote













You're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting. -- JohnP.



stop and think sign



STOP … JUST STOP!



There is nothing good down the road you are travelling.



You are going to hurt yourself physically and mentally. You are going to hurt others and not just the one your beat up. You are opening yourself to horrendous legal consequences. Fight Club is a great movie but it is fiction. Living the life of thugs has very negative consequences.



First, go see a doctor about your pains. Hopefully, you did minor damage that will heal with no long term effects. Hopefully…



Second, ditch those friends. They are toxic.



Finally, go and join a martial art class: boxing, MMA, BJJ, whatever… It does not matter. Go train a few times at each clubs around where you live and pick the one you had most fun with: teacher matters more than style. There you (should) get proper tuition in a save environment with professionals looking after you. If you then want to fight in the ring, they will be able to let you do so safely.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    this doesn't actually answer the question
    – user9713
    Nov 23 at 21:45






  • 3




    @Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
    – Andrew Jennings
    Nov 23 at 23:18








  • 2




    @gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
    – Sardathrion
    Nov 24 at 16:02






  • 1




    @Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
    – JohnP
    Nov 26 at 15:25


















up vote
4
down vote













I agree with the other answer and commentary; but to directly answer your question, the way you protect your chest is to spar under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, who will no doubt teach you mechanics first, then have you try them on an opponent.



You mentioned blocking, but there is so much to blocking that it's not possible to help you troubleshoot. Your stance, your eyeline, your speed, your power, your aim, your technique, your hips, your hands... all of that contributes to what your opponents are taking advantage of if you do them improperly, and if any one of them is wrong, you end up with where you are at now.



Then you mention fighting taller/heavier, and getting injured for days. Well, in sport fighting, that would suggest you're fighting outside your weight and skill class. Don't do this - there's no advantage for you or for your opponent. Again, a good instructor will help.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    "Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
    – Tony D
    Nov 24 at 11:51


















up vote
3
down vote













All the cautions above are good. I'd also recommend using some sort of shield (protective vest) when sparring, as well. These come in various thicknesses, coverages, etc. If you're taking real hits as a beginner, this should actually be mandatory.



Of course, I'd also be extremely cautious about participating in an environment where beginners (unproven students) are taking actual hits, with or without protective gear. That's not an "if" someone is going to get seriously hurt, but "when".






share|improve this answer








New contributor




jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.


















  • Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
    – coinbird
    10 hours ago











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3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes








3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes








up vote
6
down vote













You're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting. -- JohnP.



stop and think sign



STOP … JUST STOP!



There is nothing good down the road you are travelling.



You are going to hurt yourself physically and mentally. You are going to hurt others and not just the one your beat up. You are opening yourself to horrendous legal consequences. Fight Club is a great movie but it is fiction. Living the life of thugs has very negative consequences.



First, go see a doctor about your pains. Hopefully, you did minor damage that will heal with no long term effects. Hopefully…



Second, ditch those friends. They are toxic.



Finally, go and join a martial art class: boxing, MMA, BJJ, whatever… It does not matter. Go train a few times at each clubs around where you live and pick the one you had most fun with: teacher matters more than style. There you (should) get proper tuition in a save environment with professionals looking after you. If you then want to fight in the ring, they will be able to let you do so safely.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    this doesn't actually answer the question
    – user9713
    Nov 23 at 21:45






  • 3




    @Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
    – Andrew Jennings
    Nov 23 at 23:18








  • 2




    @gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
    – Sardathrion
    Nov 24 at 16:02






  • 1




    @Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
    – JohnP
    Nov 26 at 15:25















up vote
6
down vote













You're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting. -- JohnP.



stop and think sign



STOP … JUST STOP!



There is nothing good down the road you are travelling.



You are going to hurt yourself physically and mentally. You are going to hurt others and not just the one your beat up. You are opening yourself to horrendous legal consequences. Fight Club is a great movie but it is fiction. Living the life of thugs has very negative consequences.



First, go see a doctor about your pains. Hopefully, you did minor damage that will heal with no long term effects. Hopefully…



Second, ditch those friends. They are toxic.



Finally, go and join a martial art class: boxing, MMA, BJJ, whatever… It does not matter. Go train a few times at each clubs around where you live and pick the one you had most fun with: teacher matters more than style. There you (should) get proper tuition in a save environment with professionals looking after you. If you then want to fight in the ring, they will be able to let you do so safely.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    this doesn't actually answer the question
    – user9713
    Nov 23 at 21:45






  • 3




    @Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
    – Andrew Jennings
    Nov 23 at 23:18








  • 2




    @gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
    – Sardathrion
    Nov 24 at 16:02






  • 1




    @Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
    – JohnP
    Nov 26 at 15:25













up vote
6
down vote










up vote
6
down vote









You're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting. -- JohnP.



stop and think sign



STOP … JUST STOP!



There is nothing good down the road you are travelling.



You are going to hurt yourself physically and mentally. You are going to hurt others and not just the one your beat up. You are opening yourself to horrendous legal consequences. Fight Club is a great movie but it is fiction. Living the life of thugs has very negative consequences.



First, go see a doctor about your pains. Hopefully, you did minor damage that will heal with no long term effects. Hopefully…



Second, ditch those friends. They are toxic.



Finally, go and join a martial art class: boxing, MMA, BJJ, whatever… It does not matter. Go train a few times at each clubs around where you live and pick the one you had most fun with: teacher matters more than style. There you (should) get proper tuition in a save environment with professionals looking after you. If you then want to fight in the ring, they will be able to let you do so safely.






share|improve this answer












You're being dumb. Go get training and stop yard fighting. -- JohnP.



stop and think sign



STOP … JUST STOP!



There is nothing good down the road you are travelling.



You are going to hurt yourself physically and mentally. You are going to hurt others and not just the one your beat up. You are opening yourself to horrendous legal consequences. Fight Club is a great movie but it is fiction. Living the life of thugs has very negative consequences.



First, go see a doctor about your pains. Hopefully, you did minor damage that will heal with no long term effects. Hopefully…



Second, ditch those friends. They are toxic.



Finally, go and join a martial art class: boxing, MMA, BJJ, whatever… It does not matter. Go train a few times at each clubs around where you live and pick the one you had most fun with: teacher matters more than style. There you (should) get proper tuition in a save environment with professionals looking after you. If you then want to fight in the ring, they will be able to let you do so safely.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Nov 23 at 14:56









Sardathrion

12k239101




12k239101








  • 1




    this doesn't actually answer the question
    – user9713
    Nov 23 at 21:45






  • 3




    @Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
    – Andrew Jennings
    Nov 23 at 23:18








  • 2




    @gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
    – Sardathrion
    Nov 24 at 16:02






  • 1




    @Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
    – JohnP
    Nov 26 at 15:25














  • 1




    this doesn't actually answer the question
    – user9713
    Nov 23 at 21:45






  • 3




    @Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
    – Andrew Jennings
    Nov 23 at 23:18








  • 2




    @gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
    – Sardathrion
    Nov 24 at 16:02






  • 1




    @Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
    – JohnP
    Nov 26 at 15:25








1




1




this doesn't actually answer the question
– user9713
Nov 23 at 21:45




this doesn't actually answer the question
– user9713
Nov 23 at 21:45




3




3




@Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
– Andrew Jennings
Nov 23 at 23:18






@Gorman - What the OP needs is a qualified instructor, and this answer suggests exactly that. Thus, the question is properly answered.
– Andrew Jennings
Nov 23 at 23:18






2




2




@gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
– Sardathrion
Nov 24 at 16:02




@gorman It does answer the question :stop doing stupid things is the answer.
– Sardathrion
Nov 24 at 16:02




1




1




@Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
– JohnP
Nov 26 at 15:25




@Gorman - I think it answers the question quite nicely in the spirit of the site.
– JohnP
Nov 26 at 15:25










up vote
4
down vote













I agree with the other answer and commentary; but to directly answer your question, the way you protect your chest is to spar under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, who will no doubt teach you mechanics first, then have you try them on an opponent.



You mentioned blocking, but there is so much to blocking that it's not possible to help you troubleshoot. Your stance, your eyeline, your speed, your power, your aim, your technique, your hips, your hands... all of that contributes to what your opponents are taking advantage of if you do them improperly, and if any one of them is wrong, you end up with where you are at now.



Then you mention fighting taller/heavier, and getting injured for days. Well, in sport fighting, that would suggest you're fighting outside your weight and skill class. Don't do this - there's no advantage for you or for your opponent. Again, a good instructor will help.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    "Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
    – Tony D
    Nov 24 at 11:51















up vote
4
down vote













I agree with the other answer and commentary; but to directly answer your question, the way you protect your chest is to spar under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, who will no doubt teach you mechanics first, then have you try them on an opponent.



You mentioned blocking, but there is so much to blocking that it's not possible to help you troubleshoot. Your stance, your eyeline, your speed, your power, your aim, your technique, your hips, your hands... all of that contributes to what your opponents are taking advantage of if you do them improperly, and if any one of them is wrong, you end up with where you are at now.



Then you mention fighting taller/heavier, and getting injured for days. Well, in sport fighting, that would suggest you're fighting outside your weight and skill class. Don't do this - there's no advantage for you or for your opponent. Again, a good instructor will help.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    "Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
    – Tony D
    Nov 24 at 11:51













up vote
4
down vote










up vote
4
down vote









I agree with the other answer and commentary; but to directly answer your question, the way you protect your chest is to spar under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, who will no doubt teach you mechanics first, then have you try them on an opponent.



You mentioned blocking, but there is so much to blocking that it's not possible to help you troubleshoot. Your stance, your eyeline, your speed, your power, your aim, your technique, your hips, your hands... all of that contributes to what your opponents are taking advantage of if you do them improperly, and if any one of them is wrong, you end up with where you are at now.



Then you mention fighting taller/heavier, and getting injured for days. Well, in sport fighting, that would suggest you're fighting outside your weight and skill class. Don't do this - there's no advantage for you or for your opponent. Again, a good instructor will help.






share|improve this answer












I agree with the other answer and commentary; but to directly answer your question, the way you protect your chest is to spar under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, who will no doubt teach you mechanics first, then have you try them on an opponent.



You mentioned blocking, but there is so much to blocking that it's not possible to help you troubleshoot. Your stance, your eyeline, your speed, your power, your aim, your technique, your hips, your hands... all of that contributes to what your opponents are taking advantage of if you do them improperly, and if any one of them is wrong, you end up with where you are at now.



Then you mention fighting taller/heavier, and getting injured for days. Well, in sport fighting, that would suggest you're fighting outside your weight and skill class. Don't do this - there's no advantage for you or for your opponent. Again, a good instructor will help.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Nov 23 at 23:17









Andrew Jennings

2,620215




2,620215








  • 1




    "Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
    – Tony D
    Nov 24 at 11:51














  • 1




    "Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
    – Tony D
    Nov 24 at 11:51








1




1




"Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
– Tony D
Nov 24 at 11:51




"Your stance, your eyeline, ..." all true, and another - even simpler? - one for the list: breathing. I had a beginner holding pads at Muay Thai training a week or so back, and they wanted to stop despite me going gently - turned out that they didn't intuitively know even to breath out and tense when struck. Such an obvious thing that often isn't even taught, as students pick it up from watching their seniors and peers holding pads long before they start sparring. Anyone not training with any experienced peers around misses out on all that knowledge transfer.
– Tony D
Nov 24 at 11:51










up vote
3
down vote













All the cautions above are good. I'd also recommend using some sort of shield (protective vest) when sparring, as well. These come in various thicknesses, coverages, etc. If you're taking real hits as a beginner, this should actually be mandatory.



Of course, I'd also be extremely cautious about participating in an environment where beginners (unproven students) are taking actual hits, with or without protective gear. That's not an "if" someone is going to get seriously hurt, but "when".






share|improve this answer








New contributor




jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.


















  • Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
    – coinbird
    10 hours ago















up vote
3
down vote













All the cautions above are good. I'd also recommend using some sort of shield (protective vest) when sparring, as well. These come in various thicknesses, coverages, etc. If you're taking real hits as a beginner, this should actually be mandatory.



Of course, I'd also be extremely cautious about participating in an environment where beginners (unproven students) are taking actual hits, with or without protective gear. That's not an "if" someone is going to get seriously hurt, but "when".






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  • Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
    – coinbird
    10 hours ago













up vote
3
down vote










up vote
3
down vote









All the cautions above are good. I'd also recommend using some sort of shield (protective vest) when sparring, as well. These come in various thicknesses, coverages, etc. If you're taking real hits as a beginner, this should actually be mandatory.



Of course, I'd also be extremely cautious about participating in an environment where beginners (unproven students) are taking actual hits, with or without protective gear. That's not an "if" someone is going to get seriously hurt, but "when".






share|improve this answer








New contributor




jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









All the cautions above are good. I'd also recommend using some sort of shield (protective vest) when sparring, as well. These come in various thicknesses, coverages, etc. If you're taking real hits as a beginner, this should actually be mandatory.



Of course, I'd also be extremely cautious about participating in an environment where beginners (unproven students) are taking actual hits, with or without protective gear. That's not an "if" someone is going to get seriously hurt, but "when".







share|improve this answer








New contributor




jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this answer



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answered yesterday









jeremyb

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jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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jeremyb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












  • Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
    – coinbird
    10 hours ago


















  • Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
    – coinbird
    10 hours ago
















Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
– coinbird
10 hours ago




Completely disagree. Chest protectors are strictly for drilling technique (in real combat sports). Wearing one in sparring would hinder your ability to duck, roll, and otherwise avoid strikes. It would also build bad habits of leaving your body open as the strikes wouldn't hurt like they should.
– coinbird
10 hours ago


















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