Kickboxing Vs. Grappling MMA Shin Guards

 MMA Shin guards can be used in many forms of martial arts: Grappling, Muay Thai and kick boxing. When sparring again with your partner, is when you will reconsider your MMA shin guard purchase. If you wanted to re-create the force behind two people kicking at the same time- smack 2 baseball bats together.There are several things to consider before you run off and but the least expensive pair of shin guards. My MMA training includes over 25 years of Taekwondo training- this is where I learned the value of the quality MMA shin guard.When shopping for MMA shin guards, the main thing to look for is a re-enforced "Spine" that runs down the front of the guard.There are very few MMA shin guards that incorporate this important feature. As an old school Taekwondo fighter- this is something I always am on the lookout for (remember the baseball bats…).
Before I go into the MMA shin guard features...

Something that I have been looking at lately is the changing training environment of the MMA fighter. The sport is no longer 2-dimensional. New age fighters need to be able to transition from standup to the ground effortlessly. "Wait!!!! I need to change into my Striking shin guards first...." Not good! MMA Training needs to be fluid.

Grappling Vs. Striking

How the shin guards are attached the legs is another important thing to consider. The sleeve-sock style guards work better for grappling because they wrap around the leg. The grappling sock-sleeve style will resist being shifted while on the ground.

Striking shin guards are usually strapped on with a couple of velcro straps and stay on reasonably well until you decide to roll. Striking guards shift all over and usually fall of or one of the straps comes undone- sonofagun!!! There have been a few lame attempts at the hybrid, but they are failed. Fighters don't like them.

Something else I have been pondering of late is: why no decent cross training shin guards (yes, I'm a heavy thinker...). Maybe because MMA fighters have not complained about shelling out loads of cash for 2 sets of mma shin guards. "Stand-up tonight. OK. Ready! Got my stiking's on..." "Wait! Rolling? Let me swapout my grappling..."

In my humble opinion, MMA Fight Training has entered a new era. Maintaining 2 sets of mma guards no longer cuts it in the modern MMA arena. I think it can even hinder a fighter if they can't progress from one state to the next, DYNAMICALLY!

Percieved value
I have found that people buy the most expensive things because they think they are better in quality. It is- but only to a certain extent. Vynl vs Leather; better stitching; more padding, etc. Yes. But there is a limit! 

Ok. So now you're an expert and have a better idea to what to look for. #1: Don't go cheap! Also remember that guards are for your partner too! Ever catch a shin bone blade up the side of your head... Pain.