Best Focus Mitts

 

1. What are focus mitts used for?

Focus mitts are often used as an augment to sparring, with a more explicit focus on the puncher than the feeder, especially to develop good punch combinations and defensive maneuvers such as "slipping," "bobbing" and "weaving."

2. Can you kick focus mitts?

Since focus mitts are small, there is also a bigger risk of a kick missing its target and accidentally landing on the pad holder instead. However, they will perform reasonably well as kick pads for children or beginners.

3. When did boxers start hitting mitts?

The use of punch mitts or “focus pads” likely came about as Muay Thai and Far Eastern martial arts made their way toward the United States in the late 1700's. The concept first began with martial artists using foot tongs or slippers on their hands to absorb the impact from kicks and strikes.

4. Can you use boxing mitts for kicks?

If your class is going to be boxing-only (no kicks or knees), focus mitts may be all you need. But if you want to really ramp up your cardio by adding kicks, Thai pads are your friend!

5. What are the benefits of using focus mitts?

Benefits of focus mitt drills

• improve punching skills (technique, power, speed, endurance, accuracy, timing)
• improve offensive skills (angles, combinations)
• improve defensive skills (blocking, parrying, slipping, rolling)
• practice moving against a live person (footwork, strategy, mimicking styles, counter-punching)