Martial arts have been popular for centuries. Today, it’s prevalent across the globe, with many countries, including Ireland, embracing this sport. Aside from improving your mental well-being, this activity is said to heighten your motor skills and aerobic and anaerobic abilities.
However, to reap the benefits of your training regime, you must ensure you have the correct equipment. One of the most important is a good quality floor mat. As well as heightening your training program, the right floor mats protect you and your gym floor from injury and damage.
In this handy guide, we list five reasons why martial arts mats improve your performance. Read on to learn more.
What Are Martial Arts Mats?
Before delving into the benefits martial arts mats provide, let’s learn more about what they are.
In a nutshell, they offer a comfortable and safe surface to train on. They’re often crafted from rubber, foam, or vinyl and are available in several styles, thicknesses, sizes, and hues. The thicker mats, as you’d imagine, offer more cushioning. These are best suited to amateurs or those wishing to avoid hard impacts.
These mats can also be custom-made to fit a particular space or martial arts studio. The right mat can make a massive difference to your comfort and safety when training.
Types of Mats
There are various martial arts mats available. These include:
- Interlocking foam tiles
- Folding mats
- Roll-out mats
- Landing mats
All boast different uses and are suited to different levels of training. However, when buying martial arts mats, always remember to buy quality mats from a reputable supplier of martial arts mats Ireland.
Below, we’ve listed more on how martial arts mats improve your training.
1. Safe and Comfortable Place to Practice
One of the reasons many choose to invest in quality martial arts mats is because they necessitate a safe and comfortable place to practice various techniques. They also lessen the likelihood of injuries such as sprains and fractures. In the worst-case scenario, head injuries. Why? They provide a stable surface on which to perform.
Depending on your experience, preferences, and needs, mats boast various depths of cushioning. Dense mats are ideal for high-impact martial arts such as karate or judo. Softer mats are better suited to those who require flexibility and wish to protect themselves against falls. High-quality mats boast superior protection for your muscles and joints.
2. Provide More Control
Martial arts techniques are often highly complex. A good quality mat offers more control, helping you to focus on your technique without fearing sliding or slipping. In addition, these mats can be used in various environments, such as gyms, dojos, and even outdoors.
When practicing a new move, you need to put your full focus into the technique instead of worrying about your balance. Martial arts mats boast good traction, which ensures heightened stability when practicing various moves.
3. Protection Against Environmental Factors
Martial arts mats provide a safe space to practice and safeguard you against environmental factors, including humidity and cold temperatures. Most gym and outdoor floors are cold. These floors insulate you, making practicing in cooler temperatures more comfortable. They also protect you from floor moisture, which makes practicing various moves a breeze.
4. Noise reduction
Martial arts require lots of movement. This creates its fair share of noise. Good quality mats help to lessen noise during practice. How? By absorbing sound. This is an asset to those practicing in large groups or open spaces, as it makes it easier to hear your instructors or students. In addition, if you’re practicing at home in an apartment block, you’re less likely to annoy your neighbors!
5. Versatility and Portability
One advantage of martial arts mats is their versatility. They’re suited to numerous activities, including self-defense training, sparring, and stretching exercises. This versatility allows you to practice and improve different skills.
In addition, martial arts mats are lightweight, which makes carrying them around easy. This means you can practice at home or in various locations. This is particularly beneficial to you if you’re a teacher who teaches at different gyms and studios.
Most modern-day martial arts mats can be folded for easy transportation. Additionally, when not in use, they are easy to store.
The Bottom Line
Martial arts mats are an asset to students and instructors. They’re ideal for various locations, including indoors and outdoors. Plus, they make your practice a safe and comfortable experience. They also help to safeguard you against injury, making training a more enjoyable experience. How? Because they provide extreme cushioning and padding. This is an asset to newbies concerned about falling, as it gives them more confidence to carry out or try complex moves.
Provided you invest in the right mat for your needs and level of experience and replace them when worn, you’ll be privy to a safe and effective place to train all year round. Another reason to invest in these mats? If you require a custom fit for a new gym or studio.
In a nutshell, good quality martial arts mats assist you in practicing and boosting your skills. They absorb noise and shock and offer protection against environmental factors.
