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I originally bought my Kumite equipment used, (not the groin protector) because the equipment itself can be quite expensive...some where around $300.00 for everything.
Unfortunately on my last outing, I tore the thumb right off one of the punches from a hard reverse shot to my opponents body.
The particular style of punches that I use are 1/2 vinyl foam, and I had already ripped the finger slots off of them in previous sparring sessions.
I had more duck tape holding them together than vinyl...
...so I figured it was time to cough up the money for a new pair.
They just aren't robust enough for the kind of contact being made in our non-contact Kumite classes...
...some nice leather ones would be better I think, as they could better handle the flexing when I tighten my fist on a punch.
While rummaging around the local thrift store the other day, I found a pair of elbow pads which appear to be brand new.
...they actually have more padding than the ones I normally use and they were only $2.50
I'll probably end up replacing all my Kumite equipment over the next year or so, that way the cost is spread out over time.
It's a safety thing for yourself and your opponent that you keep your equipment in good shape, just to avoid any injuries...
Happy sparring...
RJF
