The Complete Handbook of Boxing & Martial Arts Protective Gear

There's a lot of solid information here, and I've already used the chapter on maintenance to fix a pair of gloves I thought were destined for the trash. The sections on materials and foam density are thorough, maybe a bit too deep for a casual hobbyist like me. I was hoping for a few more direct recommendations for specific brands, but I understand the authors wanted to stay neutral. It's a good reference, just not a light read.

I run a small martial arts club and bought this to help standardize our equipment purchases. The breakdown of specifications in Chapter 2 is exactly what we needed to compare quotes from different suppliers without getting snowed. The chapter on troubleshooting was a nice surprise, and I was able to salvage a few high-quality but odor-ridden headgear for our loaner stash. It's a dry read in places, but it's a handbook, not a novel.

The information is definitely accurate, and I appreciate the focus on safety and real-world use. I gave it three stars because I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more visuals. A book about equipment really needs clear diagrams to illustrate some of the points about lacing systems and how to measure for shin guards, and this one is all text. It's a good book to read, but less useful as a quick reference on the gym floor.

This is the most comprehensive and practical book on combat sports equipment I have ever found. I've been a boxing coach for over three decades, and this book is a goldmine. It validated a lot of my own experience on what makes a good glove, and taught me a lot of the why behind it, which is great for explaining things to my newer fighters. The chapter covering business opportunities was even good, giving me some ideas for stocking my gym's pro shop more efficiently. It's an essential reference for any serious coach or club owner.

For someone like me who is just getting into Muay Thai but is serious about the training, this has been a great resource for figuring out what to buy. It doesn't just say 'get a 16oz glove'; it explains why the weight matters, how the closure system affects wrist support, and what to look for in leather. The only reason for four stars is that it would be nice if it included a short 'quick-buy' guide for the most common beginner setups, just as a starting point for each discipline. Otherwise, it's a solid buy.

As a professional MMA fighter, I was curious, but I didn't expect to learn much I didn't already know from my sponsors. I was partially right. The most interesting part was the troubleshooting section, as smell and hand hygiene are huge deals in my gym. The book is very well-researched and clearly written. It's just a bit too dry and long for my liking. I found myself skimming sections that were more about business and less about the gear itself. It's a good read for a gym owner, less so for a competitor.

This is a handy resource for anyone managing equipment for a university judo and BJJ club, which is my gig. I got some very practical advice on extending the life of our mats and why we should stop letting people use the same worn-out gloves for sparring. The glossary in the back has been helpful for communicating with our budget committee. I took a star off only because the book is quite heavy on the physics of materials and pretty light on the specific maintenance needs of softer gear like grappling rash guards.