Point fighting gloves are a staple in martial arts where speed, precision, and controlled strikes take center stage. You'll find them in karate styles like Shotokan and Kyokushin, as well as in ITF taekwondo competitions.
They're also popular in kickboxing point fighting, kung fu with a focus on point sparring, sport karate, American Kenpo, and Tang Soo Do.
These gloves are designed to keep you safe while allowing for the agility and speed you need, making them essential for anyone competing in these fast-paced, point-based martial arts.
The Importance of Point Fighting Gloves
Point fighting gloves play a pivotal role in the sport of point fighting, offering essential protection.
These specialised gloves are designed to strike a fine balance between safeguarding fighters' hands and allowing them to execute precise, lightning-fast techniques.
"The best point fighting gloves are those that offer a balance between protection, comfort, and performance."
Top Picks for Point Fighting Gloves
Top Ten Open Hand Superfight ITF Gloves
Let's kick off our list of the best point fighting gloves with a fantastic pair from Top Ten. You'll see this brand mentioned often because they are a leading supplier of point sparring gloves, and many of their products are certified for competitions.
These gloves offer complete freedom of movement and are moisture-resistant, helping you maintain a good grip and avoid sweaty palms, a common issue during sparring.
Although these gloves come with a higher price tag, they're built to last. They are ITF approved, making them an excellent choice for anyone competing. Available in both red and blue to suit your needs.
To find the perfect fit, refer to the size chart. For a more affordable pair of ITF-approved point fighting gloves, take a look here.
Colour Options: Red, Blue
Size Options: S/M, M/L, XL
Material: Leather
Top Ten Power Ink Pointfighter Gloves
Next up, we have the Power Ink Pointfighter gloves, featuring an elegant and sleek all-black design. You can't go wrong with this classic look!
These gloves include a broad strap to prevent twists and hyperextensions, along with molded foam wrist support for excellent impact absorption.
The Top Ten logo appears on the front in a discreet, overlay.
Colour Options: Black
Size Options: S, M, L, XL
Material: Synthetic Leather
Bytomic Performer Carbon Evo Pointfighter Gloves
The Bytomic Performer Carbon Evo Pointfighter gloves are designed with your comfort and focus in mind, thanks to their soft amara lining. This ensures a snug fit without distractions, letting you concentrate fully on your technique.
The gloves also sport a stylish, modern look with their carbon-effect synthetic leather exterior panels, making them as visually appealing as they are functional.
For safety, especially in disciplines like Karate and Kickboxing, these gloves feature fully covered finger and thumb compartments.
Plus, the convenient hook and loop closure makes them easy to slip on and off, so you can get ready quickly and hassle-free.
Colour Options: Black/Gold, Black/Black, Black/Blue, Black/Red
Size Options: XS, S, M, L, XL
Material: Synthetic Leather
Superlight Prism Glossy Gloves
Another reputable pair from Top Ten, the Prism Glossy Point Sparring Gloves, are crafted from durable synthetic leather.
These Top Ten sparring gloves offer a secure fit with a closed thumb, ergonomic grip, and robust Velcro closure. Plus, all prints are abrasion-resistant, ensuring your gloves stay looking their best after every use.
What sets them apart is their unique, shiny look. The glossy finish makes these gloves stand out, especially on sparring day!
Colour Options: Black, Blue, Pink, Red
Size Options: XS, S, M, L
Material: Synthetic Leather
Bytomic Axis V2 Pointfighter Gloves
These gloves also feature dense foam padding, providing excellent knuckle protection, and a synthetic matte leather construction that's built to last.
Suitable for Kickboxing, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and more, they have enclosed, fully-covered finger and thumb compartments to help prevent accidental scrapes and eye pokes!
With the biggest range of sizes for adults and juniors, both men and women can find the perfect fit.
Colour Options: Black/Black, Black/White, Blue/White, and Red/Black
Size Options: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Material: Synthetic Leather
Each of these gloves is available in our point fighting gloves collection, where you can find a wide range of options to suit your needs.
Diving Deeper: Analysis of Leading Brands
Let's take a closer look at some of the top brands in point fighting gloves and what makes them stand out.
What to Look for in Point Fighting Gloves
When choosing point fighting gloves, it's essential to consider the following factors:
- Protection: The gloves should offer adequate padding to protect your hands during a match.
- Fit: They should fit securely without being too tight or too loose.
- Material: The gloves should be made from durable materials to withstand the rigours of point fighting.
- Comfort: They should be comfortable to wear, even during long training sessions or matches.
Additional Gear for Point Fighting
While gloves are crucial, they are just one part of the gear needed for point fighting. For complete protection, consider investing in other protective gear included below.
Headgear: Designed to protect the head and face from strikes. It usually includes padding around the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Mouthguard: Worn to protect the teeth and jaw from impacts.
Foot pads/footgear: Protective gear for the feet to minimize the impact of kicks.
Groin guard: Worn by male competitors to protect the groin area.
Optional Gear:
Chest protector: Sometimes worn to protect the torso from heavy impacts, especially in younger age divisions or specific events.
Shin Guards: Shin guards are used in point fighting to provide protection for the shins and lower legs during light-contact combat, ensuring safety and allowing fighters to execute controlled kicks with confidence.
Caring for Your Point Fighting Gloves
Once you've invested in a pair of high-quality point fighting gloves, it's essential to take good care of them to ensure they last. Here are some tips on how to maintain your gloves:
Clean Regularly: After each use, wipe your gloves down with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt. Never submerge them in water as this can damage the material and padding.
Air Dry: Allow your gloves to air dry after each training session or match. Avoid leaving them in your gym bag as this can lead to unpleasant odours and potentially damage the gloves.
Use Glove Deodorizers: These can help keep your gloves smelling fresh. They absorb moisture and eliminate odours, keeping your gloves in top condition.
Regular Inspection: Check your gloves regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice the padding becoming thin or the material tearing, it might be time to invest in a new pair.
Conclusion
Choosing the right point fighting gloves is crucial for any martial artist. The best gloves offer a balance of protection, comfort, and performance, enhancing your point fighting skills. Whether you're a seasoned point fighter or just starting, our point fighting gloves collection offers a range of options to suit your needs.
This article is part of the Made4Fighters series on martial arts gear. For more information on our collections, visit made4fighters.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Combat Sports use Point fighting gloves?
Point fighting gloves are used in several combat sports, including karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. These sports involve point fighting, a form of combat where the aim is to strike the opponent with speed and precision. The gloves used in these sports are lightweight, padded, and designed to offer a secure fit, allowing for quick and precise movements.
What sizes do Point Fighting gloves come in?
Point fighting gloves come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. The sizes typically range from small to extra large. It's important to choose the right size for a secure and comfortable fit. Most manufacturers provide a sizing chart that you can use to determine the right size based on your hand measurements.
Can I wear point fighting gloves to hit a punch bag?
While you can technically use point fighting gloves to hit a punch bag, it's not generally recommended. Point fighting gloves are designed for speed and precision, not for heavy bag work.
They have less padding than boxing gloves, which could lead to hand or wrist injuries when hitting a heavy bag. For bag work, it's better to use boxing gloves or bag gloves, which are specifically designed to handle the impact.
What's the difference between Point Fighting Gloves and Boxing Gloves?
The main difference between point fighting gloves and boxing gloves lies in their design and purpose. Point fighting gloves are designed for speed and precision. They are lightweight, have an open-finger design, and less padding. This design allows for quick movements and precise strikes, which are crucial in point fighting.
On the other hand, boxing gloves are designed for protection and cushioning. They are heavier, have a closed design, and more padding. This design helps to protect the hands and wrists from the impact of heavy punches. You can find a variety of boxing gloves in our boxing gloves collection.
