Hot MMA Christmas Items for 2009!

1, Grappling Dummy or Throwing Dummy (price range: $78 to $299)

Although many people don’t understand this there is a difference between a grappling and a throwing dummy.

The Grappling Dummy is made up of limbs and usually is lighter than their counterparts and are perfect for practicing:

* Triangles from the guard

* Arm bars from the guard

* Guard passes

* and more

The throwing dummy is heavier which simulates real body weight and is usually more durable to take on the impact

of the throws to the ground. These dummies usually don’t have arms and legs and if they do they are shorter than

you will find on a grappling dummy.

* “Sticking” throws

* Hip Wheel / Headlock Hip Toss (Koshi Guruma)

* Inner Thigh Cut (Uchimata)

* and more

2, MMA Shirts (price range: $24 to $59)

In MMA there are 3 different type of shirts. The first is a training shirt which is usually a tight that keeps the

sweat away from the skin. Secondly, there is the walk in shirts which are what the MMA fighters where when they walk into and

out of the ring or octagon. These basically does the same thing as the paint job on a Nascar. Third is the apparel

shirts which are usually of various prints. Currently the most popular is that of a “tribal” style tattoo.

3, MMA Shorts (price range: $38 to $89)

These Shorts can be worn for training and even are stylish enough to wear them as everyday shorts. They are very comfortable usually provide a drawstring or Velcro style pull belt that is unseen in or to stay up. They come in a huge variety of styles like; single color, multi-colored, flashy, and slick. So, just be sure to match the temperament of your martial artist to get the perfect MMA shorts for them.

4, If they are in BJJ, Karate, Taekwondo get them a Uniform

Martial arts uniforms have a wide array of qualities and styles. So first know what style (Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Jiujitsu, etc) they train in. Next is a very important step, find out what color they would like and make sure it is allowed by their schools. From there it is pretty much up to you on how much you want to spend. While some uniforms are comprised of 100% cotton others are mixed with polyester. The most expensive martial arts uniforms are normally comprised of 100% cotton.

5, UFC tickets (price range: $30 to any price)

If you have the money to spend they have never been to a UFC or WEC event then this would be an awesome gift! Tickets are start anywhere from $30 and can go as high as you want to go. One of the best places to go is Las Vegas since this is where all the world renowned gyms are. Most of these gyms are open to the public so when they are there for the even they can also spend time looking at the gyms where their favorite fighter actually trains. There are also many MMA shows that coincide with these show so be on the lookout for The MMA Zone.

6, Shoes for training (price range: $19 to $199)

Shoes in the martial arts are very hot right now. Whether it is to wear everyday or just in class these are one of the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear. They are made to be ultra light so they don’t slow down the kick or feet of the person wearing them. First determine if the person you are buying for is interested in only a specific brand like; Addidas, Discipline, or Pine Tree. From there is a a lot of styles within a specific brand of martial arts shoes to choose from. These shoes are specifically made not to leave marks on mats or on floors as long as they have only been worn inside.

7, Randy Courture or Tito Ortiz’s Book (price range: $19 to $39)

These are two of the most recognizable figures in the history of the UFC. Both of these books are about the person but are also chalked full of tips on training and technique. We would advise if your your martial artist is under 18 go with Randy Couture and not Tito Ortiz.

Tito’s book is filled with some adult content since he is now married to a porn star.

8, MMA Gloves (price range: $14 to $99)

One of the most notable items of MMA are the gloves. They come in all the colors from black to pink. The one important thing you will have to know about your martial artist is their hand size. In general do they have small, medium, large, or extra large hands? Once you have determined the hand size you will have your choice of many styles and even weight with the most common MMA Gloves being the 8 oz. glove size.

9, Subscription to a Magazine (price range: $12 to $49)

If you ask 5 different MMA’ers which magazine is the best you will get 5 different answers. So, its hard to say which one you should choose. If the person you are shopping for is into the a more traditional arts like; Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, etc. then chances are they will appreciate, “Black Belt” magazine. Some of the more popular UFC types magazines are “Fight Magazine”, “MMA Worldwide“, and the “Ultimate Grappling Magazine“. They are all very good and will get them the news, articles, and information they need.

10, Muay Thai Style Kicking Pads (price range: $29 to $139)

The Muay Thai style pads are a fantastic way to accelerate kicks and sometimes jabs. When it is hit just right there is a loud popping sound that lets you know that you are doing it right. Most of these pads and focus mitts will have to be held by a trainer (even you) for them to practice on.