Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/29/2007

Question
to start off with, i am 40 years old and interested in seriously training in kickboxing. i started half-heartedly in 2006 and enjoyed it, but had to stop due to other committments. i am ready to start back but am curious about the right gloves, the right training equipment i can get for my house and the right way to use the correct handwraps. i have a couple of 180" handwraps. i have seen and used two methods of wrapping. the first is what was described to me as the traditional wrap around the hands and through the fingers method, then i learned the wrap aropund the hands and layer across the knuckles method. is there a better method or which is the best choice? i also am interested in some exercises or training routines that will get me ready to compete, if i decide to go that route. i know this is lengthy, but i thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Frank,

Congratulations on starting over. Being "older" myself, I know about putting things on-the-shelf for a while, and then getting back into it.

As far as your handwraps, the 180" should be fine. As you know there are several methods to wrapping the hands, and I can't really say one method is THE correct method - I think it really depends on what style and material is comfortable to you. Your described tradition method has stood the test of time, and should be fine if you are not going to be doing a lot of MMA grappling.

Here are a few links to handwrapping info

http://www.boxinggyms.com/tips/handwraps.htm

wrapping the hands for boxing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcju0_qTe_A

wrapping for Muay Thai boxing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVMLwP5wzyQ&feature=related

Wrapping through the fingers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b28VBJ912cA&feature=related

AS far as gloves for kickboxing training, I imagine you should stay with a quality pair of bag training gloves,
such as found at this link http://www.ringside.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2363 or under the boxing gloves heading.  The key for bag training gloves is be sure and get them big enough to allow for the handwraps underneath.

As far as training routines that will get you "ready to compete", You can't go wrong following the training guidance or Ross Enamait, who trains many competitive athletes for MMA, boxing and other sports.  Here are a few links to his information:

Be "Smart" when training
http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym4.htm

Strength Training for Fighters
http://www.rosstraining.com/articles/strengthtraining.html

Endurance conditioning for fighters
http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym21.htm

Rossboxing.com
http://www.rossboxing.com/  (read his articles..)

Rosstraining.com
http://www.rosstraining.com/

RossTraining Forum (no nonsense networking with other fighters and serious athletes. http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/

I'm not trying to dodge your training question. Other than basic weight training, cardio, etc. (you probably know that routine already...) I am convinced that the articles on Ross boxing and his training system and methods are the way to go for the combat athlete, especially one who trains at home (never gymless is a great guide for the home fitness program).  The members of his forum are constantly posting helpful hints on their training and Ross will also answer questions to him about training. Simply put, his methods work and several MMA competitors and pro boxers train with him at this gym location on the east coast.

I hope this has helped you and good luck with your training. Perhaps I'll get to watch you"in the ring" on some televised fights!??  you just never know...

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible