Competition Essentials
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So much goes into a competition. Here are some items that might slip people's minds.
Also refer to:
Skincare: Skincare for combat sports is not just about preventing rashes and infections. It also helps prevent cuts, scrapes, and burns. Use lotion to keep your skin pliable and sunscreen to protect it from damage. Apply more lotion on sparring and competition days.
Lip balm:Â Protect your lips. Use more on sparring and competition days.
Petroleum jelly:Â Strikers should consider using petroleum jelly on top of lotion on competition or sparring days. This combination will keep your face moist and slippery, reducing the risk of cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can also make punches slide off your face. Applying it around and inside the nostrils will protect the nose and make breathing easier. Remember to put it on your lips as well.
Saline nasal gel: For improved breathing, you can use saline nasal gel instead of petroleum jelly. You can spray a liquid version into your sinuses for deeper protection and rub the gel in and around the nose to keep your nose moist and your nasal passages open.
Clear straw sports bottle:Â Strikers need water bottles that are easy to use with boxing gloves or for others to provide them with water. For corners, having a clear straw water bottle allows them to see how much water is being consumed and enables the competitor to dictate their hydration. It removes the guesswork and possible spills. The straw avoids choking and the competitor not getting enough hydration. Another use is as a squirt bottle for cleaning, rinsing the mouthguard, or dousing water on the competitor's head and face.
Hydration tip:Â Start your hydration process the day before the event and again after weigh-ins. Take small sips of water frequently rather than large gulps to maintain hydration without discomfort after weigh-ins.
Medical kit:Â Include band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, scissors, cotton swabs, instant ice packs, personal medication, and pain relievers.
Antiperspirant:Â You don't want to be self-conscious during competition. Staying fresh throughout the competition day will give you one less thing to worry about. One area people might not consider applying lotion to, but that also gets dry, is the armpits. This also makes the antiperspirant last longer.
Nail clipper with file:Â To keep nails trimmed and smooth, particularly important for grapplers.
Athletic tape:Â It's multipurpose, from wrapping hands and fingers, tying down or patching up equipment, to patching up the competitor (e.g., tying down shinguards, gloves, and headgear). Athletic tape is always good to have around in your gym bag. Use gauze over injury sites or body hair before applying tape.
Elastic anti-slip straps:Â Great for tying down equipment without damaging it.
Towel:Â Not only for wiping up sweat or spills, it can also be used to hold ice.
Backup gear: Have backups in case your favorite gear is denied, or you lose or forget something. Make sure your backup gear is broken in. An extra mouthguard (with case) is particularly important if you misplace your primary one or drop it on the ground and immediately need a clean one.
Extra clothing:Â Competition clothing and a change of clothes. Ensure they're comfortable and you've worn them before. Don't change anything on the day of the event.
Sandals:Â Most competitions require barefoot participation. If your competition requires shoes, you should avoid walking around in your competition shoes.
Nutritional needs: Snacks like energy bars, fruits, or other quick energy sources. Also, consider electrolyte packets or drinks.
Sanitizing wipes:Â To clean your gear or yourself after competition.
Music, headphones, and self-care items (e.g., foam roller):Â To help you relax.
Portable charger:Â To ensure your phone or other electronic devices stay charged throughout the day.
Nitrile gloves:Â Avoids contamination and spreading of allergens.
Stopwatch:Â To keep accurate track of time.
Corner tote:Â To carry supplies.
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