OK I admit it. I have avoided the whole handwrap issue. I have a morbid fear of sessions with handwraps. Why ?

2 reasons. First I always associate them the boxercise people. Yes when i did my fitness instructor course I did a boxercise course as part of it. I have kept this deep dark secret but now is time to let it out. All these instructors who could neither punch nor move teaching boxercise. In fairness most dont claim to be boxers or fighters - but some get confused thinking they can now suddenly teach 'a bit of self defence'. After watching a range of instructors teaching poor punching form and worse combinations ... hmmmph

Second it takes a while to teach and keep re wrapping the hands.

Anyway I digress. After so many scrapped bruised knuckles I will start encouraging their use from March. I can supply them - or you can buy them - get proper full length ones though.

What do hand wraps do. They do several things really. They support the small bones of the hand reducing the likleyhood of a small break. They stabilise the wrist reducing likelihood of sprained wrists and assorted minor wrist ailments. And they also reduce the cutting and marking of the hands on the pad. As a slight bonus - they allow gripping and grappling as well as providing protection.

What about the more modern neoprene wraps? They are easier to put on and protect the knuckles from abrasion but dont provide anywhere near the same hand and wrist support. If you just tap the pads - they will be fine. If you start developing power - proper wraps are better.

Length - I recomend 180 inch with velcro fastening. Costs around £2.50 - £3

Paul

Some good links for you to get some tips as there are so many differing ways to wrap up....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcju0_qTe_A&feature=related



www.boxinggyms.com/tips/wraps/pages/basic01.htm



how-to-box.com/content/how-put-your-hand-wraps-basic-method


Hope this helps?

Almost forgot.....

TOP TIP: Wrap up before or on the way to class (not if you're driving)

or get to class 10 minutes early as it does take time.

I bought wraps recently and would certainly recommend that people avoid the ordinary bytomic ones. They do not describe the length on their website but having actually received them, they are only of use if you have hands the size of a newborn infants!

On the plus side - the Sports Direct chain of stores do have long 180inch Lonsdale wraps (2inch thick) at a great price (literally a couple of pounds). Very comfortable, sturdy feeling material (if that means anything! ) and have an indication of which way to put them on at the beginning (which does help...believe me!).

In addition to the clips Clint has provided I quite like the method from NSW PCYC again on Youtube. Like Clint mentioned there are countless ways to use the wrappings but after trying a handful I found this particular one best for me, comfortable and doesn't slip too much, but there again I have freaky hands......

Cheers Steve - Top link right there!!

......and yeah the length of wrap is something to consider as you either end up with lot's of bare skin and zero support or looking like you are on the way to hospital after a nasty chain saw accident!

To be honest from personal experience I would avoid Bytomic anything

They are one of the retailers we wont stock due to quality issues.
Paul Grey
Krav Maga Training Centres