Where did the year go? We’re in the midst of Hanukkah, with Kwanzaa and Christmas right around the corner. If you’re looking for a good gift for under the tree, a Yankee Swap gift for the dojo, a stocking stuffer for the mantle, or a small gift idea for any other seasonal occasion, check out this list.
Got any others you are wishing for that should make this list? Drop me a line on Twitter or email and I’ll add it along with your name!
Hypnotik x Datsusara Gear Bag Core
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This bag is the real deal! I purchased mine 6+ years ago and it’s still going strong. Datsusara (which means “To escape suffering and find one’s true path” in Japanese) is on a never-ending quest to make the best bags on the market and is forever improving them. The bag is made of hemp so it’s not only breathable but it also won’t harbor nasty germs, mold, or mildew. That means very little maintenance and no stink. Extraordinarily durable, loads of pockets to store things, cool looking, and the company is run by a top-notch guy (Chris Odell) who gets back to you with any questions right away. It’s not the cheapest bag on the market but you really get what you pay for. I abuse mine viciously but it has yet to show it. |
NuttyBuddy Protective Cup and Jock Combo
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 Those who train with me know my love for the Nutty Buddy. I purchased my first one very soon into my training (first of second week, I believe). I bought my second one not because the first one broke or wore out but because it got misplaced somewhere during the shuffling around of all my equipment between bags and locations. You’ve tried the rest, now try the best. This isn’t even noticeable once it’s in place. No cup will protect you against all strikes from any angle but this is the best protection of all the many cups I’ve tried. Again, a little on the pricey side but worth it after the first strike. |
Meister Glove Deodorizers for Boxing and All Sports
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Take a whiff of your gloves. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Back? Yeah, they’re pretty awful, right?
Even people with the best hygiene and intentions end up with gloves that could “knock a buzzard off a shit wagon from a mile away”. And if you can smell your gloves, believe me, so can your poor partner. Stuff these into your gloves between use and do everyone a favor.
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Kbands | Speed and Strength Leg Resistance Bands
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Hey. Who doesn’t want higher, more powerful kicks? These bands are used by all kinds of athletes, including martial artists. They’ll up your game by strengthening those kicking muscles that are often tricky to exercise in most generic gym settings. |
Athlon Rub All Sports Muscle Oil
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This powerful oil is a bit messy but really does the trick. For those of us who can’t catch a break and are almost always sore going into a training day, this stuff is a miracle. Good stocking stuffer size so it also means it fits in your gear bag without much fanfare. |
Biosteel High Performance Sports Mix
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 If you watch Major League Baseball you’ve no doubt seen players sloshing down some pink sports drink in the dugout. Yeah, that’s this stuff. Think of it as a less sugary form of Gatorade. No artificial colors either (the pink comes from beet extract). It’s expensive as all get-out and sometimes hard to find but you can’t argue with the pros.
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Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook
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Lately,  I have taken to scrawling notes after class. Problem is, with a regular notebook, it gets wet from your still-sweaty hands and gets all sorts of trashed being tumbled about in your gear bag. Along comes this neat little notebook that is waterproof and pretty durable. I keep it in a side pocket along with some pens and I’m good to go. The writing ends up a little jittery as I am usually still hopped up on adrenaline and pretty tired right after class but I’ve captured some good notes I wouldn’t have otherwise. Pretty inexpensive and well worth the effort. |
Complete Krav Maga
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 The book that all over Krav Maga books are judged by. True, you cannot learn Krav Maga from a book or video (at least in my opinion) but this tome is essential for study from the couch or on the sidelines when you are on the dl. I also found the book to be useful to study details leading up to both Black Belt tests. Even if your school “goes by the book” and is KMWW, KMA, or otherwise certified, you will no doubt see a few things that are different in here. Not necessary a bad thing. There are more than enough spaces on the pages to make your own notes and comments to personalize it and make it your own.
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Venum Challenger Mouthguard
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 There are a lot of mouthguards on the market and I’ve tried many of them. I’ve found over the years that this one provides the best fit and most protection of the non-custom fit mouthguards. Another good stocking stuffer.
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Advil Pain Reliever
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If you don’t need some sort of pain reliever once or twice a month, you probably aren’t learning Krav Maga. Lots of pain medications on the market but I’ve found Advil (in moderation) is pretty effective. Lots of studies point to Ibuprofin as being dangerous if used frequently but, once in a while, this is certainly worth the small risk. Also nice and small to fit in your bag.
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Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected
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Anything by Rory Miller is worth reading. This particular book is most essential. Move beyond simply wanting to defend yourself and learn good moves to getting more educated about violence in the real world. It’s more than striking down your attacker and moving on with your life. the context of violence is complex, interesting, and essential to learn about. It could keep you out of prison.
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SaltStick Electrolyte Replacement Capsules
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 If you have never seized up due to electrolyte loss (i.e., lost salt from pouring buckets of sweat) you are lucky. If you have, you know exactly what I’m talking about and why these gems are essential. Electrolytes are very important for healthy body function during intense, prolonged exercise and these capsules make it super easy to ingest. They were originally designed for cyclists, who can purchase a dispenser for their handlebars to minimize disruption during an event. For us mat monkeys, these can just come out of your gear bag before, during, and after a long workout.
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What to Expect When Starting Krav Maga (Krav Maga Journey Guides Book 1)
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I couldn’t resist. I really think that this is worth a quick read for anyone looking to start out and unsure what to expect when they hit the mat. Available in softcover and Kindle versions. |
Happy Holidays!
Krav Maga Journey 