Kids are tough, but they also need to be protected while training, which is why parents want to know that the gym or dojo they send them to is well equipped with the best type of martial arts mats possible. Creating a safe training environment means selecting the appropriate thickness for your martial arts mats. The decision depends on the martial arts you teach, but another consideration is whether you train with children. Common choices for mat thickness are 1", 1.5", and 2". The quick and easy answer is that each mat option has its pros and cons and is better suited for specific martial arts disciplines rather than being strictly age dependent. Having said that, let's explore these options in detail to help you train with confidence. 

1" Mats: Lightweight and Versatile

Suitable for lighter impact martial arts, 1” ZEBRA Mats are ideal for martial arts disciplines such as karate, taekwondo, and light jiu-jitsu training, 1" mats provide adequate cushioning for arts that typically involve less throwing and grappling and more striking and clinching. These mats provide just the right amount of cushioning for children's lighter bodies and lower impact training.  

1.5" Mats: Balanced Protection and Comfort 

The enhanced protection offered by 1.5” ZEBRA Mats is superior to that offered by 1" mats. 1.5" mats strike a balance between comfort and protection, making them suitable for a wider range of martial arts. These mats are a good middle ground that are suitable for both striking and grappling disciplines. They offer sufficient protection for moderate throws and falls and, with their added thickness, these mats can endure more rigorous us by children. They are best for mixed martial arts, judo, and BJJ, making them a versatile choice for dojos catering to multiple disciplines. 

2" Mats: Maximum Cushioning for High Impact

2" ZEBRA Mats offer the highest level of cushioning, making them ideal for martial arts involving significant throwing and grappling, such as judo and MMA. These mats provide excellent shock absorption, reducing the risk of injuries from higher impact activities. They are ideal for kids training in judo, wrestling, or any other discipline that has intensive grappling: They are perfect for high impact training where students frequently perform throws and takedowns.  

Why Mat Thickness Matters for Kids

Children are smaller, lighter, and generally less powerful than adults, meaning they don't require as much padding to absorb impacts effectively. While any mat option will work for them, here's why you might opt for a thinner mat when training children: 

• Lower Impact: kids generate less force in their movements, reducing the need for the thickest possible mat. 
• Adequate Protection: even the thinner mats (1" or 1.5") provide sufficient protection for the lower-impact activities typical in children's martial arts training. 

Tailoring Mat Thickness to Martial Arts Discipline

When choosing the right mat thickness for children's martial arts training, all three options—1", 1.5", and 2"—can provide the necessary protection. The key is to match the mat thickness to the specific martial arts discipline being practiced. 

• 1" Mats: best for lighter impact sports like karate and taekwondo. 
• 1.5" Mats: a versatile choice suitable for a range of activities, from striking to moderate grappling. 
• 2" Mats: ideal for high-impact disciplines like judo and wrestling, offering maximum cushioning. 

Ultimately, the decision should be based on the type of martial arts your facility focuses on, ensuring that the children receive the appropriate level of protection and comfort. At ZEBRA, we can help you assess the specific needs of your martial arts program and the nature of children's training, helping you choose the mat thickness that best supports a safe and effective training environment.  Find the Right Training Mats You Need at ZEBRA Today!