Anyone who has worked with children in the martial arts industry will tell you that training them is far different than training adults. Kids have different needs, body types, and abilities, which is why they require training equipment that fits them. It's important to keep children motivated and excited to train in their desired martial arts; it's even more important to keep them safe. With the exception of good instruction, martial arts mats and flooring are the best way to do that. Which type of martial arts mats should you choose if you are in the business of training children? See your major options below.

Foam Martial Arts Mats

Foam martial marts mats are the pinnacle of protection and quality in every martial arts discipline. They are the ideal choice for every type of gym, and they'll protect your student whether you specialize in standup arts like karate and tae kwon do or grappling arts like judo or Brazilian jiu jitsu. These types of mats offer a supportive and stable training surface while providing ample protection against common injuries caused by the slams, throws, and takedowns in grappling arts and combat sports. You have three choices in martial arts mats:

• 2-inch foam mats: ideal for MMA and heavy grappling training
• 1.5-inch foam mats: ideal for most types of grappling and standup training
• 1-inch foam mats: ideal for standup martial arts and light training

Can You Use Puzzle Mats for Training Children

Puzzle mats are the more affordable gym flooring, but they aren't ideal for all types of training. Even though children are smaller and weaker than most adults, they still fall just as hard when they are taken down, which is why you'll want ample protection underneath them while training hard. Puzzle mats are great for most types of standup martial arts as they do not involve throws, grappling, or groundwork, but they are not the ideal solution for sports like MMA and BJJ. While your gym can use puzzle mats for any type of training, some parents may become concerned about the surface their children are training on. If you want to be the go-to gym for children in your area, invest in the best protective flooring possible for your students.

What to Look for in Martial Arts Mats for Children

You'll want to look for mats that are:

• Protective: looks for mats that are made from a multi-density, open-cell foam core
• Durable: invest in the right mats that will last you at least 10-15 year (check the warranty on your mats)
• Climate stable: this will prevent the mats from buckling under any temperature
• Anti-skid: this type of bottom will keep the mats from sliding around while you use them
• Water resistant: you should be able to mop them thoroughly after use without degrading the surface or ruining the materials.
• Anti-microbial: this prevent mold growth on your mats.
• Easy to install: why would you want to pay more for complex installation?

Where can you get all of these qualities? In ZEBRA Martial Arts Mats! We Can Help You Find the Best Mats for the Kids You Train! Get in Touch with us for a Quote on Your Facility Today!