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Hand Bandages. Long, cotton straps that are wrapped around the fighter's wrists and knuckles, compressing them in a tight union so the hand becomes a solid striking unit. They also help prevent wrist sprains and knuckle dislocations.
Forearm protectors. Pads that cover the forearms to protect them during from strikes and while striking.
Hand protectors. Pads or gloves that cover the hands (either partial or complete) to protect them during while striking and protect the opponent from strikes.
Knee protectors. Pads that cover the knees to protect them during from strikes and while striking.
Shin protectors. Pads that cover the shins to protect them during from strikes and while striking.
Foot protectors. Footpads that protect the upper foot but leave the sole of the foot uncovered for better floor grip. Protects the feet during striking and protects the opponent from strikes.
There were hand protectors available before the foam ones, but they were relatively expensive and awkward to use. Some were just variations of boxing gloves.
Even in boxing, the wearing of gloves while sparring is a fairly modern convention. Prior to 1866, when the Marquis of Queensbury Rules made the wearing of gloves mandatory, boxers fought bare-knuckled. Gloves, or “mufflers” as they were called, were used only in training not in an actual match.
One might think that bare-knuckled fighting would be brutal to the hands.
