From the Mat · The Nemea Gear journal
Stories, tips & gear wisdom for martial arts families.
Sizing guides, training tips, fun facts and tournament news — written by martial arts parents, for the parents on the sidelines.
Small Goals, Big Belts: Helping Your Young Martial Artist Stay Motivated Between Tests
The next belt test can feel a long way off. Here's how to break it into small, winnable goals that keep your child excited about every class.
Read article →Florida's Late-Fall Jiu-Jitsu Calendar: Three New Tournaments for Young Grapplers
Three more Florida jiu-jitsu tournaments with kids' divisions just landed on our Upcoming Events page — from a brand-new Halloween-day event in Tampa to a pre-holiday stop near Tampa Bay. Here's what...
Read article →Wrapped Right: A Parent's Guide to Hand Wraps for Kids' Boxing and MMA
Hand wraps look like a small detail, but for young boxers and MMA athletes they're essential protection. Here's how to choose, size, and wrap correctly.
Read article →Why Do Martial Artists Break Boards? The Fun Story Behind the Big Crack
Board breaking looks like a superpower, but there's real history and simple physics behind that satisfying crack. Here's what your young martial artist is actually learning when they line up in front...
Read article →Back to School, Back to the Dojo: Keeping Training on Track Once the Bell Rings
The first few weeks of the school year are when martial arts habits quietly fall apart. Here's how to keep your child training through homework, early bedtimes, and a packed fall calendar...
Read article →The 2026 Taekwondo Season Wraps Up in September — And Florida's Fall Calendar Is Filling In
USA Taekwondo closes its 2026 season in Little Rock this September, and a World Taekwondo G1 event lands in Daytona Beach in October. Here's what Florida families should know as the fall...
Read article →Hand and Foot Protectors for Taekwondo Sparring: A Parent's Sizing Guide
Punch gloves and kick boots are usually the first sparring gear a Taekwondo student buys — and the easiest to size wrong. Here's how to pick a pair that fits, passes inspection,...
Read article →Around the World in Four Martial Arts: Fun Facts About Where They Came From
Ever wonder where your child's martial art actually comes from? Take a quick trip around the globe to discover the surprising origins of Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and MMA.
Read article →Stretch Smart: Helping Your Young Martial Artist Move Freely and Kick Higher
Flexibility helps young martial artists kick higher, move more comfortably, and enjoy class more. Here's a simple, low-pressure approach to stretching that fits into your child's week.
Read article →Five New Florida Tournaments Just Hit the Fall Calendar — Here's Where and When
NEWBREED's fall Florida tour adds five new tournament stops — Pensacola, Port St. Lucie, Jacksonville, Coral Springs, and Miami. Here's the rundown for competing families.
Read article →Shin Guards for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Protecting Young Kickers
Shins and feet take more contact than anything else in the kicking arts. Here's how to choose the right shin and foot protection for Taekwondo, MMA, or kickboxing — and get the...
Read article →Did You Know? 7 Fun Facts About Boxing That Will Amaze Young Fighters
Boxing is one of the oldest sports on Earth — and one of the most surprising. Here are seven fun facts about the sweet science that your young fighter can share at...
Read article →Training Through the Summer Heat: Smart Habits for Young Martial Artists
Hot-weather training doesn't have to mean tired, cranky kids. Here are simple hydration, gear, and pacing habits that keep young martial artists strong all summer.
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