The popularity of martial arts has increased steadily in recent years in the United States. Between 2010 and 2023, the total number of people practicing this sport went up by 31 percent to hit around 6.6 million individuals.

In 2022, the number of participants in mixed martial arts for fitness in the United States amounted to approximately 2.52 million. This was an increase of 7.9 percent from the previous year and was the highest number of participants since 2015, when it peaked at 2.61 million.

The number of people participating in martial arts sports in England increased in 2023 over the previous year. Between November 2022 and November 2023, approximately 293 thousand people participated in martial arts in England.

The report covers Global Mixed Martial Arts Gear and is segmented by Product (MMA gloves, Ankle/ Knee/ Elbow guards, Punching Bags, Hand Wraps, Shin guards, Mouth guards, and Head Gear), By end-user (Personal user and Institution) Distribution Channel (Offline Retail Stores and Online Retail Stores), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa).

The statistics shows the share of Americans who participated in martial arts (e.g., boxing, judo) in 2022. The results were sorted by income tier. In 2022, 9 percent of respondents who stated their income was high said they participated in martial arts.

This is a MD iMAP hosted service layer. Find more information at http://imap.maryland.gov. Maryland Sports (http://www.marylandsports.us/) has identified sport venues located within the State of Maryland. These venues offer opportunities to participate in free and fee-based - organized and pick-up - indoor and outdoor sports and physical fitness related activities in the area of Martial Arts. Last Updated: 08/2014 Feature Service Layer Link: http://geodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/Society/MD_SportVenues/FeatureServer/41 ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS: The Spatial Data and the information therein (collectively "the Data") is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind either expressed implied or statutory. The user assumes the entire risk as to quality and performance of the Data. No guarantee of accuracy is granted nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the State of Maryland be liable for direct indirect incidental consequential or special damages of any kind. The State of Maryland does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the Data or as a result to changes to the Data nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the Data in any manner or form. The Data can be freely distributed as long as the metadata entry is not modified or deleted. Any data derived from the Data must acknowledge the State of Maryland in the metadata.

43 Global export shipment records of Martial Arts with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

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Mixed Martial Arts Equipment Market Size 2025-2029

The mixed martial arts equipment market size is forecast to increase by USD 277.6 million at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Equipment Market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends. The increasing popularity of women in MMA is driving market expansion, as more females are taking up the sport and requiring specialized equipment. Additionally, the number of fitness centers and health clubs offering MMA classes is on the rise, providing a larger customer base for equipment suppliers. MMA gloves are distinct from those used in other combat sports like boxing, featuring open-fingered or half-fingered designs made primarily of leather and synthetic materials like polyurethane, neoprene, and polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, the growing interest in alternative sports, particularly among the younger demographic, is fueling market growth. These trends are expected to continue, making the MMA Equipment Market an attractive investment opportunity.

What will be the Size of the Mixed Martial Arts Equipment Market During the Forecast Period?

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The global mixed martial arts (MMA) equipment market encompasses a diverse range of training and protection gear utilized by players engaged in this high-intensity combat sport. Key product categories include punching bags, gloves, shorts, shin guards, hand wraps, ankle pads, elbow pads, knee pads, headgear, mouthguards, grappling dummies, rash guards, walkout gear, water bottles, gym bags, custom gloves, and wraps. This market experiences growth due to the increasing popularity of MMA as a recreational sport and the associated health benefits, such as improved heart health, stress reduction, and mitigation of chronic diseases. Consumers seek out high-quality training equipment and protection gear to enhance their performance and ensure safety during intense workouts.
The MMA equipment market is expected to continue expanding, driven by the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the ongoing demand for innovative, effective, and protective gear.

How is this Mixed Martial Arts Equipment Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The mixed martial arts equipment industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  MMA gloves
  Protective gear
  Training equipment


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


End-user

  Individual
  Organization


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The MMA gloves segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The MMA equipment market encompasses a range of training and protection gear used in mixed martial arts (MMA), a full-contact combat sport. The MMA gloves segment dominates the market due to their essential role In the sport. These gloves protect knuckles and wrists, minimizing the impact of punches on opponents. Durability is crucial for MMA gloves, as they must withstand the power and force exerted during training and competition.

Other equipment includes punching bags, shorts, shin guards, hand wraps, ankle pads, elbow pads, knee pads, headgear, mouthguards, grappling dummies, rash guards, walkout gear, water bottles, gym bags, custom gloves, and wraps. Consumers, including players, fitness enthusiasts, and professional fighters, utilize this equipment for recreational sports, health benefits, such as heart health, stress reduction, and combating chronic diseases, and for training in professional camps, advanced facilities, and fitness centers. Advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsements, the e-commerce sector, connected devices, and performance measurement tools, including real-time tracking, power measurement, speed measurement, and punch measurement, further drive market growth.

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The MMA gloves segment was valued at USD 447.30 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) equipment market in North America is the largest globally, driven by the popularity of MMA as a sport, particularly among males aged 18-36 In the US. With

Subscribers can find out export and import data of 23 countries by HS code or product’s name. This demo is helpful for market analysis.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Martial Arts Wear market size will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for martial arts wear market is rising due to the popularity of recreational sports, fitness, and athletics.
Demand for cotton plus silk remains higher in the martial arts wear market.
The sporting goods retailers category held the highest martial arts wear marketrevenue share in 2023.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the Asia Pacific martial arts wear marketwill experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Increasing Participation in Martial Arts to Provide Viable Market Output

The growth of the Martial Arts Wear Market is the rising participation in martial arts worldwide. Martial arts, including disciplines like karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts (MMA), have gained popularity not only as combat sports but also as fitness and self-defense activities. As more people engage in these disciplines for various purposes, there is a growing demand for specialized martial arts wear and equipment. Participants require uniforms (gi) made from durable and comfortable materials, along with protective gear such as gloves, shin guards, and headgear.

In September 2022, Adidas unveiled its latest flagship store for Central and Eastern Europe in Warsaw. The store aims to provide a welcoming environment for enthusiasts of an active lifestyle, featuring temporary sports installations to encourage physical activity.

(Source:eurobuildcee.com/en/news/32774-adidas-kicks-off-largest-cee-store#:~:text=POLAND%20Adidas%20kicks%20off%20largest%20CEE%20store&text=The%20largest%20outlet%20of%20Adidas,fitted%20out%20using%20recycled%20materials.)

This surge in participation, both by individuals and in organized classes, is driving the need for high-quality martial arts wear, contributing to the market's expansion. In addition to uniforms and protective gear, martial arts enthusiasts also seek out specialized footwear, such as lightweight and flexible shoes, that provide traction and support during training. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) has led to a demand for specialized gear like grappling gloves and mouthguards, further fueling the growth of the martial arts wear market.

Rising Awareness of Health and Fitness to Propel Market Growth

The martial arts wear market is the increasing awareness of health and fitness. Martial arts offer a holistic approach to well-being, combining physical exercise with mental discipline and self-defense skills. This aligns with the growing global focus on health and fitness, where people are seeking ways to stay active, reduce stress, and maintain overall well-being. Martial arts have become an attractive option for individuals of all ages, from children to seniors, looking to improve their physical fitness and mental resilience. As more individuals engage in martial arts training, the demand for appropriate martial arts wear, including comfortable uniforms and protective gear, continues to rise.

Market Dynamics of Martial Arts Wear

High Competition and Fragmentation to Hinder Market Growth

The martial arts wear market is the presence of high competition and fragmentation. Numerous brands and manufacturers are vying for a share of the market, leading to intense competition. While this competition can be beneficial in terms of product innovation and diversity, it can also pose challenges for businesses, especially smaller players. Maintaining brand recognition and differentiating products in a crowded market can be difficult. Additionally, the market is fragmented, with various brands offering similar products. This fragmentation can lead to price wars and margin pressures, making it challenging for companies to achieve sustainable profitability. To succeed in this competitive and fragmented landscape, businesses need to invest in marketing, quality, and brand-building strategies to stand out and capture market share effectively.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Martial Arts Wear Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Martial Arts Wear market, disrupting the industry in several ways. With restrictions on indoor activities, gym closures, and social distancing measures in place, martial arts schools and training centers faced reduced enrollments and temporary shutdowns...

In 2023, the number of participants in mixed martial arts (MMA) for competition in the United States amounted to approximately 1.2 million. This was an increase of roughly 86 thousand participants from the previous year.

Martial arts studios have seen a fluctuating yet positive trajectory in recent years, buoyed by a steady climb in consumer spending. A renewed enthusiasm for martial arts contributed to climbing revenue as consumers increasingly recognized the multi-faceted benefits of sport, from physical wellness to mental discipline. Attendance levels are robust despite limited free time, supporting martial arts studios. Revenue has been climbing at a CAGR of 4.6% over the past five years to $19.4 billion in 2024, when revenue will expand by 1.7%. The rising popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) has been a great boon to the industry. Over the past five years, there has been a growing acceptance of MMA under the guidance of the UFC, the world's largest mixed martial arts promotion company. The more comprehensive broadcast of UFC matches has propelled fighters to genuine star status, leading the MMA segment to quickly become one of the most popular instruction formats. Solid growth in per capita disposable income enabled consumers to afford this discretionary expense, though this has come under pressure amid recent inflation that has lifted consumers' other bills. Consumers will spend more on recreational activities over the next few years, especially martial arts and other fitness-related hobbies. Martial arts studios must innovate to stay competitive, potentially by adopting franchising models to leverage brand recognition and enhance profitability. With rising operational costs and competitive pricing pressures, studios must explore supplementary revenue streams like apparel and equipment sales to maintain profitability. Revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 0.9% over the years through 2029 to total $20.3 billion.

The raw data for a research article entitled "Indonesian Martial Artists’ Preferences in Martial Arts Schools: Sustaining Business Competitiveness through Conjoint Analysis"

974 Active Global Martial Arts buyers list and Global Martial Arts importers directory compiled from actual Global import shipments of Martial Arts.

6658 Global import shipment records of Martial Arts with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

According to Cognitive Market Research Mixed Martial Arts Equipment Market is expected to have a market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.

Europe region has the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
North America is the fastest growing region with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
The Gloves segment is expected to have the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.
The Online segment is expected to have the largest market share with an expected market size of XX million in 2024 with a growing CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Key drivers

The rising number of people participating in combat sports and Martial Arts Fuel Market Growth

The increasing rates of engagement in combat sports around the globe are the main factor driving the notable rise of the global mixed martial arts equipment market. This trend has been sparked by the explosive ascent of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a popular sport, driven by well-known UFC athletes like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. MMA, which first appeared in the 1990s, has grown significantly over the past ten years, going from being a specialized activity to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association highlights the notable surge in mixed martial arts (MMA) participation, with 1.03 million competitors in the US alone in 2021 compared to 0.98 million in 2018. This increase is a sign of the sport's growing global appeal. Notably, the emergence of women's mixed martial arts (MMA) has made a substantial contribution to this rise, and the UFC's 2012 introduction of women's divisions has increased the sport's appeal. In addition, the growing popularity of boxing and other combat sports like MMA is driving up demand for MMA gear. For instance, boxing participation increased significantly, from 672,100 in 2016 to 774,500 in 2020, according to Sports England Data. The growing popularity of combat sports highlights the need for specialized gear designed to improve both performance and safety. Global demand for MMA equipment is rising as a result of MMA's growing popularity. The market for MMA equipment has grown as a result of this growing demand, and this trend is anticipated to continue as the sport continues to achieve more public acceptance. To improve performance, safety, and user experience, manufacturers are incorporating technical advances into their goods in response to this need. Smart gloves, wearable sensors, and specialized training gear are examples of technological innovations that are being developed more and more to give trainers and athletes access to real-time data and feedback. Additionally, there is a greater emphasis on creating protective gear, such as improvements in headgear, mouthguards, shin guards, and groin protectors, to reduce injuries sustained during MMA training and competition. Athletes have also gotten more and more interested in customization choices, wanting gear that can be customized to fit, color, material, and design to suit their preferences. In response to this desire, manufacturers are expanding the market by providing customized equipment that improves individual performance and appearance. The global mixed martial arts equipment market is expanding due to the growing popularity of combat sports, especially mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as technological advancements and customization options. Manufacturers have ample opportunity to innovate and meet the changing needs of athletes and enthusiasts worldwide. (Source- https://www.sportengland.org/research-and-data/data)

The Rising Awareness and Interest in Fitness to Drive Market Growth

The importance of physical health and well-being has led to an unparalleled boom in activity in the worldwide fitness business in recent years. People are prioritizing fitness more and more, and they are looking at other ways to reach their fitness goals, such as training in mixed martial arts (MMA). A growing number of fitness lovers are choosing mixed martial arts (MMA) training as their dynamic and difficult workout regimen. MMA, which is well-known for its demanding training regimens an...

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Triangle Martial Arts Association Inc

The global mixed martial arts equipment market size reached USD 1.39 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 2.13 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.64% during 2025-2033. The increasing public participation, easy availability of advanced training facilities, and the integration of advanced technologies represent some of the key factors driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global mixed martial arts equipment market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product, distribution channel, and end user.

Dataset

This dataset was created by Ghaida Momani

Contents

These data are the excel outputs of processed C motion data files. These data provided numerical values for a range of variables dealing with roundhouse kicks performed at individuals relative head heights. Data collected at the Motion Lab at the University of the Sunshine Coast.