Winter evenings in the West Midlands can be cold, dark and damp. Getting out of a warm house to go training takes a bit of willpower, and the first few minutes of class can feel chilly before you’ve warmed up. The right clothing makes a surprising difference. This article covers how to dress for winter martial arts training, from choosing a martial arts base layer to heavyweight tees, and how to layer sensibly for evening classes.
Why layering matters
Your body temperature changes a lot during a training session. You arrive cold, warm up quickly, work hard during drills and then cool down again at the end. Layering lets you adjust. Add layers when you’re cold; remove them as you warm up. Staying comfortable helps you concentrate, and keeping muscles warm helps you move well.
Layer one: the base layer
A base layer sits next to your skin. Its job is to manage moisture and help regulate your temperature. Our Wing Chun Halesowen Performance Base Layer is designed for exactly this.
- Lightweight and breathable, so you don’t overheat once you’re working hard.
- Moisture management, to keep you more comfortable as you sweat.
- Close-fitting, so it sits neatly under a club T-shirt without bunching.
Many students wear it under their club T-shirt throughout the colder months. It’s usually made to order, with a small amount of stock held, so order ahead of the cold snap.
Layer two: the training shirt
For class, members wear the club T-shirt over their base layer. On particularly cold nights, a heavier shirt can help.
Heavyweight long-sleeve tee
Our Wing Chun heavyweight long-sleeve T-shirt is built from thick cotton to keep out the chill. The ribbed cuffs keep the sleeves in place so they don’t slide down over your hands during hand techniques. The fit allows a full range of movement through the arms, which matters in Wing Chun.
Men’s autumn and winter premium heavyweight tee
The men’s autumn and winter premium heavyweight tee is thicker than a standard tee and designed for the colder months, with a classic fit that still lets you move freely through the forms.
Layer three: the outer layer
For arriving, warming up and going home, a hoodie or pullover is ideal. A zip-free hoodie is safest if you keep it on for any partner work, as there’s no metal zip to catch or scratch. Take it off once you’re warm. There’s a comparison of our hoodies in a separate article.
A beanie is also handy for the walk from the car park on frosty nights.
Practical tips for winter training
- Arrive a few minutes early and use the time to loosen up gently.
- Warm up thoroughly. Cold muscles and joints need more time.
- Remove layers gradually as you warm up, so you don’t overheat.
- Keep a dry top in your bag to change into after class.
- Stay hydrated. You still sweat in winter, even if you don’t notice.
- Cool down properly and put a layer back on straight away.
- Don’t sit around in damp kit. Change as soon as you can.
What to avoid
- Bulky jumpers that restrict your arms.
- Anything with zips, buttons or toggles during partner work.
- Loose drawstrings that dangle in close-range drills.
- Jewellery, which should always come off before class.
Winter training is worth it
It’s tempting to hibernate in winter, but training through the colder months keeps your progress going and does wonders for your mood when the days are short. Many students say winter training is when they make the biggest gains, because they stay consistent while others drop off.
Our centre is a full-time training space, and once the class gets going you’ll soon warm up. The first ten minutes are the hardest; after that, you’ll be glad you came.
Caring for your layers
Wash base layers and training shirts after every session, following the care label. Avoid fabric softener on performance fabrics, as it can affect how they handle moisture. Dry naturally where possible.
Get ready for winter
Our base layer, long-sleeve tee and winter heavyweight tee are all available in our online shop. If you’re not sure what size or combination to go for, ask us at the centre and we’ll help you put together a winter kit that keeps you warm and moving well.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen