Hand mitts are padded targets worn on the hands of a coach or training partner, used to receive punches, and sometimes kicks, during pad work. Unlike gloves, which protect the wearer's own hands while striking, mitts are designed to be held or worn by the person catching the strikes, giving live feedback on timing, accuracy and power.
The broad category includes several shapes with slightly different purposes. Curved mitts sit close to the holder's palm and are common for basic combinations, while focus mitts are a flatter, more targeted version often used for sharpening precision on specific strikes. Some hand mitts are built with a firmer surface for harder pad rounds, while softer versions suit beginners still learning control.
For the holder, a snug, comfortable fit and enough internal padding to absorb repeated impact both matter, since holding pads for an extended session puts real strain on the hands and wrists. For the striker, mitts allow combinations and footwork to be trained at realistic distance without the risk that comes with sparring. See our protective gear overview for how mitts fit alongside other pad equipment.
