Tag Archives: MMA mats

Made in China And Made In Germany MMA Mats

Not long ago I created a page stating that our mats are not Zebra Mats. The reason I did that was because Zebra Mats have almost become a generic term due to their popularity. They have been around for a long time. These day people are just as likely to say they need to get some Zebra Mats or German MMA Mats for their gym and they would just use the generic term of MMA Mats.

So it is understandable that a person could confuse the two. It is much the same as people used to refer to vacuuming as hoovering in the past, or gyprocking instead of dry-walling. So in that context would could understand where I am coming from on the issue.

German MMA Mats

Whilst MMA mats can be said to be all the same the reality is not quite that simple. Yes it is true that a MMA mat is an MMA mats but there might be some differences. Like our National Sales Manager say, “They are like a Mercedes and a Holden. They will both get you there”. That is a very true statement. They are both great for training MMA. The specs are the same. The material is very similar. The main difference is that Zebra Mats, as far as I know, are made in Germany. Our MMA mats on the other hand are made in China just like all our mats.

Chinese MMA Mats

There was a time in the past when things made in China were considered inferior. That is quickly changing. These days even Mercedes cars are made in China to the same specs as they are in Germany. The level and quality of equipment available to factories in China now is almost on par with factories in the West. All of this means that the products themselves are catching up.

On the flip side you have wage differences. It used to be that wages in China were much lower than other countries which made their manufactured goods also much lower. This too is changing. A wages in China increase so too has the price of manufactured goods.

So as the above shows it is that there has been a convergence between what is made in places like Germany and China. With martial arts mats there is no exception. They are catching up in quality, if that haven’t caught up already. You still have a chance to benefit from the lower prices that are still available. Booyah!

German MMA Mats

Political Events Effect Jigsaw Mats Pricing

It is hard to believe that something that happens half a world away could effect jigsaw mats pricing in Australia. Just as throwing a stone on a lake can have a ripple effect so can the political gyrations in another country have an effect on what happens right here. When there is a major event overseas it inevitable effects the markets and all the markets are intertwined. That explains why the ASX will go down after a major down turn in the Dow Jones or Nasdaq. So it is not inconceivable that such an effect can be had on the market for jigsaw mats or MMA mats.

In Europe yesterday the markets were hit with the news that Giuseppe Conte, Italy’s prime minister, resigned after a rival tabled a no-confidence vote against him and called for new elections. With the Northern League surging in the polls, fresh elections could be held if a new coalition government cannot be formed. The political turmoil in the Eurozone’s 3^rd largest economy (Italy) could further dent fragile confidence in the European economy.

The European block is the world’s largest economy so should things turn sour there then you can bet your bottom line that that will reverberate throughout the entire world. Even the market for jigsaw mats and MMA mats.

So what can we expect the effect to be on jigsaw mats and MMA mats? Well as with all martial arts mats, jigsaw mats are produced using closed cell EVA. This is why they are also often referred to as EVA Mats. Should world events have an effect on commodities then they will also have an effect on EVA mats as the material used to make the mats is a tradable commodity.

When supply chains are effected

So if the markets somehow effect the supply chains, such as Trumps trade war with China, then it is not hard to imagine the effect it would have on jigsaw mats and MMA mats. So when you hear of something happening in Italy like political turmoil, or protect in Hong Kong, then logically your thought should focus on what effect those events might have on markets that you rely on.

Some like Direct Mats rely heavily on the markets for the raw materials used to make jigsaw mats and MMA mats. So it is only natural that they would keep track of these events to understand how they might effect their business and give them a chance to plan ahead.

MMA Mats and EVA Mats For Your Gym

Home gyms are a wonderful thing to have. They give you the freedom to training when ever you want and how ever you want. You don’t have to worry about sweaty equipment left behind by the grubs that frequent these gyms, dirty towels all over the place and machines being used when you want to use them. Sure the proliferation of 24 hour gyms helps but with cheaper gyms come more of the above. So doing it yourself is a great way to go. The best thing is that you don’t have to be loaded to be able to do it. People from all demographics have access to great gym equipment to buy.

Get Some EVA Mats For Your Gym

That is why people opt to have their own home gyms these days. Sure there are draw backs with have a home gym. Firstly you need to have the space. Secondly you have to fork out for all the equipment. But despite the draw backs people are still aiming for having just that. And these days you don’t have to be a millionaire to have your own home gym. The most important thing is that you have some MMA mats or EVA mats to start with. It is important to have some good MMA or EVA mats in your home gym because you want to start off doing things right.

Something to fit your budget

When thinking about the best equipment for your mats should be the first thing on your mind. With MMA mats and EVA mats there are a few things you should be looking out for. Are they good quality? Will they last long? How much do they cost and will they fit within your budget? These are all things that you should think about before you embark on fitting out your home gym. If you pick the wrong MMA mat or EVA mat then you might regret it. So chosing the right mat and taking the time out to get the best training mats for your gym is always worth the effort.

MMA Mats and EVA Mats For Your Gym

Nunes Knocks Out Holmes to Defend Bantamweight Belt

Amanda Nunes defeated Holly Holmes to retain her bantamweight belt at UFC 239. The fight started out in Holmes’ favour as she pressed the fight forward throwing head kicks and pretty much showing a strong stand up fight. Amanda defended well even though she was on the back foot for a while.

Although the fight was looking promising for Holly, Amanda was able to hold on and eventually turned the fight around. After some near misses she landed a round house kick flush on Holly’s head which sent her to the mat. The was no recovering from what was a powerful kick and the fight was declared in favour of Nunes.

What’s next for Nunes?

What is next for both Nunes and Holmes is anyones guess. Holmes is a former champion but has had mixed results in her fight career. She is still a skilled and talented fighter and this loss to Nunes will not effect her legacy in the UFC. As a mixed martial artist she is ranked up there with the best of them. Unfortunately the women’s division is packed with other equally talented fights making it difficult for any one fighter to dominate.

Amanda Nunes and MMA Mats

Amanda Nunes with continue on her journey as the champion. She will surely continue her training on MMA mats and jigsaw mats to maintain her skill and keep her ready for her next fight. There are still a lot of other contenders in the division who will want a crack at the title. Who her next opponent is will probably be decided in the no too distant future. What is sure is that this bantamweight division will continue to excite for some time to come.

Nunes Knocks Out Holmes

Conor McGregor arrested for sexual assault in Ireland

Conor McGregor Retires and Then Investigated For Sexual Assault

MMA fighter Conor McGregor retires a day after he has apparently been investigated for sexual assault. The alleged incident apparently took place in a hotel in Ireland that McGregor frequents. Whilst being investigated no charges have been laid and the star is yet to be convicted and no further information is known.

The investigation comes one day after Conor announced his retirement from the sport. Citing his immense wealth and other business interests Conor indicated that he has no more interested in competing in the sport. It makes sense considering the $100M that he earned from his Mayweather fight and other business interests he has going on.

In other news Direct Mats has a new shipment of MMA mats coming to Sydney. The MMA mats will be coming to our Sydney warehouse but will be available for delivery Australia-Wide. The shipment will consist of MMA mats, jigsaw mats and tatami mats:

Black MMA Mats
Grey MMA Mats
Black Tatami Mats
Grey Tatami Mats
Black/Grey Jigsaw Mats
Black/Grey Tatami Jigsaw Mats

The new delivery lift our stock level and make sure we have a continual stock available for our valued customers.

The AUD Effect on Jigsaw Mats and MMA Mats

You may have noticed but the Australian dollar has been very volatile against the American Dollar. In fact it has lately been volatile against all the major currencies including the Yen, the Euro and the British Pound. The reason for this is varied but it has been a consistent theme since the beginning of the year. Against the USD this can be explained by the trade war between China and the USA. Australia being highly dependent on China for trade means any time there is an issue there it effect our currency. The Euro is being influenced by economic troubles there and the British Pounded has been pounded (excuse the pun) by uncertainly about the Brexit.

The biggest impact on Australia is when there is extreme fluctuation with the USD. Australia is a commodities bases economy with all our major exports sold in USD. So any fluctuation there has an extreme impact on us. This also includes imports like MMA mats and jigsaw mats. Obviously when the value of the AUD goes down then the cost of our exports to other markets also goes done. This usually has the effect of increasing demand for our exports. On the flip side when the dollar goes down it also has an effect on MMA mats and jigsaw mats by increasing their price. Both MMA mats an jigsaw mats are a consumer product and are not considered a commodity. If the price for them goes up in one country it is not easy to find a replacement. So in effect if it difficult to switch suppliers.

It is for this reason that the price of both MMA mats and jigsaw mats could go up in the future if the value of the Australian Dollar continues to fall against the American dollar.

Market Watch Jigsaw Mats

The AUD gained and all the usual gauges associated with global growth rose. There is growing optimism that this week’s round of talks between China and the US on trade will result in US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Trade Representative Lighthizer are set to hold talks on Thursday and Friday with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, the top economic adviser to President Xi Jinping.

The AUD has suffered in recent months falling by more then 2% since the New Year. This has mainly been due to the softening property market which is coming off a multi-year boom. With prices down more then 10% in some districts it has had the effect of dampening consumer demand. This has got some people talking about a interest rate cut instead of an increase which had previously been factored in for 2019.

The effect on consumer goods such as jigsaw mats and gym mats had so far been limited. In fact there has been an increase in demand for jigsaw mats and MMA mats and tatami mats in the New Year. The main reasons for this are:

New gym openings especially MMA and BJJ
Gyms replacing old mats and upgrading
Government departments increasing spending
People seeking new fitnesses challenges

It is then no wonder that there are currently multiple containers heading for Australia filled with jigsaw mats and other training and martial arts mats. It is expected that this trend with continue despite the fluctuating AUD.

Our MMA Mats Are Not Zebra Mats

Direct Mats has a large range of training mats to choose from. These include EVA jigsaw mats, tatami mats and of course our MMA mats. Although the MMA mats are suitable for any activity where a heavy duty mat with a smooth surface is required, we generally call them MMA mats as they are very popular in mixed martial arts gyms. This is because MMA is mainly conducted in a no-gi environment so smooth mats are necessary to prevent what is commonly known as mat burn. You mats also know MMA mats as Zebra Mats.

We often get asked what other mats on the market our MMA mats would be comparable to. Some people assume that our MMA mats are Zebra Mat. Probably because Zebra Mats are synonymous with martial arts mats seeing they have been in the business so long and have a reputable reputation in the industry. The answer, of course, is that our mats are not Zebra Mats. While they look similar in photos in reality that are not. Zebra Mats is a trademark or Zebra Inc. Furthermore their mats are not manufactured in China to the best of our knowledge.

Low Cost But Great Quality

Our mats on the other hand are a low cost option which is manufactured in China. Our mats are a compressed foam wrapped in heavy duty vinyl and a rubber bottom. The mats are great for training both mixed martial arts as well as other activities that require a good quality mats. If you are looking for a less expensive mat for your training area or dojo then our mats might be a good option for you.

The mats are available in either black or grey. We can offer other colours on special order but longer lead-times, minimum order quantities and additional cost may apply. The mats are also 2m x 1m x 40mm. The size makes it easier to fit out a large area.

Direct Mats is a supplier of martial arts mats and other types of mats.

Premium Mats for Your Training

Direct Mats is a leading provider of incredible gym mats throughout Australia. We’ve got a selection of multi-purpose foam mats that are perfect for any gym floor. They’re available in different sizes and colours, depending on personal preference.

Our gym mats come in three different varieties:

Each type of mats has unique properties that make the mats perfect for certain activities and ideal for any floor space in your gym.

Jigsaw Mats

Our jigsaw mats are made from EVA foam which gives them amazing durability and impact resistance. They come in three different thickness varieties; 40mm, 30mm, and 20mm. The thicker the mat, the more resistant it is and the higher impact it can handle.

Traditionally, these mats are designed for many high impact sports such as martial arts and wrestling. Due to the thickness of the mats and their resistance to heavy loads, they’re also fantastic for use on the floor of a weights section in your gym.

They’re durable enough to handle weights being dropped over and over again. Our jigsaw mats can provide your gym floor with a cushioned surface to help protect the natural floor beneath as well as protecting your weights.

These mats are easy to put down and interlock like a jigsaw – hence the name. We offer various colour options as well as the thickness varieties mentioned earlier. They’re very popular amongst our customers who want to protect themselves from injury along with protecting their gym equipment.

MMA Mats

We sell high-quality MMA mats with a smooth vinyl finish. These mats are made with compressed foam to help give them some extra bounce and be effective at absorbing shocks. They’re primarily used for mixed martial arts practice and other activities that involve grappling.

Our MMA mats come in black/grey, and they’re 1m wide, 2m long, and 40mm thickness. This makes them perfect for a cardio area of your gym. Lay them down on the floor, and your customers can use them for ab work and stretching routines. Due to their thickness and the compressed foam, they’re also perfect for jumping activities such as burpees or jump lunges.

These mats provide perfect support and cushioning for your customers, ensuring they don’t suffer injuries as a result of high impact work on their joints.

You can order these in bulk, and we offer discounts on the cost per mat when you buy more in one go. If you’re interested in these mats but don’t want them in grey or black, contact us, and we may be able to sort you out with a custom colour.

Tatami Mats

Our premium Tatami mats are also made with compressed foam, but they have a special Tatami finish. This finish isn’t smooth like vinyl, it includes multiple mini bumps and grooves to provide extra traction. Again, this makes them perfect for mixed martial arts training as well as grappling and wrestling work.

We sell these mats 1m wide, 2m long, and 40mm thick. They’re the perfect size for individual use, making them ideal for a free section in your gym. The extra grip provided by the Tatami finish makes them the perfect stretching match. It also keeps traction on the mat even when they’re wet with sweat. So, your customers can finish up on the treadmill and stretch on the mat without worrying about slipping and pulling any muscles.

While the extra grip might be their standout feature, these mats can also absorb high impacts. They can easily handle a couple of kettlebells or medicine balls falling on them without being damaged.

Much like the MMA mats, these mats are available in black/grey, but custom colours are available by special order.

Buying Quality Mats For Your Gym

It’s crucial that you buy quality mats for your gym or training area. When you have clients that like to practice MMA or wrestling moves, they need a safe surface to train on. All three of these mats provide suitable protection and cushioning for high impact activities. This keeps your clients safe and ensures there are no injuries in your gym.

Similarly, our premium mats help you protect your property. If you don’t have a high-quality mat in your weights section, you run the risk of damaging the floor and your weights. This can lead to costly repairs, which you simply don’t need to pay for. Instead, buy our mats, and they will safely handle any weights dropping without causing damage to anything.

For more information on any of our premium gym mats, feel free to contact Direct Mats today!