Tag Archives: Zebra Mats

Mixed Martial Arts 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

German MMA Mats

Tatami Grey Smooth Mat

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.

 

Zebra Mats