By: Joah Faiello
In the world of boxing, where safety and performance are constantly balanced, one voice is challenging the conventional wisdom around protective gear. Ozhan Akcakaya, founder and CEO of Hit N Move, is leading the charge to revolutionize boxing headgear, advocating for designs that do more than just protect against superficial injuries.
Ozhan Akcakaya’s personal journey with traditional boxing headgear has shaped his mission. He shares,
“We made this headgear for me and many fighters who hated headgears during sparring. Headgears changed my natural fight movement, changed how I keep my hands up, changed how I tuck my chin by my shoulder, changed how I roll and slip. I always did better without headgear – at some point, my sparring partner and I sparred without headgear as we felt better without. But medically I knew it was not the best thing to do because I want to spar until I am 80-90 years old.
So we started making a headgear that has great protection, but super lightweight, super slim. 3.5 years of research and design with multiple different materials. We made it. We made the best headgear on the planet.”
This firsthand experience spurred Akcakaya to explore the broader implications of traditional headgear. Contrary to popular belief, his research suggests that heavier headgear, while designed to offer better protection, may actually increase the risk of brain injuries. This revelation has significant implications for the design and use of protective gear in boxing.
Questioning Conventional Wisdom
Traditional boxing headgear has long been believed to prevent cuts and bruises effectively. However, Hit N Move’s recent studies indicate that the increased weight of heavier headgear might exacerbate the risk of brain injuries. The additional mass on a boxer’s head can lead to greater momentum and force being transferred to the brain upon impact, potentially resulting in more severe injuries.
Moreover, the bulkiness of heavier headgear can create a false sense of security. Boxers, feeling overly protected, might take more risks, leading to more frequent and harder hits to the head. This misguided confidence increases the likelihood of injury.
The Dangers of Heavier Headgear
Heavier headgear also narrows a boxer’s field of vision, making it harder to see incoming punches. This limitation can increase the chances of being hit, thereby raising the risk of head injuries. Furthermore, the added weight strains the neck muscles, reducing the head’s natural ability to absorb impacts through movement and rotation. This strain impedes the effective management of forces from a blow, further endangering the athlete.
The increased mass of heavier headgear also affects the acceleration and deceleration of the head during impacts, leading to greater rotational forces on the brain. These rotational forces are particularly harmful and can cause more serious brain injuries, posing a complex challenge for designers and manufacturers of protective gear.
Reevaluating Headgear Design
Hit N Move’s findings highlight a critical gap in the current understanding of headgear design. Traditional designs focus on preventing superficial injuries, but there is a pressing need to balance mass and protection effectively. The goal is to create headgear that maintains robust protection without compromising a boxer’s natural movements and responses.
Experts in sports medicine and biomechanics emphasize the importance of minimizing rotational forces to protect against concussions and brain injuries. The added momentum and force from heavier headgear amplify these rotational forces, presenting a significant problem that requires innovative solutions.
Impact on Boxing Safety
The implications of these findings are far-reaching for boxing safety. Regulatory bodies and equipment manufacturers must consider these insights in their guidelines and product development processes. The aim should be to design headgear that maximizes protection while minimizing the risk of brain injuries.
Training practices may also need to adapt. Coaches and trainers should be aware of the potential risks associated with heavier headgear and adjust their equipment choices accordingly. Emphasizing techniques and defensive strategies that minimize head impacts can further enhance safety.
Continued Research and Innovation
The conversation about headgear safety in boxing is ongoing. Hit N Move’s research serves as a catalyst for further investigation and innovation in this area. Advancements in material science and design are essential to developing safer, more effective protective gear.
Athletes, coaches, and medical professionals must stay informed about the latest research to make educated decisions about training and competition equipment. By prioritizing both safety and performance, the boxing community can work together to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure the health and longevity of its athletes.
Leadership at Hit N Move
At the forefront of this research is Ozhan Akcakaya, whose leadership at Hit N Move is driving significant advancements in boxing safety. His wife, Alaina Akcakaya, plays a crucial role as the Vice President of Public Relations, helping to communicate these innovations to the wider public.
Hit N Move’s commitment to innovation and safety is evident in their latest product, the Precision Model headgear. This lightweight design uses advanced materials to provide substantial protection while enhancing a boxer’s agility and movement. Tested rigorously, the Precision Model aims to offer comparable protection to traditional headgear with the added benefit of allowing fighters to move more naturally.
Conclusion
Hit N Move’s findings challenge established beliefs and underscore the need for continuous research and improvement in boxing safety. As the sport evolves, so too must the gear that protects its athletes. By addressing the hidden risks of heavier headgear and striving for ongoing innovation, the boxing community can look forward to a future where safety and performance are not mutually exclusive.
Published By: Aize Perez
