Plamen is a dedicated student of martial arts from Bulgaria. He has been training for the last 14 years first in karate and kickboxing, before settling in for MMA for the last 5 years. Plamen truly enjoys the subtle nuances and intricacies both physical and mental that make martial arts the ultimate form of self-discovery. He has a few amateur kickboxing fights and currently trains with and helps a stable of professional and amateur MMA fighters.
Writing about martial arts is also something Plamen is passionate about, so he uses his accumulated knowledge to write news updates, technical breakdowns, analyses and other forms of content made to entertain and educate everyone interested in martial arts.
Here's his latest charity Kickboxing match:
Plamen's Latest Posts
Plamen Kostov
Standard competition MMA gloves are usually too thin for anything other than very light MMA sparring. Most models leave the middle knuckles open, which get easily scraped, so they are not very good for pads or heavy bags. This is where sparring and hybrid MMA gloves come into play. Owning at least one pair is mandatory if you train MMA, but there are many options on the market. One solid
Plamen Kostov
As someone who has been using boxing gloves for 15 years and frequently tests different brands and models, I am well experienced and knowledgeable on the subject, but sadly, I still can’t give you a precise answer to how long boxing gloves last. Too many factors play a role in the longevity of a pair of boxing gloves. Depending on the frequency of training, the quality of the gloves, and
Plamen Kostov
No one doubts that being punched in the face with boxing gloves hurts. The question has always been how much it hurts when compared to a bare fist punch and, in more recent years, in comparison with MMA gloves. There is plenty of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, al showing the following to different degrees: Bare-fist punches can generate the most force and cause more pain than gloved punches. The
Plamen Kostov
Traditional BJJ is practiced in a gi, which leaves no questions about the proper clothing for training. But in no-gi BJJ, the choice is more complicated, and some clothing options are much better than others. So what should you wear for no-gi BJJ? A short or long-sleeved BJJ-specific rash guard is optimal for a top in no-gi. Specially designed BJJ or MMA shorts or spats are the best solution for
Plamen Kostov
Each sport has its specific equipment designed to meet specific athletic needs. While most martial arts are performed barefoot, boxing is practiced with shoes, which must allow boxers to move swiftly around the ring. Boxing shoes must provide just the right amount of grip on the canvas to avoid slipping but without being too sticky. They must support the whole foot and the ankle while remaining lightweight and not hindering
Plamen Kostov
Most striking combat sports have adopted boxing gloves, and some have made small adjustments to the design and features to match the demands of the style. The most significant separation is between traditional boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves. Kickboxing as a sport falls somewhere in the middle, and while all types of gloves can be used if they are the right size, it is best to be informed about