In 2020, a groundbreaking innovation in boxing glove technology emerged from the creative minds at HIT N MOVE®—the Dart Padding, also known as DR-T Padding. This development was not just another incremental improvement; it represented a significant leap forward in the design and functionality of boxing gloves. The mastermind behind this innovation is Ozhan Akcakaya, the founder and CEO of HIT N MOVE®, who, along with his team, aimed to create a glove that perfectly blends protection, performance, and comfort.
Why a Dart?
Ozhan Akcakaya could have chosen any object as inspiration for his revolutionary padding, but he chose a dart. Why a dart? The answer lies in its perfect balance and precise flight. A dart, when thrown, travels smoothly through the air, maintaining stability and direction. This was the exact quality Ozhan wanted to bring to his boxing gloves.
Punching, much like throwing a dart, requires precision and power. The motion of a punch involves the swift movement of the hand, much like the flight of a dart. Ozhan saw this similarity and sought to create padding that could emulate the dart’s flight while protecting the user’s hand. He believed that just as a dart finds its target with accuracy and speed, so too should a boxer’s punch land with precision and force.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
The Science Behind the Dart
To achieve this vision, Ozhan and his team worked closely with orthopedic surgeons. They studied the weight distribution of the human arm, from the wrist to the fist. By understanding this ratio, they could design padding that mimicked the natural movement of a punch. This padding needed to balance protection and performance, just like a dart balances weight for perfect flight.
The team’s meticulous testing process included slow-motion camera analysis to observe the flight dynamics of the padding. They wanted to ensure that the padding not only protected the hand but also enhanced the punch’s speed and accuracy. The result was padding that offered an ideal aerodynamic and ergonomic weight distribution, much like a dart.
A Blend of Art and Science
Through this unique combination of martial arts expertise, medical knowledge, and an understanding of aerodynamics, HIT N MOVE® succeeded in developing Dart Padding. This innovative padding comprises micro-layers that contribute to crafting a glove that is compact, comfortable, protective, and long-lasting.
Ozhan Akcakaya, remarking on the success of this technology, stated, “We have successfully combined protection, performance, and comfort in a remarkably compact puncher’s glove.” This comprehensive glove technology positions HIT N MOVE® Training Boxing Gloves as the market’s comfortable and durable training gloves, exemplifying the company’s dedication to creating high-quality boxing gear.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
The Faces Behind the Innovation
Ozhan Akcakaya’s journey in developing this technology is a testament to his commitment to innovation in boxing gear. Alongside him in this venture is his wife, Alaina Akcakaya, who serves as the Vice President of Public Relations at HIT N MOVE®. Together, they have worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of what is possible in boxing equipment, ensuring that their products not only meet but exceed the expectations of athletes worldwide.
Setting a New Standard
HIT N MOVE®’s Dart Padding is a prime example of how innovation can revolutionize a field. By analyzing and innovating how boxing glove padding interacts with the wrist and knuckles, the company has created a product that absorbs impact efficiently and increases the acceleration of punch momentum due to its aerodynamic design. This innovative approach has set a new standard in the industry, showcasing the potential for science and engineering to enhance athletic performance.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
Summary
In summary, the story behind the Dart Padding is one of dedication, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ozhan Akcakaya and his team at HIT N MOVE® have not only developed a superior product but have also paved the way for future innovations in boxing gear. Their work stands as a testament to the power of combining expertise from various fields to create something truly revolutionary.
Published by: Khy Talara
