This is a guide to all the Muay Thai gear that every beginner should have. Muay Thai is a combat sport and whether you’re sparring, competing, or still learning, there are some basic gear that you should be wearing at all times to protect yourself, as well as others around you. We’ll start with the basics of what to wear and take to your first lesson.
There are very few mandatory pieces of Muay Thai gear that every trainee needs at the start like Muay Thai gloves for training, and hand wraps. There are also some optional items you can always pick up later like sparring equipment and Muay Thai shorts. A fully stocked training gym will also have plenty of spare Muay Thai equipment to use for beginners. Now let’s find out what you need to pack for your very first Muay Thai lesson.
Muay Thai Gear For Beginners
If you’re joining as a complete novice to mixed martial arts, you will not be expected to do any sparring on your first day. You may not even be hitting any heavy bags or Thai pads. Your first lesson will most likely contain cardio and strengthening exercises, followed by learning basic stances. The only thing that you need to bring is your training attire.
Luckily for you, there’s no strict dress code here. Anything that works for your regular gym workout will suit you fine for a Muay Thai lesson. You don’t need special Muay Thai shorts at this point. Gym shorts and a t-shirt would work for men, with a sports bra recommended for women. You just need to wear something comfortable, flexible, and easy to breathe in. However, Muay Thai shorts do look incredibly cool with eye-catching designs and will instantly make you the center of attention.
After a few lessons of learning basic striking techniques, your instructor will allow you to start hitting the heavy bags. At this point, you can check out the rest of the Muay Thai gear for beginners. If your training center has the well-maintained gear to share, don’t be shy about using it. Save your money for some good quality Muay Thai gear for your personal use if you plan to continue learning.
Hand Wraps
Since your hands are two of the most important fighting tools in your arsenal, you have to take very good care of them. Hand wraps are rolls of fabric that wrap around your hands to protect the tiny bones and soft tissue in your wrists and knuckles. They ensure that your fingers and wrists stay supported without moving out of place while lessening the impact of punches. In addition to protecting your hands, they will also absorb the moisture from your sweat, preventing it from accumulating inside your gloves. This way, you can replace the more affordable hand wraps more often while keeping your gloves in good condition.
Muay Thai Boxing Gloves
Muay Thai boxing gloves will be necessary when you start practicing punches on a heavy bag or pads. It would be good to have your own pair to make sure that they fit you well. Plus, the shared boxing gloves at your Muay Thai gym might stink from everyone using them. When buying a new pair, always check if the boxing gloves provide adequate wrist support and padding. Visit a shop, try on a pair of gloves and see how you feel. For more on what you need to consider when choosing a brand new pair of Muay Thai boxing gloves, read How to Choose the Best Muay Thai Gloves for Beginners.
Ankle Supports (Optional)
Ankle supports are used to keep the joints warm, ensuring they function properly without putting too much strain on them. However, they offer little protection when kicking. Ankle support is good to have but is optional. Unless you’ve been having problems with your ankle, this item is not absolutely necessary.
Muay Thai Equipment For Sparring
Once you have mastered the basics and practiced with the heavy bags, it is time to move on to more advanced techniques. At this stage, you may be confident enough to begin sparring with your training partner. If you choose to do so, you should consider investing in a few more items. Good quality sparring gear not only keeps you safe but your sparring partner as well. So don’t go too cheap on these.
Shin Guards
The shins are the points of contact on your legs when you attack with a kick. Shin guards protect your shins. If you plan to specialize in kicking, then shin guards are a must-have. A good set of shin guards will absorb impact from your kicks with layers of padding on your shin and instep areas. If you’re more into grappling techniques, there are lighter shin guards designed to ease movement while compromising a bit of protection. Select what you feel fits your fighting style best. If you need help deciding on a good pair of Muay Thai shin guards, read How to Choose the Best Muay Thai Shin Guards.
Mouth Guards
These keep your teeth protected by absorbing impacts on your jaws and mouth. There are no special types developed for Muay Thai. Any mouth guard that works for other martial arts will work here. When you begin sparring, you can settle for what is called a ‘boil and bite’ mouth guard, which is cheaper but offers decent protection. If you plan on going pro, then it’s time to invest in a more expensive, custom-fit one.
Groin Protection
While kicks to the groin are illegal in Muay Thai, accidents can happen, especially when you and your sparring partner are just beginning to fight. The groin is one of the most sensitive parts of your body and must be kept protected at all times. There are groin protectors for both men and women. Investing in a good one will definitely save you some pain.
Sparring Gloves And Muay Thai Shorts
Your training gloves will often wear out the padding from repeated usage against heavy bags. If you can afford it, keep a separate set with better padding for sparring. This will make it easier on your sparring partner. Remember that the thicker the padding, the heavier the gloves will be, requiring more effort on your part to strike properly. You’ll need to try out a few pairs before selecting the one you’re most comfortable with. While it’s OK to start your journey with classic boxing gloves, consider switching to Muay Thai gloves when you begin sparring.
Muay Thai shorts are optional in early lessons, but they provide the most flexibility when it comes to kicking if that is to be your chosen area of specialization. Muay Thai shorts are comfortable to wear for a long Muay Thai workout session, and they come with cool designs that will surely draw attention to you.
Other Gear
A water bottle is essential for every Muay Thai trainee to stay hydrated throughout their workout session, and a towel is a must to maintain good personal hygiene. Finally, keep a bottle of Namman Muay in your gym bag. This is a highly effective ointment that Muay Thai trainees use to warm up their muscles before training. It is also a great way to soothe sore muscles after you wrap up your workout session.
Elbow and knee guards are also available, although it’s unlikely you’ll be needing them until you begin sparring using these techniques. Elbow and knee strikes are considered dangerous for beginners and are only reserved for advanced practitioners that know how to use these body parts.
The Best Brands For Muay Thai Gear
When it comes to Muay Thai gear and equipment, there are some established brands, as well as some trendy new ones that provide plenty of options for practitioners of any budget or skill level. If you wish to learn more about them and the products they offer, read The Best Muay Thai Brands for Training and Protective Gear.
Have You Packed Everything You Need?
One of the benefits of Muay Thai is that it is extremely affordable with very little barrier to entry. If you like to keep your budget low at the start, you can do so by using the spare Muay Thai equipment at your gym. As a beginner, you don’t need to invest a whole lot in special Muay Thai gear to get started. Learn the basics and get to the sparring stage. You can always invest in better gear as you advance and master your Muay Thai techniques.
FAQs
Ordinary gym shorts and a t-short that is comfortable will be suitable for your first lesson. Ladies are recommended to wear a sports bra.
Muay Thai is a combat sport played barefoot. However, if you’re attending a training session at a Muay Thai gym, you can
You will need sparring gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, a mouth guard and groin protection for sparring. However, if you’re a beginner going for your first lesson, you most likely will not be sparring.
