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What equipment i need for my first muay thai and kickboxing training?
Top 5 Essential Gear I Need for My First Muay Thai & Kickboxing Training
Starting your journey in Muay Thai or kickboxing is exciting, but stepping into the gym without the right equipment can slow down your progress and compromise your safety. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to improve your setup, having the right gear is crucial for protecting yourself and ensuring your training is effective.
In this article, we’ll break down the Top 5 items every Muay Thai and kickboxing fighter needs for their first training session.
1) Boxing Gloves
Why Boxing Gloves Are Essential
Boxing gloves are arguably the most critical piece of equipment for any Muay Thai or kickboxing fighter. They protect your hands and wrists while delivering powerful punches, and they also shield your opponent or sparring partner from serious injury.
How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves
When selecting boxing gloves, consider the weight (usually measured in ounces), the material (leather is more durable), and the type of glove (sparring gloves or bag gloves). Beginners typically start with 12 to 16 oz gloves for optimal protection.
2) Handwraps
The Importance of Handwraps in Combat Sports
Handwraps provide additional support to the bones, tendons, and muscles in your hands and wrists. They stabilize your joints and absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury during training or sparring.
How to Use Handwraps Properly
Learning how to wrap your hands correctly is crucial. Wraps should be snug but not too tight, offering enough flexibility to make a fist while ensuring the wrist remains stable.
3) Mouthguard
Protect Your Teeth & Jaw with a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is an often overlooked but essential piece of safety gear. In both Muay Thai and kickboxing, there’s a significant risk of head contact, whether through punches, elbows, or kicks. A mouthguard helps absorb the impact and prevents damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Finding the Right Mouthguard
You can opt for either a custom-fit mouthguard or a boil-and-bite one. For beginners, a boil-and-bite is more affordable and easy to mold to your teeth.
4) Head Guard
Stay Safe with a Head Guard
While head guards are more common in sparring than general training, beginners should consider wearing one for extra safety. The head guard protects against concussions and other serious injuries by absorbing punches and kicks directed at the head.
What to Look for in a Head Guard
Choose a head guard with good padding but that doesn’t obstruct your vision. The material should be lightweight, durable, and able to withstand repeated impacts.
5) Shin Guards
Essential for Muay Thai Kicks: Shin Guards
Shin guards are critical in Muay Thai, where kicks to the legs, body, and head are common. Beginners often lack the conditioning needed to absorb or check kicks, so shin guards provide a layer of protection.
Types of Shin Guards
Look for shin guards that cover the shinbone and instep. Most beginners prefer shin guards with velcro straps for easy adjustment.
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If you’re stepping into Muay Thai or kickboxing for the first time, these five essential items—boxing gloves, handwraps, mouthguard, head guard, and shin guards—will ensure you’re safe, comfortable, and ready to train effectively. Not only will they protect you from injury, but they’ll also help you improve faster and enjoy your training sessions more.
How to Care for Your Muay Thai & Kickboxing Gear After Training
Properly maintaining your equipment is essential to prolong its lifespan and keep it hygienic. Here’s a quick guide on how to care for the key protective gear mentioned earlier.
1. Boxing Gloves
Keep Them Dry
After each session, your gloves are likely to be soaked in sweat. Let them air out by placing them in a well-ventilated space, or use glove deodorizers or moisture-absorbing packets.
Wipe Them Down
Clean the exterior with an antibacterial wipe to prevent bacteria buildup. For the interior, sprinkle a little baking soda to absorb moisture and reduce odor.
2. Handwraps
Wash Regularly
After every training session, throw your handwraps in the wash. Use a mesh laundry bag to keep them from tangling and wash with cold water. Let them air dry to prevent shrinkage.
3. Mouthguard
Rinse & Store
Rinse your mouthguard thoroughly after each use with cold water. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste occasionally to clean it thoroughly. Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria buildup.
4. Head Guard
Clean & Disinfect
Wipe down your head guard with a disinfectant wipe or spray after each use, focusing on areas that contact your face. Air it out in a cool, dry place to ensure moisture doesn’t linger, which can lead to mold or bacteria.
5. Shin Guards
Wipe and Air Out
Shin guards often accumulate sweat, so wipe them down with an antibacterial cloth. Place them in a ventilated area to dry, and use odor-neutralizing sprays if needed.
What equipment i need for my first muay thai and kickboxing training?
What equipment i need for my first muay thai and kickboxing training?
