Starting Muay Thai can be extremely exciting, but knowing what gear you actually need to bring to your first session can be confusing. Some gyms will let you begin with very little equipment, while others expect you to have your own gloves, wraps and shin guards once you move beyond your first few sessions.
The good news is that you do not need to buy everything at once. A basic Muay Thai starter kit should cover safety, hygiene and comfort first. From there, you can upgrade your gear as your training becomes more regular.
The Essential Muay Thai Gear for Beginners
Boxing Gloves
A good pair of boxing gloves is usually the first major piece of gear you will need for Muay Thai.
Even though Muay Thai is the art of eight limbs, including kicks, knees, elbows and clinch work, most classes still involve a lot of boxing technique. Boxing or Muay Thai gloves protect your hands, support your wrists and reduce impact on your training partners.
For most beginners, 12oz & 16oz gloves are the most common choices. Lighter weighted gloves such as 10oz and 12oz are usually better for pad and bag work, while heavier gloves such as 14oz and 16oz are often preferred for sparring. Many beginners start with a versatile 14oz or 16oz Velcro boxing gloves if you only have the budget for one pair, this can be dependant on your size, gym/coach requirements and overall training goals.
If you are only buying one pair to begin with, choose a durable 16oz training glove that can handle pads, bags, sparring and general class work before expanding to a second pair, dedicated to boxing bag and pad work.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are one of the most important pieces of Muay Thai gear, even though they are often overlooked by many!
Wraps help support the small bones in your hands, stabilise your wrists and reduce movement inside of the boxing glove. They also are the best defence against sweat and moisture, which helps keep your boxing gloves cleaner for longer.
Most teenagers and adults use 4, 4.5 or 5 metre hand wraps, as they provide enough length to properly wrap the knuckles, wrist and thumb. Shorter wraps may be suitable for kids or people with smaller hands, but full-length wraps are typically the better option for regular training.
If you train multiple times per week, it is highly recommended that you own at least a few pairs, so that you always have a clean set ready to go.
Shin Guards
For training that includes partner drills, kick defence or sparring, shin guards become an essential training item.
Muay Thai involves a lot of round kicks, checking and general leg contact. A good pair of shin guards helps protect your shins and feet while also reducing the risk of injuring your training partner.
Whether you're a beginner or pro, Muay Thai style shin guards are the best choice, not elastic, foam slip on shin pads, as these are more suited to traditional martial arts like Karate.
Muay Thai style shin guards offer better protection and stability than sock-style shin guards, especially for regular Muay Thai training or sparring.
Look for shin guards that cover the shin well, protect the top of the foot and stay secure during movement.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is an essential protective item to own once you start sparring or doing drills where contact is expected.
Even light technical sparring can result in a stray punch, knee, elbow or head clash. A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect your teeth, jaw and gums.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a common starting point for beginners, while custom-fit options can be worth considering once you are training. sparring more seriously or have more complex dentistry needs.
Muay Thai Shorts
Although you can start Muay Thai in regular, stretchy gym shorts, proper Muay Thai shorts are highly recommended and are purpose designed for the sport.
They are cut shorter and wider through the leg, giving you better freedom of movement for all kinds of kicks, knees and checking. They also typically contain a wide, elasticised waistband to keep the shorts stretchy comfortable and secure during training.
To ensure you enjoy the most out of your training session, grab a pair or two immediately after your first session to experience the difference!
Groin Guard
For men, a groin guard is a necessity once sparring, knee drills or partner work become part of training.
Accidental low shots happen all the time in combat sports, even with experienced and controlled partners. A groin guard is a simple piece of protection that can prevent a training session from becoming a painful one.
While beginners can invest in a plastic mould groin guard, we recommend experienced users should utilise high quality plastic or steel to help lower the risk of shock or injury to the groin.
Other Recommended Muay Thai Gear
Ankle Guards / Supports
Ankle supports are popular in Muay Thai because they provide light compression and support around the ankle joint.
They can help with comfort during kicking, footwork and general training. They are not a substitute for injury treatment, but many fighters enjoy the extra support and comfort they provide.
Headgear
Headgear is not usually required for beginners, but some gyms may recommend it for sparring, whether for injury prevention or to include light elbows into sparring sessions.
Headgear can help reduce cuts, bruising and accidental clashes, although it does not make sparring risk-free. If your coach requests a headgear, choose one with good visibility, secure fit and enough cheek protection for your training style.
What Should You Buy First?
If you are starting Muay Thai and want the essentials, we recommend this order:
- Boxing gloves
- Hand wraps
- Shin guards
- Mouthguard, chest guard and/or groin guard
- Muay Thai shorts
- Ankle supports
For your very first class, you may only need comfortable training clothes, a towel and a water bottle. But once you know you are going to continue, having your own boxing gloves and hand wraps is the best place to start.
How to Choose the Right Muay Thai Gear
When choosing Muay Thai gear, focus on fit, comfort, protection and durability rather than just looks.
Your gloves should feel secure without crushing your hands. Your shin guards should stay in place when kicking and checking. Your hand wraps should give your hands and wrists firm support. Your mouthguard should fit well enough that you can breathe and train comfortably.
Cheap training gear can be tempting when you are just starting out, but poorly made gloves or shin guards can wear out quickly and offer less protection. You certainly do not need the most expensive equipment to start, but it is worth choosing quality gear that is made for regular combat sports training.
Final Thoughts
You do not need a full fighter’s kit to start Muay Thai. Begin with the essentials: gloves, wraps and Thai shorts. Add other gear as your training develops and your gym introduces more partner work, sparring and advanced drills.
At Shogun Martial Arts & Boxing Supplies, we stock a wide range of Muay Thai gear for beginners through to experienced fighters, including boxing gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, mouthguards, Muay Thai shorts, pads and protective equipment.
Whether you are starting your first class or upgrading your training gear, you can shop online or visit our Penrith showroom for help choosing the right equipment.
