Walking into your first MMA class is intimidating enough without wondering if you've got the right gear. Here's exactly what you need — and what you can skip.
The Essentials (Buy These First)
1. Boxing Gloves (12oz–16oz)
Your most important purchase. For MMA training, you'll use these for pad work, bag work, and boxing sparring.
Recommendation for beginners: 14oz or 16oz all-round gloves from Fairtex, Venum, or Hayabusa. 16oz is required for sparring in most gyms.
2. MMA Sparring Gloves (7oz)
Smaller, open-palm gloves designed for MMA-specific training — grappling with strikes. You'll need these once you start MMA sparring classes.
Recommendation: Fairtex FGV12 or Venum Undisputed 2.0.
3. Hand Wraps (4.5m)
Non-negotiable. Hand wraps protect your knuckles, stabilise your wrists, and keep your gloves from becoming a bacterial nightmare.
Recommendation: 4.5m Mexican-style wraps. Get at least 2 pairs so one can dry while you train.
4. Mouthguard
Every gym requires one. You can't train without it.
Recommendation: Boil-and-bite mouthguards (SISU or Shock Doctor) are affordable and effective. Custom-fit guards from a dentist offer the best protection but cost $200+.
5. Groin Guard
Another non-negotiable for men. Not optional.
Recommendation: Fairtex steel cup or Shock Doctor compression shorts with cup pocket.
6. Rash Guards (2–3)
You'll sweat. A lot. Rash guards prevent mat burn and keep you comfortable during no-gi grappling.
Recommendation: Hayabusa or Engage rash guards. Short sleeve for summer, long sleeve for winter.
The Next Tier (Get These After Month 1)
7. Shin Guards
Once you start Muay Thai or kickboxing classes, shin guards become essential. No one wants to check kicks without them.
Recommendation: Fairtex SP5 or Venum Elite shin guards.
8. MMA Shorts
You can train in regular gym shorts, but MMA shorts are cut for kicking range and have a tighter fit for grappling.
Recommendation: Venum, Hayabusa, or Engage MMA shorts.
9. Headgear
You won't need this immediately, but when sparring ramps up, headgear protects against cuts and swelling.
Recommendation: Fairtex or Venum full-face headgear for MMA, open-face for boxing.
The Nice-to-Haves
Gym Bag
Something with a wet compartment for sweaty gear. Your training partners will thank you.
Glove Deodorisers
Essential. Stuff these in your gloves after every session or your gym bag will smell like a biohazard.
Skipping Rope
The cheapest cardio tool in the sport. Get one and use it.
Starter Kit: Total Cost
| Item | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Boxing gloves | GoodNYT ($59) | Fairtex BGV1 ($159) |
| MMA gloves | SKS ($45) | Fairtex FGV12 ($89) |
| Hand wraps (x2) | GoodNYT ($12/pair) | Fairtex ($25/pair) |
| Mouthguard | Shock Doctor ($19) | SISU Aero ($39) |
| Groin guard | SKS ($25) | Fairtex steel ($59) |
| Rash guard | GoodNYT ($35) | Hayabusa ($69) |
| Shin guards | SKS ($59) | Fairtex SP5 ($129) |
| MMA shorts | GoodNYT ($45) | Venum ($79) |
| Glove deodorisers | GoodNYT ($12) | — |
| **Total** | **~$321** | **~$648** |
Our picks: GoodNYT and SKS are our in-house brands — designed for beginners who want real training gear without the premium price tag. They're not "cheap alternatives," they're properly built entry-level kit that won't fall apart.
What Most Beginners Get Wrong
Buying everything at once. You don't need shin guards, headgear, and MMA shorts on day one. Most gyms have loaner gear for your first few sessions. Start with gloves, wraps, mouthguard, and a groin guard — that's it. Add the rest as your training demands it. The guy who shows up with $800 of gear and quits after two weeks is a meme for a reason.
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