Kickboxing for beginners: what do you need?

Your first kickboxing class is easy to book. But then: what do you wear? Do you need to buy gloves? And what about a mouthguard? The short answer: you need almost nothing for your first class, and the things you buy later are pretty straightforward. Here’s the full list, no nonsense.

Before your trial classes: nothing

Workout clothes you can move in, a bottle of water, an old towel, and yourself. You can borrow gloves and shin guards from us for all three free trial classes, and you’ll train barefoot. Wondering what else happens during your first class? We broke it down step by step.

Joining? Buy gear in this order

After a few classes, you’ll want your own gear, if only because your own gloves feel better (and smell better). Here’s the smart order:

1. Hand wraps (or inner gloves). Your first purchase, and the cheapest one too. They protect your wrists and knuckles, keep your gloves fresh, and can go straight in the washing machine. Tip: put them in a laundry bag, or they’ll turn into a tangled mess.
2. Your own boxing gloves. Weight is listed in oz (ounces): the heavier the glove, the more padding. The rule of thumb follows your body weight: up to 20 kg, choose 4 oz, up to 37 kg 6 oz, up to 44 kg 8 oz, up to 51 kg 10 oz, up to 64 kg 12 oz, up to 73 kg 14 oz, and above that 16 oz. The longer you train, and the more certain you are that you’ve found your sport, the more you’ll spend. Not sure? Ask your trainer, they’ll be happy to take a look. After class, leave your gloves open on the windowsill above the radiator.
3. Your own shin guards. Essential for classes with partner drills. They can also be useful on the bag, especially when you’re just starting out.
4. A mouthguard, only if you’re going to spar. At our gym, sparring only happens during Technique classes, and it’s always optional, light, and supervised. As long as you only sign up for Bag Work, you don’t need a mouthguard.
5. A cup. Just like a mouthguard, men only need one for sparring.

Where can you buy it?

De Vechtclub buys its bags and loaner gear from OLB Sports in Arnhem, so we can supply lots of gear at around a 10% discount if you order it through us. This doesn’t apply to every item, so just ask.

Want to try things on first (Remy’s tip: always do this with gloves), then Rumble Store in Houten is a great shop, both in person and online.

What you don’t need to spend money on

• Special shoes. You train barefoot indoors, and feet are free :)
• A full martial arts outfit. Satin shorts are fine, but definitely not required. Just wear whatever lets you move comfortably.
• Getting fit first. “I’m going to get fit first, then I’ll come kickboxing” is something we hear a lot, but that’s backwards. Getting fit is exactly what happens here.

Training outside on the bag?

For the free punching bag we installed across from Vechtstede College, you’ll need the same gear, with three differences: your shoes stay on (keep the elastic on your shin guards above your shoe, or you’ll wear it out), use gloves that can handle a little rain, and add headphones for music or an audio workout to complete the setup. When it’s cold, wear plenty of layers, so you can gradually take them off as you warm up.

So, what should you bring to the gym tomorrow?

Running clothes, water, a small towel, and yourself. We’ve got the rest ready for you. Book your first free trial class and we’ll see you on the mat.