Kickboxing for beginners: what gear do you need?
Booking your first kickboxing class is easy. But then what do you wear? Do you need to buy gloves? And what about a mouthguard, do you need one? The short answer: you need almost nothing for your first class, and what you buy later is 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 train barefoot. Wondering what else happens in that 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 fit better (and smell better). Here’s the smart order:
- 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 into the washing machine. Tip: put them in a laundry bag, unless you enjoy untangling chaos.
- Your own boxing gloves. Weight is measured 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 can spend. Not sure? Ask your trainer, they’ll help you pick. After class, leave your gloves open on the windowsill above the radiator.
- Your own shin guards. Essential for classes with partner drills. They can also feel good on the bag, especially when you’re just starting out.
- A mouthguard, only if you’re going to spar. We only spar during technique classes, and it’s always optional, light, and supervised. If you only sign up for bag work, you don’t need a mouthguard.
- A groin guard. Just like a mouthguard, men only need one for sparring.
Where do you buy it?
De Vechtclub buys its bags and loaner gear from OLB Sports in Arnhem, so we can often get you around 10% off gear when you order through us. This doesn’t apply to every item, so just ask.
Want to try things on first? Remy’s tip: always do that with gloves. Then Rumble Store in Houten is a great shop, both in person and online, by the way.
Don’t waste money on this
- Special shoes. You train barefoot indoors, and bare feet are free :)
- A complete combat sports outfit. Satin shorts are fine, but definitely not required. Just wear whatever lets you move comfortably.
- Getting fit first. We often hear, "I’m going to get fit first, then I’ll start kickboxing," and that’s completely 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: keep your shoes on (leave the elastic of your shin guards above your shoes, or you’ll wear it out), use gloves that can handle a little rain, and add headphones for music or an audio workout. When it’s cold, wear plenty of layers that you can peel off as you warm up.
So what do you bring to the gym tomorrow?
Workout 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.