Kickboxing starter kit: what do you need?
Start with boxing gloves (12-14 oz), hand wraps and a mouthguard; add shin guards and a groin guard as soon as you work with a partner.
For your first kickboxing classes you need three things: boxing gloves of 12 or 14 oz, 4.5 metre hand wraps and a mouthguard. As soon as you start kicking with a partner, shin guards come in, and for sparring a groin guard and possibly a head guard. Thai shorts and ankle supports are not a must, but make training a lot more comfortable.
The basics for the first classes
You do not have to buy everything at once. For the first weeks, when you mainly do technique, bag work and pad work, this is enough:
- Boxing gloves: 12 oz under 75 kg, 14 oz above. If in doubt, 14 oz, so you can do light sparring in them later.
- Hand wraps: 4.5 metres, semi-elastic. Get two pairs.
- Mouthguard: a boil-and-bite model, for example Safejawz or Opro. Many gyms require one from the first partner drill.
With these three things you can join any beginners' class. Many gyms lend out gloves during the trial period; feel free to use those for the first class, but buy your own pair after that. Loan gloves are usually worn out and shared by everyone.
As soon as you kick with a partner
After a few weeks you will start practising kicks on a partner, and then you need shin guards. Choose a leather model with velcro if you know you are sticking with it, or an elastic sock if you want to see how it goes first. The size is based on the length of your shin; the shin guard guide explains how to measure.
Ankle supports are a cheap addition that protects your instep against grazes and gives your ankle some support. Not mandatory, but comfortable. Feel free to buy them together with your gloves; they cost little and you use them in every session that involves kicking.
As soon as you start sparring
In most gyms, sparring comes after a few months. Then three things are added:
- Groin guard: mandatory for sparring. Briefs with a cup are the easiest choice for beginners.
- Head guard: mandatory in many gyms, especially for juniors. An open model with a good fit.
- 16 oz sparring gloves, if you started with 12 oz.
Before you buy, ask your coach what the rules are in your gym; some gyms are strict on 16 oz and head guards, others leave more open. In our shop, every product states whether it is suitable for sparring.
Clothing: what do you wear?
For the first classes, sports shorts and a t-shirt will do. If you want to do it properly, go for Thai shorts or kickboxing shorts: short, wide and with a split so you can kick freely. Pair them with a quick-drying shirt or a rashguard. Watch the sizing with Thai brands; they often run a size small.
You do not need shoes; kickboxing and muay thai are trained barefoot. A towel and a water bottle go without saying. A gym bag with a separate compartment for wet gear keeps your gloves away from your clothes. In our shop you will find shorts, clothing and bags from Booster, Twins Special, King Pro Boxing and LVL-UP.
Order and budget
A realistic order: first gloves, hand wraps and a mouthguard. After a few weeks, shin guards and ankle supports. After a few months, a groin guard, head guard and shorts. That spreads the cost and you only buy what you actually use.
Where to save and where not? Do not skimp on gloves and a mouthguard; they protect your hands and your teeth. A synthetic leather entry-level glove is fine, a supermarket glove is not. Do feel free to save on clothing and a bag. Hand wraps and ankle supports are always cheap. If you want to be fully kitted out in one go, browse the categories in our shop; we are happy to help you put together a set that matches your weight and your gym.
What you do not need as a beginner
As a beginner you do not need your own punching bag, pads or mitts; the gym has those. Nor do you need competition gloves, lace-up gloves or MMA gloves. A second pair of gloves only makes sense once you train three times a week or more.
Another thing you do not need: the most expensive of everything. A good pair of leather gloves from Booster or Twins is a sensible buy, but you do not have to go straight for the top model. Start, see whether you enjoy the sport, and build up your kit as you train more. In his pad sessions Billy regularly sees beginners with a complete kit from four brands and beginners with nothing but gloves and wraps; the second group has just as much fun.
| Stage | Needed | Nice to have |
|---|---|---|
| First classes | Gloves 12-14 oz, hand wraps, mouthguard | Gym bag |
| Kicking with a partner | Shin guards | Ankle supports, Thai shorts |
| Sparring | Groin guard, 16 oz gloves | Head guard (often mandatory) |
| More than 3x a week | Second pair of gloves, extra hand wraps | Glove dryer |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need boxing gloves for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for my first kickboxing class?
Boxing gloves of 12 or 14 oz, hand wraps and a mouthguard. The rest comes later.
Do I have to buy shin guards straight away?
Not for the first classes. Once you kick with a partner, yes, usually after a few weeks.
Which gloves if I only want one pair?
14 oz under 80 kg, 16 oz above. That covers bag work, pads and sparring.
Do I need shorts?
Ordinary sports shorts will do for the first classes. Thai shorts or kickboxing shorts kick more easily and are the standard in the sport.
How much does a complete starter kit cost?
That depends on your choice of material and brand. Gloves are the biggest item; hand wraps, a mouthguard and ankle supports are cheap.
