What Do You Actually Need?
The most common question new students ask at Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio:
“What do I need to buy?”
The honest answer: less than you think.
For your first month, you need comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. Om’s provides shared gloves, pads, and protective gear for trial and beginner classes.
After enrollment, you progressively acquire your own gear. This guide covers every piece of kickboxing equipment — what it does, what to look for, Indian pricing, and how to maintain it.
[↑ Back to: The Complete Guide to Kickboxing]
Equipment by Priority
Tier 1: Essential (Buy Within First Month)
| Item | Purpose | Price (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Hand wraps (4.5m) | Wrist and knuckle protection | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Gloves (12-16 oz) | Hand protection, partner safety | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Mouthguard | Dental and jaw protection | ₹200 – ₹1,500 |
| Athletic clothing | Shorts + t-shirt / rash guard | Existing wardrobe |
| Water bottle | Hydration | ₹200 – ₹500 |
Tier 2: Important (Buy Within 2-3 Months)
| Item | Purpose | Price (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Shin guards | Shin protection during sparring | ₹800 – ₹3,000 |
| Groin guard (men) / Chest guard (women) | Body protection | ₹400 – ₹2,000 |
| Jump rope | Warm-up and conditioning | ₹200 – ₹800 |
| Ankle supports (optional) | Ankle stability during kicks | ₹300 – ₹1,000 |
Tier 3: Competition / Advanced (Buy When Needed)
| Item | Purpose | Price (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Head guard (WAKO-approved) | Head protection (sparring/competition) | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Foot protectors (WAKO-approved) | Foot protection (amateur competition) | ₹1,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Competition gloves (10 oz) | WAKO-approved for amateur bouts | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 |
| Kickboxing shorts | Competition attire | ₹800 – ₹2,500 |
Detailed Buying Guide
1. Hand Wraps
The most underrated piece of equipment. Hand wraps protect the 27 small bones in your hand, stabilize the wrist, and cushion the knuckles. Never hit a bag or pad without wraps.
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.5 meters (180 inches) – standard for adults |
| Material | Cotton or cotton-elastic blend. Cotton is more durable. Elastic provides a tighter wrap. |
| Closure | Velcro thumb loop + Velcro wrist closure |
| Price | ₹200 – ₹500 per pair |
How to wrap:
- Thumb through the loop, wrap around the wrist 3 times
- Wrap across the back of the hand 3 times
- Wrap between the fingers (figure-8 pattern)
- Wrap around the knuckles 3 times
- Finish at the wrist, secure with Velcro
[→ Related: How to Wrap Your Hands – Step-by-Step Guide]
Care tips:
- Wash after every session (hand wraps absorb significant sweat)
- Air dry (do not ball them up wet — they will smell)
- Replace every 6 months or when the elastic degrades
2. Gloves
The single most important purchase. Good gloves protect your hands AND your training partners.
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12 oz (women / lighter fighters), 14 oz (general training), 16 oz (heavy hitters / sparring) |
| Type | Bag gloves (compact, less padding) for bag work. Sparring gloves (more padding, rounded) for partner work. Most beginners buy one pair of all-round training gloves (14-16 oz). |
| Closure | Velcro (easy to put on/take off, good for beginners). Lace-up (tighter fit, requires assistance, used in competition). |
| Material | Genuine leather (most durable, ₹3,000+). Synthetic leather / PU (budget-friendly, ₹1,500-3,000). |
| Fit | Snug but not tight. Fists should close comfortably. Wrist should feel supported. |
Glove Sizing Guide:
| Hand Size | Glove Weight |
|---|---|
| Small (women, teens) | 10-12 oz |
| Medium (most adults) | 14 oz |
| Large (heavy hitters, 80+ kg) | 16 oz |
| Competition (WAKO amateur) | 10 oz (up to 67 kg) / 12 oz (above 67 kg) |
Brands available in India:
| Brand | Origin | Price Range | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twins Special | Thailand | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | Excellent (Muay Thai standard) |
| Fairtex | Thailand | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | Excellent |
| Venum | France/Thailand | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 | Very good |
| Hayabusa | Canada | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Premium |
| Adidas | Germany | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 | Good |
| USI / Tiger | India | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | Budget-friendly |
Care tips:
- Air dry after every session (open the wrist strap, place in a ventilated area)
- Never leave gloves in a closed gym bag overnight (bacteria, odor)
- Use glove deodorizers or cedar inserts
- Wipe the interior with an antibacterial wipe weekly
- Replace when padding compresses (typically 12-18 months with regular use)
3. Mouthguard
| Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stock (pre-formed) | One-size-fits-all. Cheapest. Least comfortable. | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water, molded to your teeth. Good fit. Most popular. | ₹300 – ₹800 |
| Custom-fitted | Made by a dentist from a mold. Best fit and protection. | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
Recommendation: Start with a boil-and-bite (₹300-800). Upgrade to custom if you compete regularly.
Care tips:
- Rinse with cold water after each use
- Store in a ventilated case
- Replace every 6 months or if damaged
- Do not chew on it during training
4. Shin Guards
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Should cover from below the knee to above the ankle (shin + instep) |
| Material | PU leather exterior + foam padding. Thai-style (cotton fill) is popular. |
| Closure | Velcro straps (2-3) + elastic foot loop |
| Fit | Snug. Should not shift during kicks. |
| Price | ₹800 – ₹3,000 |
Brands: Twins, Fairtex, Venum, Adidas, USI
Care tips:
- Wipe clean after each use
- Air dry thoroughly
- Check padding for compression (replace if flattened)
- Do not machine wash
5. Head Guard
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Certification | WAKO-approved (for competition). Look for the WAKO logo. |
| Coverage | Forehead, temples, ears, cheeks, back of skull. Face must remain open. |
| Material | PU leather exterior + foam padding |
| Fit | Snug but not tight. Should not shift during movement. |
| Color | Red or blue (competition). Training: any color. |
| Price | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
At Om’s: The studio provides head guards for all sparring sessions. Competition fighters purchase their own WAKO-approved head guard.
6. Groin Guard / Chest Guard
| Item | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Groin guard (men) | Cup + waistband. Metal or plastic cup. | ₹400 – ₹1,500 |
| Chest guard (women) | Padded vest-style protector. WAKO-approved for competition. | ₹800 – ₹2,500 |
7. Jump Rope
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Type | PVC speed rope (lightweight, fast) or leather rope (heavier, more feedback) |
| Length | Stand on the center; handles should reach your armpits |
| Price | ₹200 – ₹800 |
Jump rope is the single best conditioning tool for kickboxing. 10 minutes of jump rope before every session builds calf endurance, footwork, and cardiovascular base.
Equipment by Level – Summary
| Level | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Beginner (0-3 months) | Hand wraps, gloves (14-16 oz), mouthguard, athletic clothing, water bottle. Om’s provides everything else. |
| Intermediate (3-12 months) | + Shin guards, groin/chest guard, jump rope, ankle supports |
| Advanced (12+ months) | + Head guard, personal sparring gloves (second pair), competition shorts |
| Competition | + WAKO-approved head guard, competition gloves (10/12 oz), foot protectors, WAKO-approved shorts |
Indian Brands & Where to Buy
| Brand | Type | Price Range | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twins Special | Thailand (import) | ₹₹₹ | Online (Amazon, Fightwear.in) |
| Fairtex | Thailand (import) | ₹₹₹ | Online |
| Venum | France/Thailand | ₹₹₹ | Online, select stores |
| Adidas | International | ₹₹₹ | Online, retail |
| USI | Indian | ₹₹ | Online, local sports stores |
| Tiger | Indian | ₹ | Local sports markets |
| Decathlon (Outshock) | French (Indian retail) | ₹₹ | Decathlon stores, online |
At Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio, we maintain a small equipment shop with hand wraps, gloves, mouthguards, and basic protective gear. For premium or WAKO-approved competition equipment, we guide students to verified suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to buy everything on day one?
A: No. For your first month: hand wraps + gloves + mouthguard. Everything else is purchased progressively. Om’s provides shared equipment for trial and beginner classes.
Q: Can I use MMA gloves for kickboxing?
A: No. MMA gloves (4-7 oz, open-finger) do not provide adequate hand protection for heavy bag work or sparring. Kickboxing gloves (12-16 oz, closed-finger) are designed for repeated striking impact.
Q: How often should I replace gloves?
A: With regular training (3-4× per week): 12-18 months. Signs of replacement: compressed padding, torn lining, persistent odor, wrist support degradation.
Q: Is expensive equipment better?
A: For competition, WAKO-approved equipment is mandatory regardless of price. For training, mid-range gloves (₹2,500-4,000) offer the best value. The most expensive gear does not make you a better fighter. Training does.
Q: Does Om’s provide equipment for trial classes?
A: Yes. We provide shared gloves, pads, and protective gear for all trial and beginner classes. You only need comfortable clothing and a water bottle.
[→ Full FAQ: 300+ Kickboxing Questions Answered]
Gear Up at Om’s
The right equipment keeps you safe, lets you train harder, and prepares you for competition. But remember: the best gloves in the world cannot replace consistent training, good coaching, and a willing spirit.
At Om’s, we guide every student on what to buy, when to buy it, and how to maintain it.
[→ Book Your Free Kickboxing Trial Class at Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio]
[→ Read the Complete Guide to Kickboxing]
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Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio – Wrap your hands. Protect your body. Trust your training.
